Swope Health announces a new edition of its podcast, One on One with Swope Health, featuring Larry Lester, CEO of NoirTech Research Inc. Lester is a sports researcher and historian, author and co-author of several books about the Negro Leagues baseball conference and players.
Eric Wesson, managing editor and publisher of The Call, hosts the show’s conversations with Kansas Citians about issues of importance to the community’s health and wellbeing.
In this episode, learn about Lester’s history, experiences in Kansas City, and his views on the importance of understanding Black history.
“We need to know our history, Black history, where you come from and our roots,” he says. Understanding the struggles of our ancestors can put your own challenges into perspective, and give strength for the ongoing struggles.
Lester also speaks in personal terms about the importance of mental health, especially for Black men, who, he says, often are taught not to cry or show vulnerability.
“As a Black man, I know it’s very difficult to admit you need help with mental health, therapy or medication. We tend to be very strong and resilient. We think we’re bulletproof, but we’re not,” he said. “That’s part of the weakness of the Black man.”
Lester notes that the feelings of anger at being marginalized and misunderstood are sometimes repressed and internalized, until they build up and reach a boiling point. Instead, he calls for Black men to reach out to each other to talk, to share honest feelings and vent those emotions.
Lester also talks about the need for financial literacy in the Black community, specifically education about generational wealth, managing credit and making investment decisions that can bring greater rewards over time. He shares personal experiences as part of a class-action discrimination lawsuit against Bank of America and explains how to build strong credit by paying off balances each month.
Lester was featured in the special edition of “Our Health Matters” — Black Men Speak: Health, Strength & Hope.
Lester’s discussion is available on video and audio podcast.
Hear the conversation here:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/6MeCKN1EpQs
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2P4N9czXRIKaZqMHBSBbQE
AnchorFM: https://anchor.fm/swopehealth/episodes/One-on-One-with-Larry-Lester-e1v1ahg
