Lake Region — Like Daniel of old, David R. Williams, a member of the Ypsilanti (Mich.) Church, has been placed by God among presidents and national leaders to get the word out about the importance of taking care of our bodies.

Williams is one of the nation’s leading researchers on health disparities that Black Americans face. In this capacity, he advocates action and responsibility on the governmental and individual level by advising presidents, serving on nationally prominent councils, and speaking to professional and community groups.

Most recently, Williams was invited to speak on a panel at the National Urban League Conference, which drew a crowd of over 15,000 people.

Williams believes, “We have a job to do to get the word out that poor health is killing thousands of African-Americans each year.”

Williams graduated from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University before completing studies in public health and sociology at Loma Linda University, and the University of Michigan, where he currently is a professor. He doesn’t see a distinction between working in the religious arena and working in public health. He states, “The goal is the same, to improve the quality of life of the individual.”

Through speaking appointments and interviews, Williams is able to expound on the value of a healthy lifestyle. In a recent interview he commented, “I grew up in a Christian family that emphasized that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. This meant that as a part of my service to God, I should avoid everything that was hurtful to my body and use that which is beneficial in moderation. We avoided the use of nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol and ate a diet that emphasized fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.”

In addition to emphasizing what individuals can do to improve health outcomes, Williams highlights the need to improve the social and economic status of Black Americans, believing “the efforts we make to improve the health of one group of people can help improve the health of all.”

Dare to be a Daniel in whatever situation God places you.

Portions of this article were adapted by Diane Thurber, Lake Union Herald managing editor, from a recent article in the Detroit Free Press, written by Cassandra Spratling, staff writer.