From the Past to the Present 

February is Black History Month ~ a time when many in this country give extra attention to honoring and celebrating the important and often overlooked contributions of Blacks to the foundation and the fabric of America. In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson inaugurated Negro History Week to bring national attention to the contributions of Blacks throughout American history. It has since evolved into a nationally recognized annual event, Black History Month. However, for many, the month of February is not only about history. In fact these celebrations should not be limited to one month out of the year. Individuals and families gather in communities at all times of the year to recognize current contributions by African Americans and to provide leadership and inspiration to the younger generations.

The February 2004 issue of American Sexuality reflects different voices and perspectives on sexuality in African American communities. It is a starting place to create a new public space for sharing accurate information, current research and critical professional perspectives. In recognition and celebration of Black History Month, we want to focus attention on sexuality as a human rights issue, one that requires further dialogue, research, and supportive policies in diverse communities.

Sexuality is a complex issue and involves not just the physical act of sex, but includes the emotional, social, cultural, psychological and spiritual aspects of an individual's experience and development. Sexual health refers not only to reproductive health or the treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted infections, but to the comprehensive understanding and promotion of well-being, pleasure and the relationships that surround these experiences. In order to create a more comprehensive dialogue about sexuality in African American communities we must consider many issues including: the historical and current role of the Black church, cultural values, community empowerment, the role of the media, the impact of slavery, and sexual health disparities, especially the disproportionate rates of HIV infection, teen pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections among African Americans.

In this issue of American Sexuality magazine, members of African American communities share their research, and their professional and lived experiences of sexuality in these communities. In "Doctors, Patients and Sexuality," Doctors Wimberly and Moore describe the value of training medical students about human sexuality. Linwood Lewis, a researcher who specializes in adolescent development, describes how media representations of black male sexuality often don't match reality; moreover, these stereotypes are destructive. Reprinted here are the latest statistics about youth of color, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections. These facts, gathered by Advocates for Youth, show that there is still more work to be done in educating our youth.

As the authors in this issue suggest, we continue to need critical dialogue around sexuality and sexual health in African American communities. Not all voices and experiences of African Americans are represented in these articles, but we want to invite readers to read more about some organizations that are positively impacting African American communities.

• In 1997, the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Health (www.rcrc.org) began The Black Church Initiative, "a program to break the silence about sex and sexuality in African American churches. The Initiative assists African American clergy and laity to address teenage pregnancy sexuality education, and reproductive health within the context of African American religion and culture."
• SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Health Collective is made up of local, regional and national grassroots organizations in the United States. These organizations educate women of color on reproductive and sexual health rights. Through the use of human rights education, community organizing and self-help, SisterSong works towards the access of health services, information and resources that are culturally and linguistically appropriate.
• The Ark of Refuge, Inc. (www.arkofrefuge.org) developed a Northern California model for promoting AIDS education in African American Communities and targeted high risk groups. Through many programs, the Ark of Refuge provides services and support throughout the course of the epidemic to profoundly and positively affect the quality of life of people affected by HIV.

What I continue to learn in my experience in public health and sexuality education is that with the challenges that face African American communities in the U.S., there are also important successes. We must understand and participate in research that supports community needs and concerns. As sexual health disparities and negative outcomes persist, we must also acknowledge and support those programs and services that are making significant positive contributions.

We encourage you, the reader, to utilize the information presented in this issue to initiate conversations in your community on these important sexuality issues. We also welcome your feedback and perspectives.

* Judy Young, MPH is a public health professional who focuses on sexually healthy communities.

* Cover photograph courtesy of Action Health Incorporated.