Student Research Project: African-American Women with Eating Disorders
Filed under Diversity
Posted by , January 18, 2007
View all posts for January 2007
Student researching the dynamics of race and eating disorders looking for first hand accounts by African American Women… Call for submissions of written testimonials by African American females who currently suffer or have suffered from an eating disorder in the past.
Dear friends, advocates, and those living with eating disorders,
My name is Ajara Ledford, I am 24 year old female who has suffered from anorexia and bulimia for the past 7 years. I am an African American.
Specifically, I am researching the dynamics of race and eating disorders. After some initial research, I find that my work demands the inclusion of first hand accounts by African American women, this has yet to be accomplished on a national level. I intend to produce a documentary that includes issues of stigmatization, silence, and the pervasiness of the disorder, as well as mnay other topics. I post this call for submissions of written testimonials by African American females who currently suffer or have suffered from an eating disorder in the past.
Secondly, I wish to conduct follow up interviews with women who are willing to be video taped for the eventual production of a documentary.
Thirdly, I intend to conduct face to face interviews with doctors, African American females sufferers, and other related resources.
In conjunction with my personal call for help, I am exclaiming a call to and for action on behalf of all citizens. Self empowerment, the education, lead to prevention awareness, and de-stigmatization; both are motives and goals which ground me to this project. I am truly excited about this venture and I am confident that your support will help this project come to fruition.
Thank you,
Ajara Ledford ajara.ledford@simmons.edu
4th year, 2nd semester Simmons student Public Health Advocate
