The current student loan debt crisis is one of the most crippling financial situations in American history. Over forty-five million Americans have fallen victim to the skyrocketing costs of higher education and the scarcity of jobs paying a living wage. In total, these students owe a collective $1.6 trillion dollars . While most people are generally familiar with the student debt crisis, many people are not familiar with the staggering racial disparity comprising this financial burden.

The recent murder of George Floyd has put America’s systemic inequities under a microscope. Recognizing our society's deep need to live up to its ideals of justice and equity, many have rallied behind ongoing, anti-racist efforts. These efforts highlight the intimate link between racial and economic justice. This link is embodied in the story and life experience of Dr. Femi Akinnagbe. 

Having just completed his doctorate in medicine (M.D.) at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Femi is currently a family medicine resident working with underserved communities in Los Angeles, CA.  Born and raised in similarly underserved communities on the east coast, his desire is to offer healing and hope to those same kinds of communities.

Unfortunately, his ability to do so is severely hindered by his mountain of student loan debt.  Dr. Femi currently owes $547,000 in student loans. This is nearly three times the national average of medical student loan debt .  Some are tempted to dismiss this amount of debt given the large income that most doctors eventually make. However, research shows that when black professionals start off their careers with debt, the opportunity gap only continues to widen as the years progress .

As friends and colleagues of Dr. Femi, we feel similarly motivated to be of support in this fight for equity.  As an act of solidarity, we’ve chosen to raise funds to help offset Dr. Femi's staggering student loan debt. Throughout his education, Femi has struggled through 19 years of financial hurdles, personal setbacks, and - to put it bluntly - racism. He needs our help.

In these challenging times of great polarization and little compassion, people often ask “how can I help?”. Here is a tangible, direct way to help create greater justice and equity in our society. Please consider helping this wise healer as he works to support the healing of those communities most in need!  With your generous donation, Dr. Femi will move one step closer to the freedom and autonomy he needs to actualize his vision and to serve in his community. Your contribution not only supports Dr. Femi, but also the anti-racist work that is so desperately needed in our society. 

With grace and gratitude,

Andrew Decker
Dana Amundson
Elizabeth Hoffer

All donations go directly to support Dr. Femi’s mountain of student loan debt.

 You can donate through BodyDharma by clicking “Show Your Support”

or through GoFundMe.com by clicking “Go Fund Me”