Health

Ruth Ella Moore conducted research to help eradicate tuberculosis.

At Howard, Moore played an active role in the community and was the chair of the scholarship and loans committee and the student guidance committee. She was also a member of the American Association of Science, American Society of Immunology, and the American Public Health Association; and became the first African American to join the American Society of Microbiology.

Published

4 years ago

April 1, 2021

Mia Lane

Ruth Ella Moore conducted research to help eradicate tuberculosis.

The daughter of William and Margaret Moore received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science from Ohio State University (1926 and 1927 respectively). She later attended Ohio State University, where she received her Ph.D. in bacteriology (1933). On graduating, Ruth Ella Moore (1903–1994) officially became the first African-American woman to earn a graduate degree in microbiology.

For her dissertation, Moore’s research focused on the bacteriology of tuberculosis. At the time, TB was a monumental health concern in the U.S. and the second leading cause of death. While the cure for TB was still over a decade away, Moore’s work contributed to the eradication of the disease.

In 1940, Moore was hired by Howard University as an assistant professor in its medical college. During her tenure, she served as chairperson for the Bacteriology Department, making her the first female to head any department at Howard. She became an associate professor and conducted research in bacteriology. Her area of research focused on the distribution of blood groups among Black Americans and Enterobacteriaceae, a large family of Gram-negative bacteria.

She remained at Howard until her retirement in 1973.

While growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Moore’s artist and seamstress mother stressed the importance of education. Moore was described as a “precocious child who worked hard and heeded her mother’s wishes to pursue a higher education.” Before her career at Howard, she taught English and hygiene at Tennessee State College (now Tennessee State University) to support herself and earn money for graduate school. But there was another side to Moore’s life.

In addition to her life in the sciences, Moore was a seamstress, adopting her mother’s career as one of her passions. Creating much of her own wardrobe without any formal training in clothing design, she was known to have a love for fashion and an elegant, classic style. She carefully selected patterns and material for crafting these outfits. Several of her garments were featured in The Sewer’s Art: Quality, Fashion and Economy (2009), a historic costume and textile collection, and a scholarly and artistic resource of apparel and textile material culture at Ohio State University.

During a time when gender and racial discrimination were rampant, Moore was persistent, becoming many ‘firsts.’ But her trail was not blazed without obstacles. It was more than a decade before she was promoted to associate professor. Despite her decades of research and teaching, researchers have found no evidence that Moore became a tenured professor.

An inspiration to generations of Black women, Moore left a lasting impression on Howard University. Each year she is honored through the university’s Ruth E. Moore and Lloyd H. Newman Service Award.

Ruth Ella Moore died July 19, 1994.

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LIVE! — TOWN HALL ON RACISM AND ITS IMPACT — THURS. 11.14.24 5PM PST

Join us for a LIVE Virtual Town Hall on the Impact of Racism hosted by Post News Group Journalist Carla Thomas and featuring Oakland, CA NAACP President Cynthia Adams & other Special Guests.
Thursday, November 14, 2024, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PST

Published

2 weeks ago

November 12, 2024

Oakland Post

Discussion Topics:
• Since the pandemic, what battles have the NAACP fought nationally, and how have they impacted us locally?
• What trends are you seeing concerning Racism? Is it more covert or overt?
• What are the top 5 issues resulting from racism in our communities?
• How do racial and other types of discrimination impact local communities?
• What are the most effective ways our community can combat racism and hate?

Your questions and comments will be shared LIVE with the moderators and viewers during the broadcast.

STREAMED LIVE!
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/PostNewsGroup
YOUTUBE: youtube.com/blackpressusatv
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California Black Media

Gen. Election Update: Tracking Your Votes on Ballot Propositions — and What They Mean for Our Communities

In the Nov. 5 General Election, Californians cast their votes on ten propositions addressing issues from education and climate funding to prison labor and the minimum wage.

Published

3 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

Oakland Post

By Joe W. Bowers Jr., California Black Media

In the Nov. 5 General Election, Californians cast their votes on ten propositions addressing issues from education and climate funding to prison labor and the minimum wage.

Below is a breakdown of the propositions, their potential impact and an update on how we voted on them.

Likely to Pass:

Proposition 2: Bonds for Public School and College Facilities
With 56.7% support, Prop 2 is on track to pass. This measure would allocate $10 billion to repair and upgrade K-12 and community college facilities, especially in under-resourced schools. For students, this funding could lead to safer and more supportive learning environments.

Proposition 3: Constitutional Right to Marriage
Prop 3 currently has 61.4% support and is likely to pass. This measure aims to amend California’s constitution to affirm marriage rights for all. For LGBTQ+ individuals in our communities, this is a powerful affirmation of equality and inclusion.

Proposition 4: Bonds for Water, Wildfire, and Climate Risks
Currently passing with 57.8%, Prop 4 is on track to deliver $10 billion for projects that address water quality, wildfire prevention, and climate resilience. This could have a significant impact on communities that face the harshest effects of climate change.

Proposition 34: Restricts Spending of Prescription Revenues
Prop 34 is narrowly passing with 51.4% support, indicating that it may succeed. The measure would require specific healthcare providers to use 98% of revenue from federal drug discount programs on direct patient care. This could improve healthcare access for low-income residents.

Proposition 35: Provides Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal
With 66.8% of voters in favor, Prop 35 is on course to pass, securing permanent funding for Medi-Cal, California’s low-income healthcare program. For many in our communities who depend on Medi-Cal, this measure promises stability and continued access to essential healthcare services.

Proposition 36: Increased Sentencing for Certain Drug and Theft Crimes
With strong support at 70.5%, Prop 36 is poised to pass, increasing penalties for specific theft and drug offenses. This measure would partially roll back sentence reductions established by Prop 47, sparking concerns about potential increases in incarceration rates.

Likely to Fail:

Proposition 5: Bonds for Affordable Housing and Infrastructure
With 56.4% of voters opposed, Prop 5 is likely to fail. The measure aimed to reduce the voting threshold for local bonds from two-thirds to 55%, making it easier to fund affordable housing. Without it, local governments will continue to face higher approval requirements, potentially slowing progress on affordable housing solutions.

Proposition 6: Eliminates Forcing Inmates to Work
Currently failing with 54.9% opposed, Prop 6 is expected to be defeated. This measure would have ended involuntary labor for incarcerated individuals, a practice critics argue disproportionately affects Black inmates. It’s likely failure means the prison labor system will remain unchanged.

Proposition 32: Raises Minimum Wage
With 52.1% of voters opposing it, Prop 32 appears likely to fail. This measure would have raised the minimum wage to $18 an hour. While proponents argued it would provide greater financial stability for low-wage workers.

Proposition 33: Local Government Residential Rent Control
With 61.9% voting “no,” Prop 33 is expected to fail, meaning that local governments won’t gain expanded authority to enact rent control. Real estate groups argued that this measure could hinder housing development. Its failure means that current rent control laws will remain in place, leaving fewer protections for renters.

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California Black Media

Covered California Open Enrollment Began Nov. 1

Open enrollment for Covered California kicked off on Nov. 1, 2024, offering individuals, families, and businesses a chance to secure quality, affordable health insurance for the upcoming year. This annual enrollment period allows California residents to choose from a variety of health plans that meet their specific needs. Covered California offers comprehensive coverage, including preventive care and financial assistance to help eligible applicants lower their monthly premiums.

Published

3 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Covered California offers comprehensive coverage, including preventive care and financial assistance to help eligible applicants lower their monthly premiums. The program features insurance plans from leading providers, ensuring access to essential health services such as doctor visits, hospital care, and mental health services.

This year, notable updates include expanded financial assistance, which increases the support available for eligible households to help offset monthly costs. Additionally, consumers will find greater plan flexibility, allowing them to select options that fit their lifestyles and budgets. Access to no-cost preventive services — like vaccinations, screenings, and annual check-ups — remains a priority.

Key enrollment deadlines are set as follows:

The open enrollment period runs from Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 31, 2025.
Those who enroll by Dec. 15, 2024, will have their coverage start on Jan. 1, 2025.

To facilitate enrollment, applicants can fill out an inquiry form on the Covered California website, reach out to Certified Enrollment Counselors, or contact Covered California directly at (888) 234-5366 or via email at GetCovered@cbhn.info.

The California Black Health Network (CBHN) collaborates with Covered California to advocate for health equity, focusing on underserved communities, including unemployed and gig workers. CBHN’s certified enrollers engage in outreach and onsite signups to help individuals access affordable healthcare options.