Laurie Harrison introduced the Rotarian of the Day, Jim Sell. Jim has the distinction of having been a member of several Rotary Clubs for over 50 years. He has converted red badge to blue badge four times. Must be a record. Can anyone top that?
Jim introduced our speaker Terrance Afer-Anderson, president and CEO of Terravizion Entertainment Network. Mr. Afer-Anderson has had a fascinating career—playwright, film director, actor, philanthropist, and writer. He is also a stunt pilot and hopes someday to fly with the Blue Angels.
We were treated to a very interesting discussion of a small part of what Mr. Afer-Anderson has accomplished in his seven decades.
We began with six African American pioneers in medicine, three men and three women. They made important contributions from before the Civil War to the late 20th century. You can learn more about these people on Capturing History at www.terravizioninc.com
The main theme of the presentation was “Illuminating the Invisible Man.” Using the classic Ralph Ellison novel as a starting point, Mr. Afer-Anderson offered dozens of examples of how black men in America are marginalized and made invisible. I would think most of us had seen some of these statistics before. To see them all in one place was startling and discouraging.
Statistics on the health and mortality of black men versus white men led Mr. Afer-Anderson to the main part of his talk. He recently writes, directed, and produced The Black Walnut, a film to bring to men generally and black men specifically, the dangers of prostate cancer and the need to be proactive. This killer attack’s black men at far higher numbers than it does white men. The disparity is exacerbated by the tendency of too many black men ignoring symptoms and not seeking medical help. We were shown the trailer for the film—very moving and important for as many men as possible to view.
In questions, Mr. Afer-Anderson gave a prime example of the disparity in treatment by race. In 2012 the USPSTF recommended dropping the PSA screening. Too many false positives and probably too many unnecessary surgeries given that prostate cancer is often very slow to progress.
However, it turned out there were no men of color in the group which led to the decision. The last thing black men need is less testing and concern for prostate cancer. Lobbying by r. Afer-Anderson and others convinced the USPSTF to modify the recommendation.
Contact Info
Phone: 757-839-7963
The Meeting:
President Jim called our meeting to order at 12:32 followed by Sigur Whitaker leading us in singing “A Bicycle Built for Two” and “R.O.T.A.R.Y.” We then recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test. Julie Keesling gave the invocation.
Visitation Report: Jason Drane has had surgery on his leg. Marty Raiss gave the good news that Ann Sullivan’s daughter is doing much better.
School of the Week: P. B. Young Sr. Elementary School.
Announcement and Club Business:
Sigur Whitaker presented Sally Hartman with her Paul Harris Plus 2 pin.
Walt Sobczyk reminded the club of a service opportunity at the Food Bank Thursday to pack up food. Bring your own mask. Those who wish to assist with Covid vaccination may sign up to do so with Virginia Medical Reserve Corps. You’ll find the information on our website. Past-president Pam pointed out you’ll also get a great tee-shirt.
President Jim reported on fundraising in this difficult time of Covid. Unfortunately, we must cancel Suds and Buds once again. Not at all clear that it could be held in June. Also, restaurants have suffered so, it would be cruel to ask for them to furnish nearly free food. On the other hand, Growl Fest almost certainly will be held. We all need to make that a great success.
The good news about grants is even with Covid we have $53K to distribute this year. $50K will be given by the competition and $3K earmarked for Hunton Y.
Happy Bucks/Fines:
- Jim Kitz had happy bucks for Pam Tubbs great pop-up social.
- Julie Keesling is happy about the new Americans in Spain exhibit at the Chrysler Museum.
- Bill Lehew for his three new teeth.
- Jeff Wells for the 6” of snow he shoveled for his mother in New Jersey.
- Jay Kossman is back in his own home after suffering 24 nights in a downtown hotel.
- Mike Richardson gave happy bucks for converting his red badge.
- Based on who could answer the most trivial of trivia questions President Jim fined our resident geeks, Joe New and Lorna Cochran. Pam Tubbs was fined as an honorary Geek.
Meeting Adjourned 1:45 pm.
