Meet your Mistress of Ceremonies! Sylvia Baird!! For Sylvia A. Baird, fighting racial and ethnic health disparities is personal. “I have witnessed the death of my mother and three aunts to breast cancer, a leading cause of death in the African-American community. I’ve asked myself, in a world without health care disparities, could these deaths have been prevented? “Then I ask myself, what am I doing to prevent this from happening? Because, I can’t ask of others what I am not willing to do myself,” says Baird, who adds: “To me, there is nothing more important than the need to eliminate health disparities.” Coordinator of multicultural affairs at the Southeastern Mental Health Authority in Norwich, Baird believes she can influence youth to take action. “They believe they can bring about change. Helping them channel their belief into skills that can combat disparities is how I can effect change,” explains Baird, who has a master’s from the Smith College School of Social Work and a bachelor’s in psychology and African-American studies from Smith College. The Gales Ferry resident’s volunteer work includes the Tzedaka Community Development Corporation, which helps those experiencing health disparities, and the African-American Health Council, both in New London. A classically trained vocalist, Baird also is musical director for her Hartford church. “Music is my passion.” In addition to performing in chorales and symphony choruses, and singing overseas, Baird is a founding member of The Sisters of Faith, an a cappella gospel group, and Campus Singers, a group of social service providers. Baird feels “Music has a language that bridges race, ethnicity and orientation.” It’s a bridge she’s building personally and professionally
Posted on: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 15:09:11 +0000