VISIONARY AUTHOR MESSAGE:
“Our Scars Matter” is more than just a title; it’s a call to understand the scars beyond the physical outward appearance. In this book, the authors take a deep dive into the experiences faced by five resilient African American women. Their stories reveal not only their struggles with heart attacks and strokes but also the emotional and systemic barriers that often go unnoticed. It’s a call towards reflection and healing.
Many healthcare providers don’t know the person behind the statistics. These women, who juggle caregiving, work, and family responsibilities, often put their health on the back burner.
“A theme that is woven throughout the personal narrative is health disparities that too often result in African American women being poorly served. Contemporary issues of social justice, such as reproductive rights and the lack of health insurance, are brought to light. Readers will learn about the importance of speaking up and the dangers of lowering your voice when confronted with systems that ignore your pain due to systemic inequalities. The collective message of the importance of self-advocacy is both compelling and resounding.”
“This book exemplifies the power of careful listening and not being guided by the norm. Women are special, and their heart disease can present in special ways. The stories in this book remind me that as a cardiologist, when we care for women, we are impacting generations and extended families, so we should not be flippant but be intentional and complete in our assessment and treatment without bias.”
“Our Scars Matter” is a soul-stirring and necessary contribution to the conversation around health, healing, and the invisible battles Black women face. The co-authors have created a tapestry of truth, resilience, and redemption. As I read their stories, I was reminded of my brush while being overlooked by medical professionals who saw only data, not my pain. This book reminded me that our scars, whether seen or unseen, are badges of survival. It’s not just a book, it’s a ministry of healing and awareness. Every woman, every family, every school, and every medical professional needs this on their shelf. It is powerful, original, and deeply important.”