‘I literally was a walking stroke’: A growing need for organ donations among Black Americans

CHARLESTON, S.C. (InvestigateTV) — Black Americans face a critical need for organ transplants, yet they experience longer wait times and lower donation rates.In 2026, African Americans accounted for more than a quarter of those on the organ transplant waiting list.But at the same time, they made up only about 12% of all donors and nearly a quarter of total transplant recipients nationwide.Health experts say the need is driven by higher rates of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. If those conditions are unmanaged it can lead to organ failure, especially kidney disease.In fact, kidney disease is often called a “silent killer” because people can live with the condition for years without noticeable symptoms.If you’ve ever tuned into a College of Charleston men’s basketball game, you’ve heard Everett German’s voice. That’s because he’s their official play-by-play announcer.“So I announce all the games on the radio and our local TV games. In my 20th year of doing that. So this