GOP state senator blames BBQ for black health problems

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Colorado Republican state senator Vicki Marble is being criticized for her recent remarks on the health issues affecting African-Americans and her reasons for what may contribute to them.

“When you look at life expectancy, there are problems in the black race,” Marble said. “Sickle-cell anemia is something that comes up. Diabetes is something that’s prevalent in the genetic makeup, and you just can’t help it.”

“Although I’ve got to say, I’ve never had better barbecue and better chicken and ate better in my life than when you go down South and you, I mean, I love it. Everybody loves it.”

The comments were made at a meeting held by the Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force on Wednesday, where Marble met with other lawmakers to discuss data on racial disparities and poverty rates, reports The Denver Post. 

Marble’s remarks were unsettling to other committee members who believed the comments reinforced stereotypes.

Rep. Rhonda Fields – an African-American lawmaker of Aurora – found Marble’s statement offensive and inaccurate, and spoke out during the meeting.

“I will not engage in a dialogue where you are using these stereotypical references about African-Americans and chicken and food,” Fields said.

“I will not tolerate that. This is not what this committee is all about. … What we are trying to do is come up with meaningful solutions. This is not about eating chicken.”

Hear the full audio clip from the meeting on The Denver Post.

Follow Lilly Workneh on Twitter @Lilly_Works