Black Americans and Organ Donations: The Challenges of Mistrust Disparity and Need

Why Organ Donation Is a Community Issue

Organ donation has been a major issue within our society for many years. The main challenge we often face is the limitation surrounding individuals’ willingness to make a life-saving decision, regardless of who they are or their values. This process involves healthcare professionals networking with donor families and sharing responsibility for the shortage of organ donations caused by personal choice and judgment. As a community, we can increase awareness and support for those who are hoping and depending on the decisions of families for their success. To achieve this, we must support and encourage one another to dispel misconceptions and help our people. Ultimately, the responsibility to make a change rests with us.

Historical and Cultural Context

Since at least 1550 BCE, Black communities in ancient Kemet practiced the preservation of vital organs and performed surgical interventions, demonstrating advanced anatomical knowledge and a commitment to life—a tradition echoed in modern organ donation.

With this rich history and evidence of medical intervention, what holds the Black community back from donating? There are many factors, including personal preferences, religious beliefs, skepticism about the medical system, concerns about how Black people are treated, and questions about the value placed on Black bodies and their organs.

Current Realities and Data

Black Americans face a critical disparity in organ donation. Although they make up approximately 13–14% of the U.S. population, they account for nearly 28–29% of patients waiting for life-saving organ transplants (HHS Office of Minority Health). This disproportionate representation underscores the urgent need for greater access and donor participation within the community. Yet, despite the high need, only about 22.8% of transplants in 2024 went to non-Hispanic Black recipients, highlighting systemic gaps in transplant receipt (HHS Office of Minority Health). Additionally, living donation among Black donors remains low, with just 17% of recovered organs coming from living black American donors compared to 30% for White donors.

Underlying health disparities exacerbate these challenges. Black Americans are three to four times more likely than White Americans to develop kidney failure, often due to higher rates of hypertension and diabetes (National Kidney Foundation). Compounding the issue, historical mistrust of the medical system contributes to hesitancy in organ donation, with many expressing concern that doctors may not prioritize saving lives equally (PubMed). Collectively, these factors illustrate the urgent need to educate, build trust, and increase participation in organ donation, particularly within underserved black American communities.

Dr. Joanne Martin’s Perspective 

“This issue is deeply personal for me. I have family members and friends who have been both organ donors and organ transplant recipients. I also recognize that within our community, a range of feelings, beliefs, and lived experiences influence the decision to become a donor—whether through a driver’s license designation or by offering an organ to a friend or family member.

Regardless of individual choice, the need for organ donors remains critical. My hope is that, through collective education and open conversation, we can better understand the issue and support our friends and neighbors where and when we can.”

Spotlight: Stephanie “Safiyatou” Edwards’ Journey

The need for organ transplants frequently touches our community, and we would like to highlight Stephanie “Safiyatou” Edwards. After receiving a life-saving kidney transplant, Edwards is now focused on rest and recovery. Funds raised through her campaign will support her living and recovery-related expenses, allowing her the space to heal while remaining connected to the community she has long served.

A deeply rooted community leader, Edwards is known for her artistry and spirit, which have inspired celebration, culture, and connection—most visibly at the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum’s Annual Street Fair, where she has helped open the event with her striking “Tall Spirit” (Moko Jumbie) presence for the past three years.

Call to Action and Closing Reflection

Edwards’ journey reminds us of the power of community, care, and collective responsibility. The need for organ donors remains critical, and conversations about donation, support, and healing are more important than ever. You can help by learning about organ donation, talking openly with loved ones, and supporting Edwards’ recovery through her campaign. Every act of awareness and generosity strengthens the bonds that sustain us all. We invite the community to support the Edwards’ campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/safis-new-kidney-funraiser