Obesity in Black Communities Topic of April 19 Pitt Lecture

PITTSBURGH—Monica Baskin, assistant professor of public health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, will deliver a free public lecture at noon April 19 titled “Addressing Obesity in Black Communities: Is Food Justice the Answer?” The lecture will be held at the Pitt Athletic Association, 4215 Fifth Ave., Oakland. 

The talk is the final lecture in the Reed Smith Spring 2012 Speaker Series, presented by Pitt’s Center on Race and Social Problems (CRSP). Registration is not required; lunch will be provided. For more information, call 412-624-7382 or visit www.crsp.pitt.edu.

Baskin’s research focuses on the prevention of childhood obesity, particularly among African Americans. She has led research projects focusing on individual, family, and environmental factors associated with healthful eating, physical activity, and/or obesity.  She recently launched a study in which rural Alabama community members are being trained to assess nutrition and physical-activity environments in their communities and use the information to advocate for changes that could result in improved health.

Baskin is also leading a community-based project that examines the influence of food marketing on calorie consumption among African American children and their families.

CRSP’s annual Reed Smith Spring Speaker Series provides an opportunity for faculty, staff, students, and members of the community to engage in race-related discussions of mutual interest.

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