D.C. statehood and life after kidney donation dominated the March 19 episode of WIN-TV as Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes closed out winter with a lively interview with D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton.
The nonvoting delegate appeared Anise Jenkins of Standup for Democracy in D.C., W.I. staff writer James Wright, Kim Dickens, founder of the Barry-Dickens Kidney Foundation, and emergency medicine physician Valda Crowder.
Norton has high expectations for the statehood bill which she introduced in the House and now has overwhelming support of Democrats in the Senate.
“Remember, we passed this bill in June, but it takes more than one session to pass a bill, even bills not as enormous as this. The mere hearing and passage in the House elevated the D.C. statehood bill to the public to where much of the polls show that 50 percent of the American people now support D.C. statehood,” Norton said.
Jenkins underscored the need for the bill’s passage.
“I think it’s very important that people learn. Why does this exist?” said Jenkins. “I consider the lack of our rights as political slavery. People need to be angry and realize they are paying their taxes for rights that they will not get.”
Kim Dickens, founder of the Barry-Dickens Kidney Foundation, talked her health after donating a kidney to former Mayor Marion Barry.
“My health has not changed post kidney donation. My kidney function is still as healthy as it was when I had two,” said Dickens. “I am not on any medications, and no changes to my health. My kidney function and health is still the same post kidney donation as it was prior to.”
Dr. Valda Crowder joined the discussion to add her sentiments and knowledge on kidney health, and life after transplant.
“I think it’s important for people to realize that there are roughly 40,000 kidney transplants done a year in the United States – so it is really life to these folks,” said Dr. Crowder. “For some people, they have been on dialysis for a long time, which is very constraining and limiting to their lives, so getting a kidney transplant can be like getting a new lease on life.”
Still, she pointed out, African Americans are disproportionately represented in those who actually receive the transplants.
WIN-TV’s March 19 episode closed out with an appearance by The Media Prince, and The Bridge’s weekly segment, “Sounds of the DMV,” featuring District rapper and Washington Informer family member DB Bantino.