I have observed, over the past several months, African American men die violently on our streets and in our neighborhoods.  The subsequent focus is on the imminent grieving of the loved one, particularly, mothers, wives, sisters, or female significant others.  These women do not continue with their lives in a normal fashion.

I am particularly reminded of the untimely death of my son and observed how it affected my mother.  She never recovered from his death, caused by a surprising medical condition, and it appeared that she was experiencing my death.

Early studies reveal that African American women, whose men have experienced traumatic death, as we have recently witnessed, have significant health issues that result in lifelong issues.  Many of them develop PTSD, and if not treated, become suicidal.  It is not uncommon for many of them to stop eating and lose a significant amount of weight.  Long term depression, requiring medications is common and heart disease and can develop among these women.  The suffering is universal and devastating.