Where Is Our Black Consciousness? A Reflection on the Death of Whitney Houston

The tragic death of Whitney Houston comes at a time when we, as a people, must realize and come to grips with what has become a plague of drug related deaths that abound in our lives, whether it be celebrities or our friends and relatives. We do not know yet, whether or not the cause of Whitney’s death will be drug related, but because of the speculation and attention surrounding her demise, I think it is time for us to embrace a new dialogue and let this be a teachable moment when we can begin to educate ourselves and those around us about how and why, we should and must avoid going down a path that will lead to drugs and/or alcohol. It is time for us to advocate for each other and become cohesive as a people again.

During the 50′s and 60′s when I grew up, pharmaceutical drugs were not prescribed freely by doctors. At that time, deaths related to drugs were usually associated with the street drug heroin. Most other street drugs were not nearly as potent as the pharmaceutical drugs that are now available to anyone who can get a prescription from a doctor. People tend to think that it is okay to take prescribed medication and do not understand that some prescription drugs are extremely addictive. To address this situation it is time for us to figure out how to deal with what is happening to our loved ones who are unable to make proper decisions for themselves when they become addicted.

I remember a time when there was an unparalleled level of black consciousness that permeated this nation. What a wonderful opportunity we had to flourish and grow as black men and women during the civil rights era. We had many great black leaders all around us, teaching us self-respect and providing insight and knowledge about the beauty and richness of our culture and heredity, which gave us a very different perspective to embrace in life. We were a proud people who looked out for each other and shared a strong sense of morality.

In order to assist those who elicit addictive behavior and are spiraling out of control right before our eyes, let this be a time for us to begin to figure out how to save them. How many more of our loved ones need to perish before we decide to do something to help those that are suffering all around us?

We bear witness to celebrities who suffer with these addictions quite publicly. And what about the hundreds of thousands of nameless faces that die from these addictions that we don’t know? We do not have a solution to this problem that has become so prevalent, but isn’t it time to focus on coming up with one, or will this list just continue to grow?

Michael Jackson, Pop Singer (1958-2009) – Cardiac arrest. Personal physician administered lethal dose of propofol along with lorazepam, diazepam and midazolam.

Ike Turner, Musician & Singer (1931-2007) – Cocaine overdose with high blood pressure and emphysema as contributing factors.

Harry McGilberry, Singer (1950-2006) – Alleged drug overdose.

Gerald Levert, Singer (1966-2006) – Acute intoxication of Percocet, Vicodin, Darvocet, Xanax and two antihistamines. Accidental.

Russell Jones aka Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Rapper – (1968-2004) – Overdose of cocaine and a prescription painkiller. Accidental.

Phyllis Hyman, Singer (1949-1995) – Pentobarbital and secobarbital overdose. Suicide.

Esther Phillips, Musician & Singer (1935-1984) – Liver and kidney failure due to long-term drug use.

Jimi Hendrix, Musician (1942-1970) – Respiratory arrest caused by alcohol and barbiturate overdose and vomit inhalation.

Frankie Lymon, Singer (1942-1968) – Heroin overdose.

Billie Holiday, Jazz Singer (1915-1959) – Cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcoholism.