By Dr. Rani Whitfield

The current state of our economy has raised questions about whether today's kids will be better or worse off than their parents. But, as a physician and father, I question whether they will be healthy enough to even live longer than their parents. Today, more physicians than ever are treating children for "adult" diseases like diabetes, hypertension and even heart disease. So, we should be equally concerned about the future of their health as we are about their wealth.    

This Black History Month and Heart Health Month, I decided to write an open letter to African American parents, urging you to start a family legacy of good health. The future of our children depends on it.

It's no secret that heart disease, obesity and diabetes are taking a toll on our families and our communities at a rate higher than any other ethnic group in the country. And it is mostly preventable. As a father to a six-year-old, I know "Do as I say, not as I do" doesn't work when kids are watching and mimicking your every move. Therefore, as parents, we have to take the first steps toward building a healthy, active lifestyle for ourselves with hopes that our kids will "do as we do."

Contrary to what you might think, taking those steps doesn't mean cutting out the things you enjoy - doing that can actually lead to weight gain. To be honest, I'm not giving up my favorite foods and beverages, and neither should you. It's really about making better decisions. If you use two sticks of butter in your famous peach cobbler, use one or a healthier butter substitute. If you use salt pork in collard greens, try smoked turkey instead. Or, if you love soda, try a low- or no-calorie version or drink from a smaller cup.

Durham, NC -- The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 2: The Testimony (Howard/Simon & Schuster) by Sharon Ewell Foster is releasing February, 2012. Based on historical facts uncovered during a five-year research and writing process, Foster's two-part series discredits the primary historical document related to Nat Turner,The Confessions of Nat Turner, written in 1831 by Thomas Gray; and also challenges William Styron's 1967 Pulitzer Prize winning novel by the same name. According to Foster, Turner pled innocent and no confession was given or read at his trial.

"Sharon Ewell Foster has unearthed the truth about Nat Turner, rather than rehash and revisit the lies and distortions surrounding one of the most important people in American history," writes Dr. Ray Winbush, professor, historian and consultant on the PBS film, Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property. "This is a liberating book, both psychologically and historically."

Set for a Black History Month international release, The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 2: The Testimony offers readers a new and more objective view of the real Nat Turner and of the pre-civil war era of American history. Her personal research included visits to Southampton County, interviews with Nat Turner's living descendants and local historians, and analysis of handwritten trial transcripts and then Virginia Governor John Floyd's diary. "Every once in a while a book shakes the very foundation of what you believe, like Alex Haley's Autobiography of Malcolm X. The Resurrection of Nat Turner is in that category," Winbush states.

The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 1: The Witnesses examines the 1831 slave revolt and its leader, Nat Turner, through the eyes of historic figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe, as well as friends and foes of Turner, and shares Foster's analysis of the uprising, subsequent slave massacre, and related trials.

"My findings freed me to offer readers a new Nat Turner. A preacher, a liberator, a literate man, and not the lunatic that history and some fiction bequeathed us," said Foster, whose first historical novel, Passing by Samaria, was the NAACP Book of the Year in 2000.

In The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 2: The Testimony, Foster imagines Turner's perspective and guides readers through his actions and motivations. "I never intended to write in Nat Turner's voice," explains Foster. "But, Turner's voice was insistent. One of the first things that came to me was, 'They were all heroes.' Slaves, whether passive or armed, were like prisoners of war. We should honor their role in American History rather than viewing them with shame."

Styron's Confessions initially released to national acclaim, but quickly came under criticism during the height of the Black Power movement. Author and historian Lerone Bennett, speaking of Nat Turner and Styron's novel, wrote, "The prophet who died in the Jerusalem of America, cool and calm, sure of the Black Resurrection, still awaits a literary interpreter worthy of his sacrifice."

Critical reaction to Foster's retelling of the Nat Turner story has been strong. According to Kirkus Review, "Foster uses her strong research skills and her skill at turning historical names into living, breathing humans to great advantage."

During a radio interview, professor, author, and radio talk show host, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, exclaimed to his audience, "She's blowing our minds!"

D.G. Martin, TV host of "North Carolina Bookwatch," has positively compared Foster's novel to The Help. "Here is an opportunity to read the work of a gifted African-American writer who tells her story effectively and sympathetically." Publishers Weekly has called The Resurrection of Nat Turner "fast-paced . . .riveting and expertly told by an inspired, practiced storyteller."

This month, Foster kicks off the Nat Turner Truth Tour, Part 2, with a review in the current issue of NAACP's The Crisis Magazine, book signings, presentations, lectures, and discussions.

To visit their website, CLICK HERE.

Lorenzo Pace, author of the award-winning children's book, "Jalani and the Lock," will host the Bronzeville Children's Museum's, "Unlock Your Heritage" event on February 18 at 1 p.m. Pace will get into character re-enact scenes from his book to the museum's audience. All media is welcome and photo opportunities will be available.

Pace is an internationally known sculptor and is most known for building the "Triumph of the Human Spirit," in 1993. The monument was built in New York City's Foley Square in honor of the 300 African slaves who were buried on those premises. The "Unlock Your Heritage" event is a part of the museum's annual Black History Month Celebration. February also marks the museums' 14th Anniversary celebration.

For over 13 years, founder Peggy A. Montes, a civic, cultural and women's rights activist, has been striving to educate all children about the contributions and culture of African-Americans.

For more information about the Bronzeville Children's Museum, visit the website at www.bronzevillechildrensmuseum.com or call 773-721-9301.