Dr. P On The Pod: Recent Episodes
Pernessa C. Seele
Dr. Taquina Davis is a public health educator, researcher, and consultant. She serves as Managing Partner at Health E Strategies and as an adjunct professor. She brings over 15 years of experience to Health E Strategies, demonstrating her ability to collaborate effectively with various sectors. She is skilled in managing and assisting with advocacy, health, racial equity, community engagement, and healthcare delivery. Dr. Davis is passionate about working with organizations that focus on strengthening and implementing strategies to achieve health equity. Her expertise spans program development, management, community health, population health, complementary and alternative health, chronic disease prevention, and wellness.
As a leader in community health, Dr. Davis actively engaged with communities to significantly improve health outcomes. In her previous roles, she has developed, implemented, evaluated, and maintained comprehensive, evidence-based chronic disease prevention and wellness programs tailored for underserved and uninsured community members. Additionally, she has led local coalitions by overseeing the development of plans and logic models and cultivating resources with new partners to support community health and equity initiatives.
Dr. Davis also served as an advisor for various local community coalitions, boards, and advocacy committees. She assists in advancing state and local public health practices to achieve health equity. Furthermore, she is an adjunct professor in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue University Global. Dr. Davis holds a Master’s degree in Health and Wellness with a concentration in alternative medicine and a Ph.D. in Health Education and Promotion.
Gertie Houston Williams is an accomplished and progressive operations executive with extensive years of experience in corporate, human service management, program management and event planning. Worked at major corporate, non-profit entities and Faith-Based communities in executive and senior leadership positions.
Dr. Janelle K. St. Louis is a pharmacist, educator, ministry leader, community advocate, and candidate for Chesapeake City Council who is passionate about serving God by serving people. She currently serves as a Clinical Pharmacist serving our active duty, veterans, and their families. She is also an Adjunct Professor, helping to educate and mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Beyond her professional career, Dr. St. Louis has dedicated her life to community service and faith-based leadership. She serves as Director of the Health and Wellness Ministry at The Mount Chesapeake, where she helps advance the church’s mission to Care, Connect, and Cover God’s people through health education, outreach, and advocacy. Under her leadership, the ministry has expanded its impact through community health fairs, wellness initiatives, health screenings, and partnerships that address health disparities throughout Hampton Roads.
In 2026, Dr. St. Louis answered the call to public service by running for Chesapeake City Council. Her campaign is rooted in the belief that leadership is stewardship and that elected officials should put people before politics. Guided by her experience as a healthcare professional, educator, and woman of faith, she is committed to improving public health, supporting small businesses, strengthening neighborhoods, addressing flooding and environmental challenges, and ensuring every resident has a voice in local government.
Above all, Dr. St. Louis is a woman of faith who believes her purpose is found in serving others and glorifying God through her work. Her life verse, Philippians 4:13, reminds her daily that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Whether caring for patients, mentoring young leaders, serving her church, or advocating for her community, Dr. St. Louis strives to live out the words of Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Her mission is simple: to use her gifts, knowledge, and faith to make a lasting difference in the lives of others and to leave every community she serves better than she found it.
In this special episode, Dr. P shares a heartfelt reflection on what the Fourth of July truly means to her. More than a celebration of America's independence, it is a time to honor the ancestors whose resilience, sacrifice, and contributions helped build this nation. Dr. P shares the importance of family, community, and preserving the legacy of those who paved the way for future generations.
Dr. Eden Biltibo is a Hematology/Oncology clinical fellow at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN.
Dr. Camille V. Edwards is a board-certified primary care physician at Boston Medical Center (BMC) and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.
Dr. Joselle Cook is a hematologist/oncologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she specializes in dysproteinemia, plasma cell disorders, and precursor conditions.
THIS PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MULTIPLE MYELOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION.
Larry Overton is the Founder & Director of Overton Estates in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. Overton Estates stands on land that has remained in the same family for more than a century. This land was not inherited casually — it was earned through determination, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in ownership, education, and community. Overton Estates is not preserved as a relic of the past — it is activated as a living legacy. Horses, land stewardship, youth engagement, and community gatherings all serve a larger purpose: honoring where we come from while creating space for what’s next. Today, Overton Estates encompasses more than three hundred acres of land.
Larry has transformed a section of his family's property into an equestrian sanctuary, offering trail rides, horsemanship classes, and clinic.
Ivy Snead is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with more than eight years of experience serving diverse populations, including individuals with brain injuries, mental health disorders, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and conduct disorders. A proud product of Richmond and Goochland, Virginia, Ivy attended Old Dominion University. She is passionate about creativity, wellness, and experiences that challenge and inspire the right side of the brain.
Dr. Sherri Garrett, a native of Cedartown, GA, grew up as an Army brat. She is the daughter of the late Sgt. Lloyd Garrett and the late Clara Garrett.
After graduation from Clark College in 1976, Sherri began her career as a teacher at Cedartown High School, Polk County, Georgia. During that time, she earned a Masters of Education degree in Curriculum /Supervision from the University of West Georgia. Following her stint at Cedartown High she moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and taught English for 7 years at Boyd Anderson High School. In 1986, she was called back to Polk County, GA to serve as the school district’s elementary curriculum director and, simultaneously, serve as an interim elementary principal.
In 1988, a new journey led her to various administrative positions with McGraw-Hill Publishing and McDougal-Littell Publishing Companies. Her 20 year affiliation with these textbook publishing companies bolstered her love of books and reading.
After her retirement from textbook publishing Sherri decided to go back to school to pursue a doctorate at the University of Georgia. While pursuing her degree, she continued to teach as an assistant professor at Brenau University in Gainesville, Ga., and as a literacy coach for the two middle schools in Polk County. In 2015 she was awarded a PhD in Language and Literacy. Also in 2015 Sherri embarked on her final leg of employment as a certified English teacher taking a position at Lithia Springs High School in Douglas County. In 2018, Dr. Sherri Garrett retired officially. But it did not stop there… Dr. Garrett keeps busy with the following organizations:
· Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for 50+ years;
· Board Member of Polk County Historical Society
· Book Reviewer for Ferst Readers, Inc.
· Administrator of the Elm Street High School and the Cedar Hill High School historical Facebook Groups
· Works with the Summerhill Legacy Group (Cartersville, GA) and the Black High School Reunion.
· Member of the Georgia Black History Trail Initiative.
Dr. Garrett is a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Powder Springs, Ga. and she is single with no children.
Pamela D. Price currently serves as the Deputy Director for The Balm In Gilead, managing the various health initiatives of the organization. Under her leadership, the organization provides support to faith institutions in areas of program design, implementation, and evaluation, which strengthen their capacity to deliver programs and services that contribute to the elimination of health disparities. In addition to her role as Deputy Director, she also serves as the Director for The National Brain Health Center for African-Americans.
As the Center’s director, she co-developed a six-part educational curriculum for nurses and allied healthcare professionals aimed at addressing knowledge gaps related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affecting African Americans. She also co-authored and facilitates an accredited training for healthcare providers and clinicians, aimed at increasing cultural competencies related to the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia in African Americans among providers.
Mrs. Price holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health and has more than 20 years of experience in public health, epidemiology, and healthcare. She has served as a member of the U.S. Army Nurse Corp and excelled in both government and non-governmental agencies, providing leadership and guidance on program management, quality improvement, and project development. Mrs. Price has conducted hundreds of training sessions across the country with various nursing associations, healthcare organizations, and conferences.
Pastor C.J. Matthews, II serves as Executive Pastor and Pastor in Succession of Mt. Sinai-Friendship United Church in Cleveland, Ohio, where he ministers alongside his father, Rev. Dr. C. Jay Matthews. In this unique role, he is both honoring a rich pastoral legacy and preparing to carry that vision forward for the next generation.
A dynamic and innovative thought leader, Pastor C.J. is known for delivering impactful messages at the intersection of faith, fitness, and finances—empowering individuals to pursue holistic transformation in every area of their lives. He is especially gifted in leveraging digital platforms and emerging technologies to expand the reach of the Gospel, creating engaging and relevant ministry experiences that meet people where they are.
With a passion for connection and a commitment to forward-thinking ministry, Pastor C.J. continues to develop creative strategies that inspire individuals and communities to walk in purpose, wholeness, and victory.
Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque, Ph.D., is a seasoned leader in higher education, ministry, nonprofit innovation, and community transformation. She spent two decades in student services leadership at institutions including Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Mills College, and the University of California, guiding students toward academic success and personal confidence.
Answering her call to ministry, she earned both an M.Div. and Doctor of Theology from Boston University and went on to serve in diverse church contexts, concluding her congregational leadership at the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church.
Dr. Jacque has also served as adjunct faculty at the University of Chicago Divinity School and Boston University School of Theology. Her community impact includes serving as the first Executive Director of the Boston Ten Point Coalition, a nationally recognized violence-reduction initiative, and founding the Pastoral Counseling Center of Trinity Church Boston. She currently serves as President and Board Chair of National Senior Communities, the largest nonprofit portfolio of continuing-care retirement communities in the nation.
A co-founder and host of the dialogue series Courageous Conversations, Dr. Jacque has engaged leading voices across culture and faith to foster spaces of inclusion and belonging. She has also reached a wide digital audience through her devotional reflection series, A Sacred Pause, offering moments of spiritual grounding and encouragement to thousands.
Dr. Shayla Walker is a licensed clinical social worker, professor, workshop facilitator, and public speaker. With bachelor and master degrees in social work (BSW and MSW) and a PhD in Transformative Social Change, she brings over a decade of experience addressing mental health, belonging, racial justice, and restorative healing. Known for blending scholarship with authentic lived experience, Dr. Walker delivers engaging, relatable, and transformative experiences for higher education institutions, nonprofits, state agencies, conferences, and corporate DEI initiatives.
Maya Dionne is a bestselling author, widow coach, and CEO/Founder of Purpose2Platform LLC and Widows DO Bounce Back LLC. With over 20 years of experience in IT and writing, she blends technology, creative strategy, and behavioral psychology to empower writers in building their platforms in one business; and helping widows create lives they truly love in the other.
Through Purpose2Platform, Maya helps aspiring authors take their books from concept to bestseller, offering coaching, project management, and marketing services. Her work has been featured on national widowhood advocacy stages like Camp Widow, she has accomplished 5 bestselling books as a solo and collaborative author, and she has written for major publications such as Parents and Bumble. Maya has also been featured on FOX, WUSA9, The CW, and CBS, sharing her message with widows worldwide.
As a coach at Finding #NextYOU, she provides transformational support for widows, helping them heal with intention, rediscover their purpose, and move forward with strength. Maya's passion lies in unlocking potential —whether for a writer or a widow—and providing them with the tools they need to thrive.
Maya can be found on Instagram as @thebouncebackwidow and reached on her website at www.mayadionne.com.
Sharvette Mitchell, CEO of Mitchell Productions, is more than a business leader and marketing consultant; she’s THE PLATFORM BUILDER®. Her vision, ingenuity, and extensive 25-year background in corporate America at Capital One Bank, coupled with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Virginia Commonwealth University, have crystallized her reputation as a foremost authority in the marketing landscape.
Sharvette’s unique approach, encapsulated in her trademarked framework THE PLATFORM BUILDER®, has become a beacon for small businesses seeking to amplify their brand.
Sharvette has been featured in publications such as Yahoo! Finance, AARP, Huffington Post, HOPE for Women Magazine, CBNation and Sista Sense Magazine. She has authored seven book collaborations. Since 2008, her radio show “The Sharvette Mitchell Radio Show” has produced over 770+ episodes and has been a platform for marketing insights, powerful conversations, and interviews, resonating with listeners and viewers across multiple audio and live-streaming platforms.
CiNease Freeman is a Richmond, Virginia-based colorectal cancer survivor and advocate, diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer in June 2022 at the age of 28. She is active in raising awareness, particularly around the rise of young-onset colorectal cancer, and is featured in national campaigns.
Dr. Cary L. Goodman has a sincere passion to empower faith communities to operate at their fullest capacity in areas of health promotion, advocacy programs, outreach and development. For over 18 years, he has been dedicated to establishing and expanding health programs across the United States by building the capacity to address health disparities that greatly impact congregations and the communities they serve by strategically leveraging faith-based and community partnership to impact sustainability.
Currently, Cary serves as the Faith Based Program & Engagement Consultant for The Balm In Gilead, Inc. where he works diligently at the intersection of faith and public health nationally to address the burden of various diseases the impact African American communities. A highly skilled strategist and national speaker adept at leading relationship building and engagement opportunities, he has forged various faith based and public health community partnerships and coalitions.
An ordained minister, Cary deems himself a “connector” where he focuses on the significance of outreach and engagement, establishing coalitions, collaborating, and relationship building in order to increase accessibility and sustainability to strengthen congregations and communities.
Elmer Dixon, a longtime activist for racial justice, grew up a witness to the Civil Rights Movement and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Seattle, WA in the 60s.
He was one of the founders of Seattle's chapter of the Black Panther Party in 1968. Only 17 at the time, he helped to shape a new world, a new place, a new country, where all people were respected, regardless of color and position in life.
Now Dixon runs his own business in Seattle and . is a diversity trainer who speaks about his experiences with the Black Panther Party. He is the author of Die Standing: From Black Panther Revolutionary to Global Diversity Consultant; a memoir that can help instruct today's social justice activists on how to organize the community based on the successful strategies of the Black Panther Party to achieve change in a continued climate of police brutality, institutional racism, and vast socioeconomic discrepancies for Black and Brown people.
Edna Elaine Glover is a retired schoolteacher from South Carolina School Districts. Teaching social studies to high school students, her career spanned 30 years. Ms. Glover grew up in the era of segregated schools and the Jim Crow South. She was among the few African American teachers that were hired to teach in integrated schools post segregation. Ms. Glover received a Bachelor of Arts from South Carolina State University and a master’s degree in education from The Citadel in Charleston. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Recently, she has taken up quilting as a treasured journey of preserving her mother’s legacy.
Miyoshi Juergensen, PhD (she/her/hers) is an educator, scholar, and practitioner whose work centers Black educational history, teacher leadership, and equity-driven school and community improvement. A former classroom teacher and district leader, Dr. Juergensen brings more than two decades of experience in education and a deep commitment to understanding how Black educators have historically built, sustained, and visioned caring and consequential schools and communities under conditions of constraint.
Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Juergensen’s research explores Black teacher leadership in segregated and marginalized schooling contexts, the intellectual histories of Black educators in the U.S. South, and how these traditions inform contemporary improvement efforts in schools, particularly those serving historically underserved communities. For her, Black History Month lasts 365 days, as she emphasizes that Black history is not a celebratory add-on, but foundational knowledge that continues to shape educational practice, leadership, and collective possibility.
Erin Poyant is the founder of #hATTRNextGen™, a community-driven movement focused on raising awareness of V122I hereditary amyloidosis within the Black community. Inspired by her late father’s journey with the disease and her own experience as a gene carrier, Erin’s work centers on honoring legacy while encouraging earlier understanding and more informed family health conversations.
In another capacity, Erin works with the Amyloidosis Research Consortium (ARC), supporting healthcare providers and systems with education and resources that enhance understanding of all forms of amyloidosis. Together, her community advocacy and professional experience reflect a commitment to improving awareness, access, and equity across the amyloidosis landscape.
Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 38 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.
Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always shares a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.
As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr. Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.
Dr. Seele is well known for her extraordinary vision and ability to create national and global partnerships among leaders of various cultures and religious doctrines in the areas of health. As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions.
She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.
October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.
Publishing her first book Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame in 2017. Dr. Seele is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Bishop Dickie L. Robbins is a dynamic visionary, community leader, public speaker, preacher, teacher, husband, and father.
Bishop Robbins is a strong believer in equipping the believer to embrace the truth of who they are in Christ. They are to influence the world around them by having signs and wonders following them. The life of the believer should be such an example, of who Christ is, that those perishing are drawn to Christ by the life they live.
Along with his wife, Bishop Robbins founded and is currently the Senior Pastor of Life In Christ Ministries in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Joanne Mitchell-McLaren is a Lifelong Patient Advocate and Educator, Clinical Expert and Rare Disease Specialist. Her overall goal is to prepare and provide patients and caregivers with the awareness, support and education they need as it relates to their health. She has provided tools, education and encouragement that patients need to feel confident to have courageous conversations with their health care providers; in hopes to empower them to make the best decision and to use their voice to advocate for themselves.
Patient advocacy is her birth right. She believe the greatest gift one can provide is the gift of a servant, especially to those with vulnerabilities in our community regardless of their diagnosis, neighborhood one resides in or any other health disparity reason.
Lawrence C. Harris is a nationally recognized Youth Empowerment Speaker with a dynamic voice for teens and young adults facing self-doubt, insecurity, and internal barriers. Through his powerful lived experience—overcoming childhood abuse, Autism, and complex PTSD—Lawrence has helped thousands of young people build unshakable self-worth and rise above challenges that once held them back.
Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 38 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.
Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always shares a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.
As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr. Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.
Dr. Seele is well known for her extraordinary vision and ability to create national and global partnerships among leaders of various cultures and religious doctrines in the areas of health. As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions.
She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.
October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.
Publishing her first book Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame in 2017. Dr. Seele is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Kaye Woodard is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Co-Founder of Livalytics, Inc. - a system that combines biometric analytics and health insights to help businesses and individuals achieve measurable performance improvements.
Her experience includes leading process improvements that deliver measurable results—most notably, playing a key role in launching the iconic Redbox video 'robot,' which transformed video rental through automation and logistics innovation. This experience reinforced her belief in the power of technology to enhance customer experience while improving business performance.
Building on this expertise, she designed Livalytics. Livalytics reflects her commitment to data-driven optimization, empowering organizations to support healthier, more productive teams while maximizing their return on investment.
Tanya Simmons Reid is a visionary leader, communications strategist and mental health advocate. In 2018, she founded Skyrocket Communications, Inc. to help organizations "rise brilliantly" in their ability to serve clients, customers and communities. Under her leadership, Skyrocket Communications also produces signature events and apparel that spark awareness, drive change and foster meaningful conversations.
With a distinguished career spanning communications, marketing, business development, branding, sales, donor engagement, media relations and event management, Tanya has built a reputation for delivering innovative solutions that amplify impact and achieve measurable success.
Committed to addressing mental health disparities in Black and Hispanic communities, Tanya launched the SoundMinds Mental Health Awareness & Solutions Conference on July 15, 2021. Held annually during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, this advocacy initiative brings critical conversations to the forefront and provides actionable solutions for individuals, families and communities.
Tanya Simmons Reid, a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, continues to inspire, advocate and elevate businesses and communities. In all things, she is a Kingdom representative who is a wife and mother of four.
Cary L. Goodman, a native of Richmond, VA, has a sincere passion to empower faith communities to operate at their fullest capacity in areas of health promotion, advocacy programs, outreach, and development. For over 16 years, he has been dedicated to establishing and expanding health programs across the United States by building the capacity to address health disparities that greatly impact congregations and the communities they serve by strategically leveraging faith-based and community partnerships to impact sustainability.
Currently, Cary is a Program & Strategic Development Consultant for The Balm In Gilead, Inc., where he works diligently at the intersection of faith and public health nationally to address the burden of various diseases that impact African American communities. A highly skilled strategist and national speaker adept at leading relationship building and engagement opportunities, he has forged various faith-based and public health community partnerships and coalitions. With a sincere passion to empower black men, Cary founded Black Men’s Wholeness, an initiative designed to engage black men in conversations focused on areas that reassure wholeness, such as trauma, emotional and mental health, and fatherlessness.
An ordained minister, Cary deems himself a “connector” where he focuses on the significance of outreach and engagement, establishing coalitions, collaborating, and relationship building in order to increase accessibility and sustainability to strengthen congregations and communities.
Delores Fedrick is a multifaceted public health leader with over 50 years of pharmaceutical and medical sales, grant writing, nonprofit administration & public health literacy experience. She is the author of The Complete Guide to Developing Nutritional Skills: A One-Stop Dietary Solution for the Entire Family and Diverse Literacy Levels (First and Second Editions). She is passionate about ensuring everyone has adequate information to live healthy lives.
Bio of Janet M. Taylor, Owner, Totally Organized, Inc.
For the past 28 years, I have been assisting clients in creating a space that attracts more abundance, love, and happiness in their lives. My expertise includes transforming cluttered rooms into functional and creative spaces, organizing the personal and professional spaces of executives, and downsizing offices.
As a speaker, I have presented at the Philadelphia Home Show and conducted workshops at the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers’ Annual Conference. In 2020, I gave a webinar for a corporate client in New York that was attended by over 600 people.
I have also hosted and produced the weekly podcast “Got Clutter? Get Organized with Janet” for over a decade, which has received over 1,000,000 downloads and was ranked the Number 2 Organizing Podcast. The show covers a variety of topics, including how to get organized before getting married, how to be an organized pet owner, and how to organize your pantry for better health.
In addition to my speaking and podcasting experiences, I have appeared in two episodes of HGTV’s “Mission: Organization” and was featured on “The Rachael Ray Show” as “The Clutter Free Queen.” My work has also been featured in various publications and I have been a guest on several podcasts.
I am excited to be your partner on your journey towards living an organized life.
Craig Ascue is a humble visionary leader, entrepreneur, and community builder rooted in the Gullah Geechee heritage of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. As CEO of Ascue’s Paint and Body Shop, a second-generation collision repair business founded by his father in 1968, Craig blends tradition, technical excellence, and team leadership. Since taking the helm in 1995 after graduating from South Carolina State University with a degree in Marketing, Craig grew the company’s revenues, maintained consistent profitability, and in 2007 relocated operations to a 10,000 sq. ft. modern facility. Craig did this while assisting his father in developing the now Ascues Automotive Complex in Mt Pleasant, S.C. His team of 16 technicians and administrative professionals continues to uphold a reputation for integrity, excellence, and community commitment as they repair cars daily. They have been consistently voted Best Body Shop in Mt Pleasant, S.C. for several years.
In 2020, Craig found Ascue Capital to explore and formalize the family-rooted model of entrepreneurship he witnessed growing up. Ascue Capital operates at the intersection of community wealth-building and cultural legacy, examining how Gullah Geechee communities created capital through Church, School, Home, and Business.
Craig resides in the historic Ten Mile community of Awendaw, SC, where family, faith, and legacy are central. He has been married for 26 years to Tanya Ascue, and together they are raising a family of three daughters and one beloved granddaughter, ages 18, 22, 26, and 5. The family loves to travel, spend time together, and experience great times that enhance the ties that bind them.
Tiffany D. Pogue, PhD (she/her/hers) is a life coach that incorporates the use of Black History, Black Culture, and Black Spirituality to support women in their defining and acquisition of holistic success. College dropout turned Black PhD, Tiffany knows first-hand how the knowledge of our cultural legacy can change our lives for the better.
Currently, she serves as the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs and an Associate Professor of Teacher Education at Albany State University. Pogue received her PhD from Emory University in Educational Studies. As a proud HBCU graduate and administrator, her research interests include Black Educational History and Philosophy, Black Literacy Traditions, and Community-School Engagement. Tiffany believes that through a critical exploration and examination of history, scholars and activists can collaboratively craft a narrative of hope, and plans for, the improvement of society. Her current work examines the role of Black women’s literacy in the practices of Black spirituality, Black educational activism, and HBCU First Year Experience programming.
S. Darlene Cheek is an extraordinary Executive Administrator with a gazillion years of administrative experience. She graduated from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with a bachelor's in Psychology and a minor in Music. She moved to New York and has held many roles: Caseworker for the Department of Child Abuse and Neglect, Transitional Housing Social Work Supervisor and Director, and numerous temporary positions. She joined The Balm In Gilead, Inc. during the inception of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the Harlem Community unifying churches and communities around this disease. She held many positions at the Balm: Executive Assistant, Director, Creator of the Book Store and Resource Library and an consultant for more than 20+ years. She also worked with the first NYS HIV/AIDS testing site located in and run by the church, New Hope Community Church. And for fun, Darlene likes to do community outreach and sing! She's a woman of faith, integrity and holds very dear, her friends and family.
Derin Lindsey is an established Branding, Marketing and Creative Entrepreneur. He is the Founder and President of For Black Men's Health Inc. Derin is a wellness advocate dedicated to educating and empowering men of color to prioritize their health.
Tyza Brister is the Church Administrator at Beacon Light International Baptist Cathedral in New Orleans, LA where her father Bishop Darryl S. Brister is the pastor.
She is a mother, a creative, a former athlete and mental health advocate.
Nolly Swan is a recent graduate of the Clemson University Master's of Science in Historic Preservation program at the Clemson Design Center in Charleston, South Carolina. She is originally from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. This May, she published her graduate thesis titled "A Comparative Analysis of Cultural Preservation Focused Land-Use Regulations within the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor of South Carolina."
Below is a link to her thesis statement:
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4473/
Transformation Specialist Dionne Jones is all about that balanced life! Dionne is Founder and Owner of Age with Vibrancy, LLC, based in Cleveland, Ohio. Age with Vibrancy, LLC “meets women where they are, and takes them to where they deserve to be in their lives.” Dionne takes the whole-body approach to helping women thrive. Get ready to strip away all of the self-doubt and negativity, and find YOU again!
Shyla K. Fields is a devoted wife, mother, and dynamic force for change. As a gifted community organizer, she has spent her career fostering inclusivity and collaboration across diverse communities. She currently serves as the Director of the Health Across the Lifecourse (HeAL) Research Area at the Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she leads efforts to advance equitable health outcomes through research and community engagement.
Hetlena Johnson is a Patient Advocate, Author, Community Organizer, Retired Educator and Lupus Warrior. She is devoted to helping others face the trials of life with an open mind and energy. A cheerleader for handling life’s challenges with laughter and spirited resilience, she believes in living your best life while living with lupus.
Dr. Gregory Marcelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor committed to helping youth, adolescents, and adults learn how to manage their mental and behavioral health.
He is the CEO and Clinical Director of L.E.V.E.L.S Mental Health Services LLC providing therapeutic support, behavior management, and skill building to individuals who struggle with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
In observance of Parkinson's disease awareness month, we are excited to speak with special guests Michael S. Fitts and Dr. Reversa Joseph.
Michael S. Fitts recent retiree, served as assistant dean for user access and diversity at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB Libraries). He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011 at age 38. In 2001 he became the first African American faculty member of the Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences and later went on to become both the first African American assistant director and assistant dean. In 2015, Michael was appointed to the UAB/Lakeshore Research Collaborative — an organization whose primary goal is to promote the health and wellness of people with disabilities. In addition to his nearly 30-year career with UAB, he actively serves as an advocate for the education of those with early-onset Parkinson’s by being an example of living successfully and productively with the disease. Since 2018, Michael has served on the Board of Directors for the Parkinson Association of Alabama, contributing to outreach across the state. Additionally, he actively contributes to the Michael J. Fox Foundation Patient Council and serve as a Research Advocate for the Parkinson’s Foundation, supporting research and patient engagement.
Dr. Reversa Joseph began her journey into medicine with a passion for solving problems and seeking answers, which naturally led me to neuroscience. However, witnessing my father, a Vietnam veteran, struggle with Parkinson’s disease (PD) became the pivotal moment that directed her toward Neurology and ultimately specializing in Movement Disorders. This deeply personal experience profoundly shaped her life and her family’s.
One unforgettable experience was transitioning her practice from an academic institution to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address the unmet needs of veterans with movement disorders. Driven by her father’s condition, this shift was both uplifting and challenging. This significant transition was driven by a clear unmet need and her desire to serve our veterans, honoring my father’s condition and his service to our country.
At the VA, Dr. Joseph developed and leads a Movement Disorders Clinic, directing a Multidisciplinary Care Team to provide comprehensive, integrative care to veterans with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. This endeavor has been deeply fulfilling and reinforced her commitment to serving vulnerable populations and improving healthcare access.
Dr. Joseph’s involvement with the Parkinson's Foundation began in 2018 as a board member for the Great Lakes Chapter. Throughout the years, she has supported the Foundation by giving various presentations on topics such as PD 101, Women and Parkinson's Disease, and Integrative Therapies and PD. She also participates in Moving Day with her team, Vets on the Move.
Dr. Joseph is particularly proud of our efforts to mitigate health inequities in people living with Parkinson’s through targeted and tailored training in research advocacy. One of her
most rewarding contributions has been to help develop a novel Learning Institute using culturally responsive pedagogy to train African Americans living with Parkinson’s and their care partners to collaborate with researchers and scientists as primary partners in the drug development process.
Additionally, Dr. Joseph has given national lectures for the Parkinson’s Foundation to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the Black community, addressing issues such as late and misdiagnosis, treatment and overall care. Dr. Joseph works to provide a framework on how to mitigate these disparities. She has also participated in various podcasts to raise awareness that Parkinson’s also affects African Americans. Her volunteer work is driven by a desire to make a tangible difference, to support an organization that supports so many, and to contribute to t
JT Logan is a serial entrepreneur, business coach, author, musician, minister, and father. He is the Founder and CEO of FOURDEEP – a full-service advertising and marketing agency founded in 2011 with offices in Richmond, VA and Washington, DC. JT and the FOURDEEP team have built brands for Fortune 500 companies, global non-profit organizations, universities, faith-based organizations, and emerging businesses alike. JT is also the founder of The Rare Foundation and Breast Cancer Under 30®.
JT is focused more than ever to help businesses and organizations transform their products and services through transformative media and marketing. JT's personal life experiences allowed him to redefine his purpose, and help others in the process.
JT is a graduate of The Richard T. Robertson School of Media & Culture at Virginia Commonwealth University, with a specialization in Creative and Strategic Advertising. JT is also a graduate of the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree. JT's mission is to help business owners and leaders discover that focusing on purpose, always grows revenue.
The Reverend Dr. Mia Hash Sloan focuses on curating spiritual well-being spaces across a broad range of religious and spiritual ideologies. She is a third-generation minister that has worked within the congregation and community for over 20 years. She has truly made a religious, spiritual and social impact in her community. Rev. Dr. Mia specializes in holistic well-being with a universal pull towards cultivating transformative, liberating space for individuals.
Rev. Dr. Mia serves as the Faith Project Manager at the Compass Faith Coordinating Center at Wake Forest University. She has committed her virtues, values, and ethics to providing compassionate, non-judgmental, spiritual and emotional ministry regardless of (one’s) religious affiliation.
In an attempt to create work life balance, Mia enjoys meditative walking, archery, traveling, art gallery hopping, discovering beautiful gemstones, and exploring the sweet elixir of life.
Kayla Nixon is a Richmond, VA based public health communicator, community builder, and advocate dedicated to empowering Black women through information, connection, and action.
A uterine cancer survivor since 2019, she founded Uterine Care Collaborative in 2024 to educate Black women on uterine health conditions, improve access to resources, and amplify the voices and stories of women affected by fibroids, endometriosis, uterine cancer and PCOS.
Her passion for fostering community also led to the spontaneous creation of Bloom RVA in January 2025, a space for Black women in Richmond to connect and thrive. In just three months, Bloom RVA has grown to 500 members, hosting low-cost events that bring women together and foster meaningful connections. Through her work in public health and grassroots organizing, she is committed to creating spaces where Black women feel seen, supported, and empowered.
In celebration of Women's History Month, we have a special message from our very own Dr. P!
Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 37 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.
Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always share a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.
As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.
Dr. Seele is well-known for her extraordinary vision and ability to create national and global partnerships among leaders of various cultures and religious doctrines in the areas of health. As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions.
Dr. Seele is the recipient of numerous citations and honors, including being featured on the cover of Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.
She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.
October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.
Publishing her first book Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame in 2017. Dr. Seele is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Tania Small joined Bristol Myers Squibb as Senior Vice President, Global Medical Affairs in January 2024. Tania brings a strong scientific track record leading Medical Affairs teams in driving innovation that improves the experience and supports better outcomes of people living with cancer and rare diseases. She has successfully built and led global and regional medical organizations in Drug Development and Medical Affairs, advancing access to Oncology, Rare Disease and Hematology patients globally.
Tania is a board-certified pediatric hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplant specialist with deep experience in clinical research and drug development. She has extensive research experience in oncology, hematology, gene therapy and stem cell transplantation, receiving NIH grants for her translational research in gene therapy and regenerative medicine.
Most recently, Tania served as Head of Global Medical Oncology and was the sponsor of the Global R&D Inclusion Diversity Council at GSK. Prior to GSK, Tania worked for IPSEN as Vice President, Head of Oncology and Rare Disease Global Drug Development.
She is energized by revolutionizing the experience and outcomes for people with cancer, and has worked closely with the US FDA, Congress, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to improve the diversity of enrollment in oncology clinical trials and elderly programs.
"I'm passionate about partnering to create programs that treat the person - not just the disease. Producing groundbreaking solutions that can change the trajectory of serious diseases and help write the next chapter of patient-driven science is what motivates me every day."
Tania received her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She has a long-standing affiliation with the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York Presbyterian/Columbia University where she completed her residency and hematology/oncology fellowship with an academic research appointment in heme and bone marrow transplant.
Currently, Tania serves on the ASCO Membership Advisory Committee and is a Board Member of Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA).
Rev. Lamont Anthony Wells is the Executive Director of the Network of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Colleges and Universities and the President of the African Descent Lutheran Association.
Victoria A. Smalls, a Gullah Geechee native of St. Helena Island, SC, is Founder & CEO of Smalls Cultural Resources, where she champions Gullah Geechee communities across the United States and their global ties to Africa’s Diaspora. With more than two decades of experience, she has served as a state Commissioner on the SC African American Heritage Commission, Federal Commissioner on the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission, and Executive Director of the Gullah Geechee National Heritage Area.
Her leadership has been crucial in preserving the cultural practices, heritage sites, and natural resources of Gullah Geechee communities across the Southeast. Smalls has also contributed her expertise in history, art and culture to the Penn Center, International African American Museum, and the National Park Service.
Her dedication to community advocacy has earned her numerous accolades, including the Black History USA Community Advocate Award, recognition as one of the 12 Black Leaders to Know in South Carolina, and the 2024 Governor’s Award in Humanities. She has been named a Leo Twiggs Arts Diversity Leadership Scholar, a Riley Fellow, and one of the 50 Most Influential Leaders in Charleston. In 2022, she was awarded The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding volunteer service.
Check out a very special message from our very own Dr. P!
Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 37 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.
Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always share a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.
As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.
Dr. Seele is well-known for her extraordinary vision and ability to create national and global partnerships among leaders of various cultures and religious doctrines in the areas of health. As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions.
Dr. Seele is the recipient of numerous citations and honors, including being featured on the cover of Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.
She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.
October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.
Publishing her first book Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame in 2017. Dr. Seele is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 37 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.
Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always share a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.
As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.
Dr. Seele is well-known for her extraordinary vision and ability to create national and global partnerships among leaders of various cultures and religious doctrines in the areas of health. As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions.
Dr. Seele is the recipient of numerous citations and honors, including being featured on the cover of Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.
She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.
October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.
Publishing her first book Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame in 2017. Dr. Seele is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Pamela D. Price currently serves as the Deputy Director for The Balm In Gilead, Inc., managing the various health initiatives of the organization. Under her leadership, the organization provides support to faith institutions in areas of program design, implementation and evaluation, which strengthen their capacity to deliver programs and services that contribute to the elimination of health disparities. In addition to her role as Deputy Director, she also serves as the Director for The National Brain Health Center for African-Americans.
As the Center’s director, she co-developed a six-part educational curriculum for nurses and allied healthcare professionals aimed at addressing knowledge gaps related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affecting African Americans. She also co-authored and facilitates an accredited training for healthcare providers and clinicians; aimed at increasing cultural competencies related to the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia in African Americans among providers.
Price holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Public Health and has more than 20 years of experience in public health, epidemiology, and healthcare. She has served as a member of the U.S. Army Nurse Corp and excelled in both government and non-governmental agencies providing leadership and guidance on program management, quality improvement, and project development. Price has conducted hundreds of training sessions across the country with various nursing associations, healthcare organizations and conferences.
D. Lamar Handy, a native of Athens, GA, founded The DL Handy Foundation to be a change agent for the community and to lend a helping hand for empowerment and mental health awareness.
The DL Handy Foundation provides supportive outreach services and vital resources to those in need in the Northeast Georgia and surrounding metro Atlanta area through community service, programming, scholarships and fundraising initiatives.
Yolanda is the Owner, President and CEO of Eudora Enterprises, LLC where she functions in the knowledge, understanding and workings of the Proverbs 31 woman. She purchases real estate and invest in other capital ventures. “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers."
Yolanda is the Owner, President and CEO of Credential America, Inc. Credential America is a nationally recognized Credentials Verification Organization that assist healthcare facilities with their credentialing and enrollment needs. She is currently a member of the Medical Staff State Associations of Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York and her home state of Virginia and the National Association.
Yolanda is a co-founder and member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Richmond Metropolitan Chapter. She serves on the Diaconate Ministry of First Baptist Church of South Richmond. Yolanda enjoys spending time with her daughter and business partner (Leah), family and friends. She also enjoys international travel and listening to jazz. She loves to share her entrepreneurial faith journey.
Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 37 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.
Dr. Seele is the recipient of numerous citations and honors, including being featured on the cover of Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.
She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.
Rev. Domanic A. Smith is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and the organizing pastor of The Ezekiel Church and Ministries in Dundalk, MD.
Aside from his pastoral leadership role, Rev. Smith is the Coordinator of Community Pastoral Outreach for the LifeBridge Health System, Department of Population in Baltimore, and leads LifeBridge Health in all of its faith-based community relations and initiatives.
Rev. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Studies from Morgan State University (Baltimore, Maryland) and a Master of Divinity Degree from Duke University Divinity School (Durham, North Carolina). He also studied at Shaw University Divinity School, Raleigh, North Carolina. Rev. Smith is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry Degree with a focus on faith and health from Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Rev. Smith was licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1999 and ordained into the Gospel ministry in 2003, through the combined efforts of St. Paul Baptist Church, Baltimore, Maryland and Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Apex, North Carolina. He has held position (s) and active involvement with the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Inc., New Hope Missionary Baptist Association, and the United Baptist Missionary Convention and Auxiliaries of the State of Maryland, Inc., where he now serves as the first elected Executive Secretary.
He is a hands-on father to his son, Dillon-Seth Anthony Smith.
Tamira M. Moon is a community driven visionary leader and national health equity strategist committed to activating the ethos of "good trouble, necessary trouble," to address health disparities and social determinants of health while promoting Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. Aside from her work in the public health space, she is the Founder and CEO of To the Moon & Back Foundation, Inc.
Dawn is the Founder of Green Living, Inc. based in Richmond, VA. She is the author of Facing My Giants: Overcoming Obstacles for Optimal Health where she shares her journey with chronic illness, hoping to inspire and uplift those who are going through similar challenges and create a sense of community and empowerment for individuals navigating the complexities of chronic illness.
Meet Tomalisa Washington, the ultimate multitasker and real-life superwoman! She juggles more hats than a circus performer as an executive director, wife, mom, first lady, doctoral student, mentor and community leader.
Raised in Mobile, AL, her roots are now planted in Tuscaloosa, AL. As a product of teenage parents, life wasn’t handed to her on a silver platter, and she is immensely grateful for the amazing support system she has built and the opportunities she seized that led her to the place she is today.
She is the Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Central West Alabama where she has the opportunity to collaborate with key community partners, elected officials and serve as the face of the community in Central-West Alabama to be a help to people in times of need and ensure communities are ready to respond to disaster.
Prior to joining the Red Cross, Washington spent fifteen years at the University of Alabama’s Brewer-Porch Children’s Center. During her tenure, Washington authored several classes related to mental health, trained staff, provided therapy and case management for the adolescent program, served on several committees, as well as oversaw the entire training department for fifteen years of service to the University of Alabama’s Brewer-Porch Children’s Center. Most recently, she served as the Director of Student Development within the division of Student Affairs at Stillman College where she specialized in trauma, crisis intervention, conflictresolution and anger management. Washington brings her diverse background and relationships to help build communities that are more resilient.
Washington, a mental health professional for more than twenty years, received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of Alabama and her Master of Science in Continuing Education in Counseling/Psychology from the University of West Alabama.
As an ordained elder, Washington serves in ministry, alongside her husband and pastor, Overseer Freddie L. Washington. Together, they have two daughters, Jasmin Tyri and Nailah Grace. She is well-recognized throughout the community and serves diligently as the Chaplain of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Benjamin Barnes YMCA women’s council as well as a dedicated member of the Eta Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Tomalisa is a doctoral candidate now at the University of Alabama, pursing her EdD in Higher Education Administration.
This week on Dr. P on the Pod, we dive into a critical discussion about Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)—a common yet often overlooked heart condition that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. AFib, a type of irregular heartbeat, affects millions of people, particularly African Americans, who are more likely to experience severe outcomes from the condition.
On this episode, we are excited to welcome Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, legendary basketball player, committed social activist, and award-winning writer to speak with us about his journey with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). Kareem was diagnosed with AFib after he initially ignored his symptoms and is now sharing his story to help others learn from his experience.
We are also joined by Dr. Andrea Phillips, a family medicine doctor from Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Phillips has been in practice for more than 20 years and is passionate about ensuring people of all backgrounds have access to the medical care and information they need, and work with a healthcare professional to get the care they need.
Dr. Phillips does not personally treat Kareem. This podcast episode was sponsored by the BMS-Pfizer Alliance 'No Time to Wait' campaign, for which Kareem and Dr. Phillips are paid spokespeople.
The Reverend Doctor Ayo Jordan, a native of Washington, DC, was raised and educated in Virginia. Her spiritual relationship began when she accepted the Lord as her Savior at an early age and was baptized at Hungary Road Baptist Church in Glen Allen, Virginia. Dr. Ayo received and acknowledged the consecrated opportunity to be used by God and was licensed to preach the Gospel in 2005. Dr. Ayo accredits her ministerial introductions to her initial sermon which was a eulogy for her uncle and politician at the South African Consulate in Chicago, Illinois. That moment was the trajectory of Ayo’s call to congregational ministry and community leadership.
Embracing but not negating her Pentecostal roots, Ayo joined the Baptist church for spiritual growth, formation and educational experience in 2008. It was at the historic Gravel Hill Baptist Church, where Dr. Ayo became the youngest and 2nd ordained female minister in its history. In 2016, Dr. Ayo became the Associate Pastor of Congregational Care. An advocate for women, youth and young adults, Dr. Ayo is a popular preacher with a powerful voice and agent of change for the Body of Christ.
Educated in the Henrico County School system and committed to education, Dr. Ayo attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore; where she was an honor student. She earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University; a Masters in Science Degree in Patient Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University and the Doctor of Ministry Degree at United Theological Seminary where her doctoral cohort and focus group was 21st Century Congregational Development & New Faith Communities.
Dr. Ayo has served in a bi-vocational role along with her ministerial duties. She has a demonstrated history of working in multi-faceted roles in diverse populations of the community; including funeral homes, cemeteries, hospitals, churches, assisted living communities, hospice and crisis-stabilization facilities. Her love for the underserved, grieving and brokenhearted makes her no stranger to the Death-Care Industry with over 18 years’ experience. Dr. Ayo is a Virginia Licensed Cemeterian, committed to providing excellent care to families while assisting with cemetery arrangements both Pre-Need and At-Need. Because of her rich skillset and professional relationships, Dr. Ayo is a sought-after consultant, working at several historic funeral homes and managing cemeteries in both the Richmond and Tidewater areas. Dr. Ayo is the CEO of Life Vault & Memorials, a company where she provides quality memorial options and services for both traditional and cremation. Further, she is a trained chaplain experienced in Patient Counseling and Pastoral Care. Currently, she is employed with an Organ Procurement Organization in their Transplant Services Division advocating for organ, tissue and eye donation; as well as a Spiritual Support Coordinator for Children of the Kings Daughters in Norfolk VA.
Dr. Ayo is active in her community, receiving many honors and recognitions in her lifetime. Dr. Ayo is honored to be a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and a faithful sister in the Order of the Eastern Star. She is humbled by her spiritual gift of “humor” and the prophetic mandate for ministry that God has placed on her life which is a divine call and passion for the healing of the broken-spirited. She is passionate about her purpose, which is to laugh, love, lead and labor and is unashamed to use her life as a teaching lesson to encourage, educate and empower to those she encounters.
Obadiah Galley, Ph.D. is a dedicated mental health counselor, coach, educator, and health and wellness advocate with a passion for supporting individuals in achieving holistic well-being. He integrates therapeutic techniques with coaching strategies to empower his clients to navigate life's challenges effectively.
Alongside his counseling practice, Dr. G is actively involved in education, conducting workshops and seminars on mental health awareness and self-care. He is a vocal advocate for promoting health and wellness initiatives within communities, aiming to foster a culture of resilience and positivity. He holds a deep commitment to helping others thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically, believing in the transformative power of compassionate support and personal growth.
Join Dr. Pernessa Seele, Founder/CEO of The Balm In Gilead, as she touches on a range of issues impacting the health of Black communities.
Marvell L. Terry II (he, him, his) is a powerhouse educator, grassroots activist, and cultural organizer from Memphis, Tennessee. HIV advocacy and cultural organizing are personal for him; It was the moment he received a positive diagnosis of HIV that jump-started his more than decade-long career that has had a local, state, and national impact.
Marvell was passionate about improving the health outcomes of Black gay and queer men in Memphis, that’s why he started his advocacy work by co-leading an HIV ministry at Christ Missionary Baptist Church, being an HIV tester and EIS at Christ Community Health Services, and volunteering on community task forces. Not long after, he answered a higher call to leadership by founding his own organization: The Red Door Foundation (2010). Marvell was recognized as the only Black gay man living with HIV to found and lead an organization for HIV awareness and engagement at the time in Shelby County. Doubling down on his commitment to community, he started the Saving Ourselves Symposium (2013), a one-of-a-kind conference in the South for the Black LGBTQ community to address health, wellness, and social injustices.
One of Marvell’s biggest thrills was expanding his impact to a national scale by joining the Young Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition Policy and Advocacy Summit as co-chair of the Organizing Committee (2014); the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) as an HIV Fellow (2015) and AIDS United as a Senior Program Manager of the Southern HIV Impact Fund (2018). He is known as a people-minded strategist: He established a leadership pipeline in the HIV movement by co-creating the HIV 360 Fellowship Program at the HRCF and improved grantmaking efforts and philanthropic funding sources within AIDS United to support organizations in the South working at the intersection of HIV and social justice.
Marvell is a former board member for Hope House (Memphis, 2022-2023), an advisory board member for Wake Forest University School of Divinity, and a founding member for the HIV Racial Justice Network. In September 2023, Marvell was sworn in as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS during the 78th Full Council meeting.
His published written works on HIV research and injustices can be found in the Journal of Health and Disparities Research and Practice, Rhetoric of Health and Medicine, TheBody.Com, and more. Marvell’s work unapologetically centers the lives, the culture and the resilience of Black folks. When Marvell isn’t on the ground engaged in HIV advocacy and education, he’s experiencing joy: grooving to the sounds of Fantasia, J.Cole, 6LACK, and JeRonelle or enjoying buttermilk pancakes with crispy edgesat any time of the day.
In observance of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness month, Dr. P and Kellee Bacote discuss the impact of cognitive illness in African American communities. Ms. Bacote is the Lead Community Outreach & Recruitment Project Manager at the Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.
Julius Turner is an Audio & Recording Engineer, Sound Designer and Music Producer based in Richmond, VA. He is the Founder of TWOTL Music Productions.
In observance of Memory Sunday on June 9th, which draws attention to the impact of Alzheimer's in our communities, Dr. P talks with Denisha DeLane.
Ms. DeLane has 20+ years of community engagement experience on a variety of social justice, health advocacy and social service initiatives. She is a serial entrepreneur and creative who enjoy mediums that support educating underserved communities and addressing socio economic conditions. Denisha is the Founder of Faith in the Bay – the leading faith-based website, connecting Northern California on news, worship events, gospel concerts and family friendly entertainment. She recently served as the Faith Community Outreach Director for Barbara Lee’s Senatorial campaign.
Salathiel DeLoach is the President and CEO of the DeLoach Lupus Foundation Savannah, GA Inc.
She obtained her bachelor’s degree in business and is currently a member of leadership in the capacity of a Human Resources manager. She enjoys the ability to change the stigma that most people have about those that work in this role. She believes it’s important to remember the basics of the title “Human Resource”. We are all humans and with this accepted assignment, we are tasked with being a resource to those we serve. As the CEO of this charity, she embodies this same mindset, enjoys serving others and she has a heart for the people.
In recognition of HIV Vaccine Awareness Day on May 18th, Dr. P and Louis Shackelford discuss the search for an HIV vaccine.
Louis Shackelford is the Director of External Relations in the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) Leadership and Operations Center at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA.
As External Relations Project Manager, Louis’ primary focus is implementing stakeholder engagement strategies in HIV vaccine clinical trials domestically and globally.
Lady Takeisha Brown serves as the Assistant Pastor of Ablaze Church in Richmond, VA with her husband, Bishop Marvin Brown, Sr.
She is a Marriage and Family Counselor with over 17 years of Pastoral Counseling serving individuals and couples seeking pre-marital counseling, relationship counseling, and marriage counseling. These services are offered to assist those seeking pastoral assistance find the peace and fulfillment desired in their relationship.
Her passion to counsel people into their life’s fulfillment found its way into her professional career as a Human Resources Professional. In 2012 she began serving as a Career Counselor to both students and seasoned professionals, meeting with dozens of adults weekly to assist them in developing a plan and reaching optimal success in their careers.
In observance of Mental Health Month, Dr. P is joined by Dr. Pervis Taylor III for an in-depth discussion of Black men's mental health concerns. He and Dr. P discuss real-time challenges and solutions for Black men and the women who love them.
Dr. Taylor, an award-winning celebrity life coach, holds a master's degree in psychology from Columbia University. He is the author of the best-selling "Pervis Principals 1 & 2," "Surthrival Mode," and "Healing Forward." Dr. Taylor states that his purpose in life is "to help men maximize their potential, master their emotions, and thrive in the lives of their dreams."
In observance of Stress Awareness Month, Dr. P. sits down with Cary Goodman, founder of Black Men's Wholeness, an initiative to heal the impact of stress on Black men's lives.
Cary L. Goodman, a native of Richmond, VA, has a sincere passion to empower faith communities to operate at their fullest capacity in areas of health promotion, advocacy programs, outreach and development. For over 16 years, he has been dedicated to establishing and expanding health programs across the United States by building the capacity to address health disparities that greatly impact congregations and the communities they serve by strategically leveraging faith-based and community partnership to impact sustainability.
Currently, Cary is a Program & Strategic Development Consultant for The Balm In Gilead, Inc. where he works diligently at the intersection of faith and public health nationally to address the burden of various diseases the impact African American communities. A highly skilled strategist and national speaker adept at leading relationship building and engagement opportunities, he has forged various faith based and public health community partnerships and coalitions. With a sincere passion to empower black men, Cary founded Black Men’s Wholeness, an initiative designed to engage black men in conversations focused on areas that reassures wholeness such as trauma, emotional and mental health, and fatherlessness.
An ordained minister, Cary deems himself a “connector” where he focuses on the significance of outreach and engagement, establishing coalitions, collaborating, and relationship building in order to increase accessibility and sustainability to strengthen congregations and communities.
Natasha Aldridge is a Perinatal Health Justice Equity Advocate and Family Support Professional with a mission to ensure that every pregnant, postpartum, and birth family has access to and receives safe, equitable, high-quality care.
Ms. Aldridge has served over 70 families with Full Spectrum Community Doula Support and assisted over 400 women with holistic wrap-around services, within the last four years. She brings a broad array of expertise. Starting her business Natural Queen Essentials with being an ambassador and guidance coach for Endometriosis, she then began assisting clients with preconception wellness which then led her to becoming a Doula.
After becoming a Full SpectrumDoula, she began to collaborate with local collectives, non-profits and volunteering in the local jail. In the jail she found her passion with assisting with weekly peer support, prenatal yoga, and justice births and separation visits along with the facilitation of justice involved lactation. Becoming a prison doula, led her to maternal mental health, trauma informed training, and lactation support.
With a background of Business Administration/ Management and Criminology she also brings being a Certified Virginia State Doula, ChildBirth Educator, Certified Maternal Mental Health SupportSpecialist, National Advanced Prison Doula, Facilitation of Doula Trauma Training CertifiedLactation Support, Surgical Birth and VBAC Birth Support, Nursing Assistant and Medical Billing andCoding, Fertility/Abortion Doula Certification Menstrual Equity Facilitation.
Within the last few months she has assisted with the on-boarding of 100 Doulas, received the Catalyst of Change Yearly Award and became a member of Mom Congress, and collaboration with community service agencies to establish national and state, cultural interventions through outreach specifically working in the states of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas in hospitals, homes and birthin gcenters to advance best practices and improve outcomes in maternal and infant health through policy. As Natasha navigates this journey, she leads an array of mentorship and team building within the Perinatal Community.
Phil Gee was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in 2015, one year after retiring from a very successful thirty-three-year career holding a number of engineering, manufacturing and supply chain senior level positions.
Since his PD diagnosis, Phil and his wife, Julia (who first met in the 1st grade & have been married for 36 years), have become active advocates for others living with PD and their care partners. In 2017, they moved from metro Atlanta to Hilton Head, and immediately joined the local Rock Steady Boxing program, an intensive boxing/exercise program that has proven to slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease, which is incurable.
They began to look throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry and didn’t really see other Black people who said that they had PD. That started their journey to become PD advocates, helping others with PD and their care partners to learn more about PD and how to live a better life with the disease.
Phil has served four years on the Parkinson’s Foundation People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council. Julia is currently on the Advisory Board for the Foundation’s Carolina Chapter, and chairs their local PD Support & PD Care Partner Support groups. Together they have participated as panelists and speakers in a number of PD symposiums, co-chaired multiple Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day Fundraisers, and participated in several pharmaceutical focus groups/patient panels.
Today, they are active with the Special Interest Group – Black Diaspora steering committee working to drive development of solutions to mitigate health disparities in the Black Community with a focus on issues of the Black PD Community.
Evelyn Stevens, MPH, is the Senior Director of Community Engagement at the Parkinson's Foundation since September 2022. Prior to this role, Evelyn held positions as Clinical Research Project Manager, Clinical Research Coordinator III, and Clinical Research Coordinator II at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in the Division of Hematology and Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center. Before that, Evelyn worked as a Health Educator and Clinical Research Coordinator at Penn Medicine's Raymond and Ruth Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine in the Abramson Cancer Center. Evelyn holds a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Temple University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Bio-Psychosocial Health from Lincoln University.
A life long social activist, Obery Hendricks is one of the foremost commentators on the intersection of religion and political economy in America. He is the most widely read and perhaps the most influential African American biblical scholar writing today. His recent book, Christians Against Christianity: How Right-Wing Evangelicals Are Destroying Our Nation and Our Faith (Beacon Press, 2021) has gathered wide acclaim. Cornel West calls him “one of the last few grand prophetic intellectuals.”
A widely sought lecturer and media spokesperson, Dr. Hendricks’ appearances include CNN, MSNBC, CBS, Fox News, Fox Business News, the Discovery Channel, PBS, BBC, NHK Japan Television and the Bloomberg Network. He has provided running event commentary for National Public Radio, MSNBC, and the al-Jazeera and Aspire international television networks. Dr. Hendricks has served in the Religion and Foreign Policy Working Group at the U. S. Department of State under Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and John Kerry; was a member of the Faith Advisory Council of the Democratic National Committee, for whom he delivered the closing benediction at the 2008 Democratic Convention; served on the National Religious Leaders Advisory Committee of the 2008 Democratic Presidential campaign. He is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at The Democracy Collaborative in Washington, DC; has been an Affiliated Scholar at the Center for American Progress; was a Senior Fellow at The Opportunity Agenda social justice communications think tank; is on the Advisory Board of the Institute of Christian Socialism; and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). Dr. Hendricks has been a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post and Salon.com, a former editorial advisor to the award-winning Tikkun magazine, and a contributing editor to The Encyclopedia of Politics and Religion. The Dictionary of Biblical Interpretation has called his work “the boldest post-colonial writing ever seen in Western biblical studies.”
Hendricks’ award-winning book, The Politics of Jesus: Rediscovering the True Revolutionary Nature of Jesus’ Teachings and How They Have Been Corrupted (Doubleday, 2006), was declared “essential reading for Americans” by the Washington Post. Social commentator Michael Eric Dyson proclaimed it “an instant classic” that “immediately thrusts Hendricks into the front ranks of American religious thinkers.” The Politics of Jesus was the featured subject of the 90-minute C-SPAN special hosted by the Center for American Progress, “Class, Politics and Christianity.” The tenth anniversary of its publication was acknowledged at a major 2016 panel at the American Academy of Religion at its annual convention in San Antonio, TX. Governor Howard Dean, former chair of the Democratic National Committee, has called his book, The Universe Bends Toward Justice: Radical Reflections on the Bible, the Church and the Body Politic(Orbis, 2011), a “tour de force.”
A former Wall Street investment executive and past president of Payne Theological Seminary, the oldest African American theological seminary in the United States, he is currently a Visiting Scholar at Columbia University in the Department of Religion and the Department of African American and African Diasporic Studies; a Visiting Professor at Union Theological Seminary; and Emeritus Professor of Biblical Interpretation at New York Theological Seminary. An Ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Hendricks holds the Master of Divinity with academic honors from Princeton Theological Seminary, and both the M.A. and Ph.D. in Religions of Late Antiquity from Princeton University.
Jay Ell Alexander is motivated by her passion for sparking a change in the minds and bodies of others through her entrepreneurial spirit. As owner and CEO of The Vaughn Strategy, a branding and public relations firm and Black Girls RUN!, a national running organization, she leads a powerful movement that has resonated with a huge audience.
Over the last decade, she has established herself as a communications professional with a true commitment to community engagement through her passion for health and fitness. She is also the Founder/Executive Director of the BGR! Foundation and the co-owner with her husband of C+J Alexander Investments.
Black Girls RUN! has helped shift the consciousness of culture for over 250,000 African American women, encouraging them to adopt a healthy, active lifestyle through running, movement and community. It has also transformed the running community and aided in the diversification and increased participation in the sport of endurance distance running. Alexander has received national and international notoriety since the start of her tenure including partnerships with Saucony, Ford, Facebook, Brooks Running, REI, Fleet Feet and media coverage on NBC News, Good Morning America, ESSENCE, The O (Oprah Winfrey) Magazine and Ebony Magazine.
A native of Norfolk, Va., Mrs. Alexander received her Communications degree from George Mason University and her Master’s degree in Strategic Public Relations from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is also a graduate of the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Nonprofit Executive Leadership program and a Certified Run Coach.
She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Spring 2007) and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She serves a variety of community boards and has completed numerous half marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks and two marathons. She has been recognized by iPower Richmond 30 under 30, George Mason University Black Alumni’s 40 Under 40 and the Rising Star Award by PRSA Richmond.
Jay Ell and her husband Christopher are the proud parents of 4-year-old, Chris, Jr. and 2 year old daughter, Jaycee. They are also proud pup parents to an 8-year-old black Lab, named Luna.
Don't miss The Balm In Gilead's Multiple Myeloma Spotlight on our website!
This week's guest, Dr Joseph Mikhael MD, MEd, FRCPC, FACP, leads the M-Power project in the African American community for the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF). Dr. Mikhael is a Professor in the Applied Cancer Research and Drug Discovery Division at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of City of Hope Cancer Center. He is the Chief Medical Officer of the IMF and Director of Myeloma research at the HonorHealth Research Institute.
Dr Mikhael specializes clinically in plasma cell disorders, namely multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. He is the PI of many clinical trials, primarily in relapsed multiple myeloma, and his other clinical research interests include pharmaco-economics, communication skills, and media relations. Dr. Mikhael also serves as the Treasurer on the executive board of the American Society of Hematology.
Dr Mikhael has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles in these fields, and lectures internationally on a regular basis. He is also the chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council at TGen. Dr. Mikhael is heavily involved in training future researchers, and mentors junior faculty worldwide. He also spends nearly 20% of his time in the third world developing collaborations in myeloma and finding ways to enhance access to novel treatment agents.
Marvell L. Terry II (he, him, his) is a powerhouse educator, grassroots activist, and cultural organizer from Memphis, Tennessee. HIV advocacy and cultural organizing are personal for him; It was the moment he received a positive diagnosis of HIV that jump-started his more than decade-long career that has had a local, state, and national impact.
Marvell was passionate about improving the health outcomes of Black gay and queer men in Memphis, that’s why he started his advocacy work by co-leading an HIV ministry at Christ Missionary Baptist Church, being an HIV tester and EIS at Christ Community Health Services, and volunteering on community task forces. Not long after, he answered a higher call to leadership by founding his own organization: The Red Door Foundation (2010). Marvell was recognized as the only Black gay man living with HIV to found and lead an organization for HIV awareness and engagement at the time in Shelby County. Doubling down on his commitment to community, he started the Saving Ourselves Symposium (2013), a one-of-a-kind conference in the South for the Black LGBTQ community to address health, wellness, and social injustices.
One of Marvell’s biggest thrills was expanding his impact to a national scale by joining the Young Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition Policy and Advocacy Summit as co-chair of the Organizing Committee (2014); the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) as an HIV Fellow (2015) and AIDS United as a Senior Program Manager of the Southern HIV Impact Fund (2018). He is known as a people-minded strategist: He established a leadership pipeline in the HIV movement by co-creating the HIV 360 Fellowship Program at the HRCF and improved grantmaking efforts and philanthropic funding sources within AIDS United to support organizations in the South working at the intersection of HIV and social justice.
Marvell is a former board member for Hope House (Memphis, 2022-2023), an advisory board member for Wake Forest University School of Divinity, and a founding member for the HIV Racial Justice Network. In September 2023, Marvell was sworn in as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS during the 78th Full Council meeting.
His published written works on HIV research and injustices can be found in the Journal of Health and Disparities Research and Practice, Rhetoric of Health and Medicine, TheBody.Com, and more. Marvell’s work unapologetically centers the lives, the culture and the resilience of Black folks. When Marvell isn’t on the ground engaged in HIV advocacy and education, he’s experiencing joy: grooving to the sounds of Fantasia, J.Cole, 6LACK, and JeRonelle or enjoying buttermilk pancakes with crispy edgesat any time of the day.
In this episode, Dr. P is joined by lawyer and activist Dafina Ward, JD.
Dafina Ward, J.D. is an attorney and non-profit strategist with nearly fifteen years of experience addressing HIV and health equity issues in the southern United States. Working in partnership with a range of advocates—from grassroots leaders to federal decision-makers—she is a trusted voice in regional and national spaces. With nearly twenty years of experience in community grantmaking, Dafina is an expert in place-based funding strategies, coalition-building, and capacity building for emerging organizations and leaders.
Dafina currently serves as Executive Director of the Southern AIDS Coalition (SAC), an organization of regional focus and national reach, with a mission to end the HIV epidemic in the South. Through a range of programs and initiatives across the sixteen southern states and Washington, DC, SAC utilizes community-centered policy advocacy, grantmaking, leadership development, and capacity building trainings to support transformation in the region. In 2019, SAC created Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day [SHAAD] to amplify the HIV crisis in the region. Under Dafina’s leadership, SHAAD has become a nationally recognized day adopted by hundreds of organizations and reaching thousands annually.
Dafina has developed innovative programming for women and girls. She led the creation of Beauty in Knowing, an intervention that Johnson & Johnson deemed "globally innovative", training cosmetology students to engage clients in conversations about HIV, sexual health, and intimate partner violence.
As a founding member of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham LGBTQ Fund, she created a grantwriting training for LGBTQ+ youth, and developed a mini-grant process to support their vision. In recognition of her work, the LGBTQ Fund awarded “Dafina Ward Grants” to small LGBTQ-led organizations in 2017.
Dafina shares her reflections on the intersections of race, gender, and health through writing, with work appearing in the Washington Post, Role Reboot, and The Body. She was recognized by POZ Magazine twice in 2021—as the July/August POZ Hero and as a member of the 2021 POZ 100 (the magazine’s list of the 100 most influential Black HIV advocates in the nation).
Dafina received her BA in Mass Media Arts from Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA) and her Juris Doctor from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law (Philadelphia, PA). She and her husband reside in Bluffton, South Carolina with their brilliant daughters.
In this episode, Dr. P has a stimulating discussion with two insightful guests: Pastor Gerard Duncan and Jude Ngang.
Pastor Gerard Duncan is the senior pastor of Prayers By Faith Family Ministries in Gainesville, Florida. He works closely with faith leaders to increase awareness of health and wellness within their churches and the communities they serve. Additionally, Pastor Duncan is the CEO of Community Partners and Engagement Consultants, and the executive director of the Pleasant Street Social Justice and Cultural Arts Center.
Paston Duncan is a member of Florida’s Statewide Faith and Community Advisory Council within the Executive Office of the Governor, and he participates in the Alachua County Christian Pastors Association, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice's Faith and Community Network, the Santa Fe College Community Advisory Board and the Gainesville Thrives. He travels extensively both nationally and internationally speaking on topics on health equity, health disparities and mental wellness.
Jude Ngang is Executive Director, Representation in Clinical Research (RISE) at Amgen. He leads the RISE team dedicated to improving proportional representation in clinical trials in alignment with Amgen's Environmental & Social Governance imperatives, health equity narratives, and ethical research commitments.
Prior to taking the lead role for Amgen’s RISE team, Jude was Team Lead in Oncology Early Clinical Development Operations, with experience in developing targeted therapies for lung cancer and other solid tumors. During his tenure in this role, Jude received an Amgen 'Innovation Trail Blazer' award for his leadership in the design and execution of the clinical operations strategy for the LUMAKRAS (for lungcancer) first in human study that contributed to the acceleration of the program. He was also a post-doctoral fellow in translational medicine at the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research and served as AdjunctAssistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at MCPHS University in Boston. Jude has been with Amgen for over 6 years and has held leadership roles for the Amgen Black Employee Network (ABEN). He specializes in clinical sciences & innovation, with a focus on patient recruitment/retention and representativeparticipation in clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas. Jude is also a pharmacist by training with aPharmD from Roseman University of Health Sciences.
A charismatic praise & worship leader, Washington, D.C.-based Dr. Stephen Hurd wears all the hats one can possibly wear as a contemporary gospel artist. He has done spoken word pieces, sung many more, directed choirs and arranged vocals, led countless praise & worship workshops, and written several songs that are regularly sung at Sunday services, including "Undignified," "Great Praise," and "Zion Is Calling," all while attending to his first calling as a Baptist minister.
Victoria A. Smalls, a native of St. Helena Island, SC, serves as President & CEO at Smalls Cultural Resources, championing Gullah Geechee communities across the southeastern United States.
With a focus on climate, land, and ocean justice, Smalls Cultural Resources is dedicated to preserving Gullah Geechee heritage through history, art, language, and culture. With two decades of experience, Victoria has held significant positions including former federal Commissioner on the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission and Executive Director of the Gullah Geechee Corridor National Heritage Area.
Her impactful leadership extends to organizations such as Penn Center National Historic Landmark District, International African American Museum, and the National Park Service. Passionate about community advocacy and service, in 2022 Victoria received The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Fitness and nutrition expert Michelle D. Hare shares how we can succeed on our path to a healthier lifestyle.
Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Michelle is a longtime dance and exercise enthusiast. She obtained a B.S. and M.S. from the State University of New York at Buffalo and also received a second B.S., with honors, from the City University of New York at Queens College, where she majored in nutrition and exercise sciences.
Michelle is a certified group exercise instructor with the American Council on Exercise® and personal trainer via the American Council on Exercise and Applied Academy of Personal Training Education®. She also holds kickboxing, Zumba® and Silver Sneakers® instructor certifications. She is also a Balm In Gilead Lifestyle Coach.
Currently residing in Atlanta, GA, Michelle is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is a former board member of the Georgia Diabetes Coalition, Urban League of Rochester, NY, Wilson Commencement Park and the National Sales Network – New Jersey/New York Chapter. Michelle also co-founded the “Girls Mentoring Program” to reach students in the Lakeview community on Long Island, New York.
Rev. Dr. Sande Bailey-Gwinn is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Foundations for Living, based in Jefferson, GA.
Foundations For Living is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating Transformational Moments through Inspiration and Education that will empower Low to Moderate Income families and all clients to envision, discover, implement and achieve personal/professional goals.
Foundations For Living focuses in four areas of service: Mental Health; Career Development, Domestic Violence, and HIV Prevention.
Yolanda Reed is the Owner, President and CEO of Eudora Enterprises, LLC where she functions in the knowledge, understanding and workings of the Proverbs 31 woman. She purchases real estate and invests in other capital ventures. “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers”.
Yolanda is the Owner, President and CEO of Credential America, Inc. Credential America is a nationally recognized Credentials Verification Organization that assists healthcare facilities with their credentialing and enrollment needs.
She is currently a member of the Medical Staff State Associations of Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York and her home state of Virginia and the National Association.
Yolanda is a co-founder and member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Richmond Metropolitan Chapter. She serves on the Diaconate Ministry of First Baptist Church of South Richmond.
Yolanda enjoys spending time with her daughter and business partner (Leah), family and friends. She also enjoys international travel and listening to jazz. She loves to share her entrepreneurial faith journey.
Dr. P looks back on 2023 and The Balm In Gilead's many accomplishments during the year. She expresses special appreciation for the amazing faith and health professionals who have helped make the organization's programs successful.
Life expectancy for Black Americans is four years shorter than it was 20 years ago.
In this episode, Dr. P delves into this sobering statistic. She identifies youth suicide as well as maternal and infant mortality among the factors that contribute to the overall decline in Black Americans' lifespans.
Dr. P urges concerned listeners to attend the Healthy Churches 2030 Conference, which will feature expert presentations on these topics, including steps we can take individually and collectively in response.
Register for the Healthy Churches 2030 Conference at hc2030.org.
Many Black Americans are not aware of the problematic government policies that affect our lives and communities. In this episode, Dr. P welcomes Pamela D. Price for a discussion about policy issues having immediate impact on our health and well-being, including drug prices and digital equity.
Pamela D. Price currently serves as the Deputy Director for The Balm In Gilead, managing the health programs and policy initiatives of the organization.
Mrs. Price holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health and has more than 20 years of experience in public health, epidemiology, and healthcare. She has served as a member of the U.S. Army Nurse Corp and excelled in leadership at government and non-government agencies in the areas of program management, quality improvement, and project development.
During the summer, the Balm In Gilead conducted events in five cities as part of the Healthy Churches 2030 Roadmap Tour. In this episode, Dr. P and Cary Goodman discuss the importance of providing vital information about diseases and conditions affecting African Americans. Looking ahead, they preview the 10th Anniversary Healthy Churches 2030 Conference, which will take place November 13-16, 2023.
Cary Goodman is a Program & Strategic Development Consultant for The Balm In Gilead. An ordained minister, Cary works at the intersection of faith and public health, with an emphasis on building coalitions and relationships in order to strengthen congregations and communities.
Dr. P and Dr. Saraswathy Nochur discuss why it is imperative that people of diverse backgrounds participate in clinical trials. Dr. Nochur explains what happens before, during, and after a clinical trial and notes that people can find a clinical trial for which they may be qualified by visiting www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Saraswathy Nochur is Chief DE&I Officer at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, MA where she works with various stakeholders to increase diversity, promote equity and foster inclusion at Alnylam, and also co-leads initiatives to increase diversity in clinical trials. She previously was Head, Global Regulatory Affairs at Alnylam for 14 years, enabling the development and approval of four RNA interference therapeutics for rare diseases. She has been in the Boston biotechnology industry since 1989. Sara holds a Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering from MIT.
Sara is on the Board of Marinus Pharmaceuticals, a company developing innovative therapeutics to treat rare seizure disorders and of Decibel Therapeutics, who are developing regenerative and gene therapy strategies to restore hearing and balance. She is a host and member of the Board of Hospitality Homes, a non-profit organization that provides free/low-cost housing for patients/families who seek medical care in Boston. She is also on the Board of Biomedical Science Careers Program (BSCP), a non-profit organization that aims to increase the representation of underrepresented minority and disadvantaged individuals in all facets of science and medicine.
Please note that the website "clinical trials.gov" was inadvertently referred to as "clintrials.gov" in this episode. Please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov to find out more information about clinical trials being conducted in the United States.
Hereditary ATTR amyloidosis, or hATTR amyloidosis, is a rare, inherited condition that has an increased prevalence among people of African descent. This week, Dr. P is joined by Alnylam Patient Education Liaison (PEL), Valerie Graham, and Cece, who is living with hATTR amyloidosis, to learn more about the condition. We’ll talk about the importance of discussing health history within families and the role genetic testing can play in helping to determine someone’s risk for developing a disease.
For more information about hATTR amyloidosis, and to request to speak with an Alnylam PEL who can answer questions you may have about hATTR amyloidosis, please visit www.hATTRbridge.com.
Content sponsored and provided by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. TTR-USA-00279
Valerie Graham
Valerie is a Patient Education Liaison (PEL) at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. In her role, she is responsible for educating individuals and their families about hATTR amyloidosis – a rare, inherited condition. PELs are employees of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. They do not act as healthcare providers and should not be considered part of your healthcare team.
Cece
Cece’s journey with hATTR amyloidosis began when she started to experience symptoms attributed to carpal tunnel syndrome at 55 years old. As time passed and she began to experience additional, unexplained symptoms, including shortness of breath, peripheral neuropathy and leg swelling, she was determined to find the cause. After years of searching for answers, she was eventually diagnosed with hATTR amyloidosis. Today, Cece is focused on educating the community about this inherited condition and encouraging others to advocate for their health and never give up.
As Minority Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close, Dr. P and her guest, Dr. Maha Radhakrishnan, discuss the high rates of depression among African Americans. They share thoughts on the connection between COVID and depression and Dr. Radhakrishnan provides advice on what to do if you or a loved one is struggling with depression.
Dr. Radhakrishnan is Group SVP and Chief Medical Officer, responsible for the Worldwide Medical function since rejoining Biogen in January 2020. Previously, from 2016-2019, Dr. Radhakrishnan was Senior Vice President and Global Head of the Medical, Primary Care Business Unit at Sanofi, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. At Sanofi, she led the medical strategy and operations for the diabetes and cardiovascular products and development programs. Prior to this, she held several leadership roles at: Bioverativ Inc. from 2016-2018, Biogen for the first time from 2013-2016, Bristol Myers Squibb from 2009-2013, United Health Group from 2006-2008, and Cephalon from 2005-2006. Dr. Radhakrishnan has extensive experience in overseeing the external scientific engagement strategy with academic institutions, top and emerging key opinion leaders, patient advocacy groups, payers and regulators. She received her M.D. in internal medicine with honors from the People’s Friendship University in Moscow, Russia in 1995, as well as a master's degree in Russian language. She is also a certified Russian language instructor and interpreter.
There is no question that mortality -- whether our own or that of a loved one -- is a difficult topic. Yet, it is essential that individuals and families make important legal and medical decisions related to wills, hospice care, and estate transfer before a crisis occurs. In this episode, Dr. P and Ms. Zeena Regis define advanced care planning and discuss why it is difficult for many of us to start the process. Ms. Regis points to resources for information and describes how faith leaders and congregations can start the conversation within their communities.
Zeena Regis serves as the Faith Engagement Manager at Compassion & Choices, the nation’s oldest, largest, and most active nonprofit working to improve care, expand options and empower everyone to chart their end-of-life journey. Prior to her role with Compassion & Choices, Zeena served as a hospice chaplain and grief care coordinator for almost a decade.
Zeena also serves on the faculty of Columbia Theological Seminary's Older Adult Ministry Certification program. Her training includes a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Agnes Scott College and a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary. Zeena is also a playwright and her latest work, A Free Black Woman's Guide to Death & Dying, was selected for the Synchronicity Theatre's arts incubator project and premiered in May 2022.
Dr. Seele and her guest, marketing pro JT Logan, discuss the role fatherhood plays in Black communities. JT shares how his faith guides and sustains him through the challenges and joys of raising his daughter.
In addition to being a great dad, JT is a serial entrepreneur, business coach, author, musician, and minister.
Given the significant impact of cognitive illness on Black families, Dr. P and Maya Lynn Harris discuss Alzheimer's from the caregiver's perspective.
Ms. Harris , of Richmond, VA, is a caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with dementia, and subsequently, Alzheimer's. Ms. Harris is the Founder of WOMB (Women-Owned Minority Business), a coaching organization that helps women of color build sustainable businesses.
In observance of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness month, Dr. P and Kellee Bacote discuss the impact of cognitive illness in African American communities. Ms. Bacote is the Lead Community Outreach & Recruitment Project Manager at the Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.
When it comes to bladder cancer, African Americans are often diagnosed at an advanced stage, which results in worse outcomes. In this episode, Dr. P and her guests discuss the facts about bladder cancer, its symptoms, and why it frequently is misdiagnosed, especially among women.
Dr. Samuel Washington is Assistant Professor of Urology and holds the Goldberg-Benioff Endowed Professorship in Cancer Biology at the University of San Francisco. He was a 2019 John Quale Travel Fellow at the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network. Dr. Washington's research has focused on healthcare disparities in medical care, specifically bladder and prostate cancer.
Jim Scott is an entrepreneur, business manager, and bladder cancer survivor from the Detroit area. As a volunteer with the Black Men's Cancer Action Council, Mr. Scott encourages men to overcome their reluctance to visit the doctor and urges them to get screened for bladder cancer.
In observation of Mother’s Day, Dr. P and her guest Sanya Simmons candidly dialogue about the joys and challenges of raising Black sons. Ms. Simmons shares practical tips from her book, A Single Moms Guide to Raising Black (Gentle) Men.
Sanya Simmons is a mother, author, voice actor, and Reiki Master. She is passionate about the social issues affecting our sons, and believes that we must do everything within our power to set them up for success. You can purchase her book wherever books are sold.
Dr. Annette K. Ansong and Dr. Rachel M. Bond speak with Dr. P about the significant role that cardiovascular disease AND structural racism play in the Black maternal health crisis, as well as what can be done to address this crisis.
The doctors are Co-chairs of the Cardiovascular Disease in Women and Children Committee of the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC). They share updates about ABC’s video awareness campaign, “We Are The Faces of Black Maternal Health™ ."
Dr. Ansong is a pediatric cardiologist and Medical Director, Outpatient Cardiology, at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Bond is a women's heart health and preventive cardiologist at Dignity Health in Arizona. For resources and to learn more about this issue, visit https://wearethefaces.abcardio.org/social-media-toolkit/#infographics
In observance of Earth Day, Duron Chavis, an urban farming activist, joins Dr. P in a passionate dialogue about urban farming, community gardens, climate change and sustainable infrastructures to address local food securities.
Mr. Chavis has won numerous accolades for his work as a community leader, educator and all-around change maker.
Dr. P and Dr. Chukumerije delve into cardiovascular disease, which is the primary cause of death for African Americans. They discuss risk factors, hidden symptoms, and how our culture and family histories play a role.
Dr. Chukumerije is board certified in Cardiology, Echo, Nuclear and Vascular medicine. Sports and exercise cardiology is a special focus. He is team physician and a consultant to the NBA, NHL and MLS. He was interviewed on The Talk regarding Damar Hamlin amid much speculation of the cause(s) of his cardiac arrest. CAD as well as HCM came through as possibilities in this educational segment.
This week, Dr. P and her long-time friend, Imam Dr. Al-Hajj Talib 'Abdur-Rashid, discuss Ramadan, its purpose, and spiritual mandates.
Imam Dr. Al-Hajj Talib ‘Abdur-Rashid has been the religious and spiritual leader (Imam) of The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood Inc. since November 1989. Founded in 1967, the mosque , which is located in Harlem, New York City, is the 56-year-old lineal descendant of the Muslim Mosque Inc. established by the late El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X) in 1964.
As we flow through Holy Week, our beloved Alice Freeman and Dr. P share about Easter, the Blood, and the Resurrection Power of Joy!!
Our guest, ALICE FREEMAN is founder of Healthy Heart Plus, LLC (HHP) located in Richmond, VA. She is a registered Naturopath with the American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board, Nutritionist, Certified Nutritional Consultant, Diabetic Educator, Lactation Educator, Certified Hydro-colon therapist, Certified Raw Food Chef and a Midwife.
Reverend Dr. Danielle L. Brown gives us a glimpse into her powerful gifts as a Servant Leader and Scholar as she and Dr. P discuss the meaning of Passion Week and Easter!
Rev. Brown is the Senior Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ. Dr. Brown loves God, God’s Church, and God’s people. She counts it an honor and a privilege to serve.
Dr. P and Dr. Coleman-Robinson enjoy their shared passion of preserving African American history and why it is so very important!
Dr. Vedet Coleman-Robinson is the Executive Director of the Association of African American Museums. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and has a Bachelor of Arts in U.S. History from Virginia State University. Dr. Coleman-Robinson also holds a Master of Arts and a Doctorate of Philosophy in U.S. History, with a minor in Public History, from Howard University.
Dr. P talks with Andre Amiger, the powerhouse music producer and Amazon Best Selling author who earned the title "Mr. Bounce Back" after surviving three strokes.
In this episode, Dr. P speaks with Leah Szumita, Director of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Clinical Trial Support Center. Leah provides a comprehensive overview of the organization’s proven support infrastructure and its successful pathways to increase clinical trials access and enrollment for people diagnosed with a blood cancer.
After 35 years of praying and educating, Dr. P and Rev. Edwin Sanders, Senior Servant & Founder, Metropolitan Interdenominational Church in Nashville, candidly discuss the trials and tribulations of addressing HIV/AIDS in churches. Through the lens of faith, they take a look at the past, where we are today, and the future of HIV/AIDS.
Dr. P is looking ahead to all of God's blessings in 2023 while she muses on World AIDS Day 2022 and gives thanks for a successful Healthy Churches 2030 Conference.
Tanya Reid is a mental health advocate who founded the SoundsMinds Mental Health Awareness & Solutions Conference—an initiative focused on educating and empowering people to be mental health advocates in their homes, neighborhoods, communities, and for themselves. She is also a certified nonprofit consultant and a nationally certified mental health first aider.
With an explanation mark of prophetic joy and power, Jackie Hendricks brings to the podcast a motivational moment of restoration and birthday wishes to Dr. P!
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Dr. P and Quannecia, a “Community Queen” in Houston, TX discusses her life with Sickle Cell and her passion for educating her community and raising her two sons, both with the sickle cell trait.
September is Prostate Awareness Month. Dr. P chats with Dr. Moore, who provides essential, life-saving information for Black men and women about prostate cancer. Be prepared to take notes. You don’t want to miss anything!
Dr. P enjoys a candid discussion withReiki Master and Sacred Shaman Priestess, Julia Jovone.
Through their conversation, they share their unique struggles with self-care while acknowledging the power of knowing the connectedness of God as the source of all life, which dwells within each of us.
About Our Guest:
An Intuitive Reiki Master, Sacred Shaman Priestess and Spiritual / Wellness Coach, Julia Jovone founded Julia Jovone Studio in 2015 in Los Angeles, California which offers full- service Reiki sessions, energy healing and spiritual life coaching to clients globally. She represents an underrepresented number of black women pioneering the practice of healing across the globe. Julia teaches that as humans, we must take care of the inside of our bodies in order for the outside to glow. Julia is also an Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist.
Self-care is essential to a person's overall well-being and influences how people go through life. Dr. P and Rev. Aquarius Gilmer explore powerful reflections and key tips during difficult times on this week's Dr. P on the Pod.
Although life can seem to be a never-ending journey of hardships, Dr. P. and Rev. Aquarius Gilmer emphasize the necessity of reconnecting with something larger than oneself when practicing self-care. This helps you clarify what it means to you and inspires you to reconsider how you use it in your own life.
To conclude, Dr. P. and Rev. Aquarius Gilmer discuss male self-care and the necessity of men being able to voice their needs. Self-care is frequently an outlet for reflection and assessment. Through this segment they stress the importance of males understanding their specific requirements and recognizing what techniques of self-care have a beneficial effect on their well-being.
On this week's episode of Dr. P on the Pod, Dr. P discusses severe mental illness and how greatly it challenges diverse communities. As mental health awareness continues to grow in the United States as a whole, African American communities continue to have trouble getting the right care and resources.
Dr. P is joined by Pastor Shirley Wilkins McFarlin and Cassaundra “Cassie” Hayes , who give their heartfelt testimony relating to their personal and professional experiences with mental health.
Lastly, they will talk about how important it is to get more churches in African American neighborhoods to support mental health education.
This podcast episode is sponsored by Janssen Neuroscience as part of "The Community Health Equity Alliance."
Bio
Pastor Shirley Wilkins McFarlin is the co-founder Ray of Hope Christian Center in Whitakers, North Carolina, with her husband, Pastor McFarlin. Shirley knows she can do all things through Christ, who strengthens her, as a breast cancer survivor and person who has battled with mental illness.
Cassaundra "Cassie" Hayes: After trauma, drug abuse, drug use, depression, and a planned suicide attempt, Cassaundra Hayes was born again on September 29, 1990. Evangelist Hayes is an ordained minister who serves at Genesis Victory Outreach Center, Inc. by ministering the Word of God, teaching Sunday School, and leading Bible study.
What does joy mean to you? This morning Dr. P woke up with joy on her mind! Being that Joy is the word of the year, Dr. P couldn’t think of anyone better to invite on the podcast, other than her sister-friend Yolanda Reid.
During this episode, the discussion will be based around the power of positive thinking and the importance of remaining rooted in joy, despite what the outer world may reflect.
In addition, Dr. P and Yolanda Reid will share the importance of claiming your morning. Though weeping may endure at night, always consciously keeping in mind that joy is to come in the morning. To close, Dr. P and Yolanda Reid will capture the essence of how increased mindfulness can be a vehicle that can determine the amount of distance between you and your joy.
"I am the thinker, that thinks the thought, that makes the thing.”
- Reverend Dr. Johnny Coleman
About our Guest: Yolanda Reid, President/CEO, Credential America Inc. Richmond, VA
Wanda Edwards brings ‘real talk’ to the Dr. P on the Pod this about the realities of menopause and the need for educating with facts!
This podcast is brought to you by Astellas Pharma Inc.
The Honorable Stephen D. Holmes of Galveston, TX, reflects on the history of Juneteenth when Union soldier Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston on June 19, 1865, to announce the Confederate army had surrendered and that enslaved Black people in the state were free by executive decree.
Guest: Tina Thomas, Director of Programs and Services at Alzheimer's Association®
This week on Dr. P on the Pod, Dr. P sits down with Dementia Education Master Trainer Tina Thomas to discuss caregiving in Black families and what we can do to raise awareness around dementia in African American and faith communities.
This week, Dr. P chatted with Kalahn Taylor-Clark, PhD, about women, uterine fibroids, period equity, and ways women can advocate for themselves and their bodies. Dr. P also shares her personal journey with fibroids.
This episode is brought to you with support from Myovant Sciences.
Dr. P is joined by Dr. Pervis Taylor this week for an in-depth discussion on the trials and tribulations of Black Men and mental health concerns. Dr. Taylor discusses real-time challenges and solutions for Black Men and the women who love them.
Karena Dykes and Dr. P discuss the challenges and pitfalls of becoming a visionary leader. As a sports mom, Karena offers tips from her book and “proud” advice as her 19-year-old son enters pro basketball.
May is Women's Health Awareness Month. This week on Dr. P on the Pod, we revisit Dr. P's conversation with Project Nana, Inc. Founder Vanessa L. Hill on the intersection between aging, women's health, and culture.
If it's Thursday, then it's Dr. P on the pod!
This week, Mr. Jefferson discusses why we must keep talking boldly and loudly about Black Health Equity. Tobacco is one of the leading causes of death among African Americans. No Menthol Sunday is coming up Sunday, May 15, 2022.
We Must Act!
This week, Dr. P will be joined by Rita Lazenby, a Patient Education Liaison (PEL) from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, to discuss hereditary ATTR amyloidosis and the importance of learning about genetic health history within families and some tools that may help, like genetic counseling and testing.
Content sponsored and provided by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.
Lupus is a debilitating disease that affects African-American women 3x more than white women. In this week's episode, Dr. P chats with Ebony Scott and Diane Gross of the Lupus Research Alliance about this unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that is challenging to diagnose and treat.
If it's Thursday, it's Dr. P on the pod!
Dialysis! Dialysis! Dialysis! Black Americans account for 35% of individuals living with chronic kidney disease. Today's guest, Sandra L. Gadson, MD, shares information on various causes of kidney disease that greatly impact African Americans.
Dr. P and Rev. Dr. Marcus Allen, Sr., share theological thoughts and laughter about the annual practices of Lent and how it compares to other religious customs in the world.
March is Myeloma Action Month! Dr. P highlights the importance of raising awareness about the impact of multiple myeloma on the African American communities with her guest, Dr. Hearn Cho. This informative discussion is a must listen to for every Black family.
Today’s podcast is brought to you in partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb.
Dr. P welcomes Dr. Craig Cole and Bryon Daily to shed light on the facts about multiple myeloma, a disease that Black Americans are twice at risk of developing.
Today’s podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
This week, in celebration of Women’s History Month, Dr. P welcomes Dr. Xellex Z. Rivera to the podcast for a candid conversation about empowerment for women and young girls, sisterhood, and how not to “make your mama’s mess your mess!”
This week, during the 33rd Annual National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, Dr. P shares the journey of praying and educating the faith community worldwide on HIV/AIDS with Dr. Marsha Martin. Dr. Martin highlights how the current Global AIDS Strategy focuses on ending inequalities and the AIDS epidemic. She also discusses the benefits of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for black women and others who may be at risk for HIV.
This week’s podcast is brought to you, in partnership, with the Centers for Disease Control PACT Program’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign.
This week, Dr. P’s launches the 33rd Annual National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS and welcomes Dr. Typhanye Vielka Dyer for a candid conversation about epidemiology and the current impact of HIV within the Black community.
This week’s podcast episode is brought to you in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) PACT Program’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign.
This week Nell Braxton Gibson joins the podcast to share her experiences as a foot soldier during the Civil Rights Movement. Mrs. Gibson tells stories of her experiences, including her arrest while a Spelman College student while mass-demonstrating and registering first-time Black voters in Georgia. She speaks on how a later arrest for protesting South Africa’s Apartheid in New York City led to her being denied entrance into South Africa and shares about her fight for global equality and justice alongside Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
In this week's episode, Rev. Dr. Willie D. Francois, III passionately and candidly declares that the greatest threat to white supremacy is the Black Church – democracy's first responders! The fight is and has always been about policy!
This week Dr. Maurice Franklin joins the podcast to discuss the importance of our ancestral discoveries and shares his journey inuncovering the rich history of his African American family in Oklahoma.
This week Dr. Lionell Sabb joins the podcast to tell a historical account of his experiences while living in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Dr. Sabb shares details from 58 years ago that led up to the Orangeburg Massacre during the Civil Rights Movement.
Standing on the SC State College campus that evening, Dr. Sabb recounts the events of February 8, 1968, and the night leading to the Orangeburg Massacre.
The Orangeburg Massacre is a civil rights protest at SC State College that turned deadly when the State Police violently opened fire on about 200 unarmed black student protestors. Three were killed, and 28 students were injured.
As we move into February, Heart Awareness Month, Dr. Desvigne-Nickens shares important facts about heart health and how stress plays a critical role in cardiovascular disease.
This week, Dr. P welcomes Project Nana, Inc. Founder, Vanessa L. Hill to the podcast for "real talk" about gynecological care for women aged 55 and older and how culture shapes health care options for seasoned women. Tune in now!
This week Dr. P brings in the New Year with a declaration of joy! As only she can do, Dr. P challenges us to focus on the good while fighting on the front line for the things that matter. She also shares details about what's ahead for The Balm In Gilead and welcomes back Alice Freeman.
Pam joins Dr. P for some reflections on 2021 and a Balm In Gilead vision quests for 2022. Together, they share some exciting happenings coming in the New Year!
It's tradition! Dr. P welcomes our beloved sister Donna Green-Goodman. Together, they discuss the legacy of Christmas and holiday traditions and delight in Donna’s cranberry smoothie recipe and other holiday treats. Oh, what a joy is healthy holiday eating!
Kia Potts brings a wealth of information to Dr. P this week about the dire need for African Americans to become organ and tissue donors. Kia discusses misconceptions and the realities of the facts that we need to understand.
On this week's episode, Dr. P shares the powerful words spoken by our sister LaTosha Brown, Black Voters Matter CoFounder, at the 8th Annual Healthy Churches 2030 Conference.
This week as we move into Advent Season, Dr. P celebrates the impact of the 8th Annual Healthy Churches 2030 Conference and shares a powerful message from the conference opening preacher, The Very Reverend Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas.
This week our sister LaTosha Brown, Co-founder, Black Voters Matter, joins the podcast to share her excitement about participating at this year’s Healthy Churches 2030 Conference, Nov. 15-18, 2021
Dr. Jones-Burton chats with Dr. P about new developments in COVID-19 vaccines for all ages. Knowledge is power and personal power to save you, your family, and yourself from sickness and death from COVID is essential.
JT shares with Dr. P a brief, but intense, look into his compassionate walk with his wife, Ena’s, during her journey with breast cancer, and what he is doing now to keep her legacy alive with a call for women under 30 to prevent breast cancer.
This week Sande Bailey-Gwinn joins Dr. P for a reality check on Domestic Violence in our community. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and you don’t want to miss this podcast! Listen Up!!
Dr. P is joined by her best friend and owner of Faie Afrikan Art Gallery, Chicago's only African American Art Gallery, Faye Edwards. Their robust discussion includes a praise report of being a 17 year breast cancer survivor.
2021 Season 2 Opener | As the season changes from Spring/Summer to Fall/Winter, our bodies also shift their requirements to accommodate the cool and cold weather patterns on our bodies. Our Holistic Guru, Alice Freeman, will discuss the simple changes we can make that will provide our bodies with Winter Essentials.
As Dr. P brings her winter/spring podcast season to a close, Dr. Pernessa C. Seele shares some exclusive news about her upcoming personal summer ventures with thoughts and reflections about "These Days of Our Lives." We will see you back on the pod in September 2021.
About the Podcast:Rev. Smith and Dr. P talk candidly about Black Men’s Health, including what Sisters can do to help. They delve into the realities of stress and its impact on Black Men “living while Black in America.”About My Guest:The Rev. Dominic A. Smith is the Organizing Pastor of The Ezekiel Church in Baltimore, MD; the First Vice President of the United Baptist Missionary Convention & Auxiliaries of the State of Maryland; the Community Pastoral Outreach Coordinator for LifeBridge Health, a major acute care hospital system headquartered in Baltimore, MD.
June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month. Dr. John Swinton, Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care and Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen, shares his work and passion for theology and pastoral care related to those living with Alzheimer's.
This week on Dr. P on the Pod, join Dr. P and her good girlfriend, Yolanda Reid, around the kitchen table for some laughing and planning for the summer.
Professor Goatley shares insight on strategies for moving forward through the lens of constructive theology, including a message to pastors running on empty.
This week on Dr. P on the Pod, Dr. P sits down with Pastor Jones as he shares his in-depth thinking and strategies on bringing the members of Compassion Baptist Church back in the building. Dr. P and Pastor Jones also share thoughts on the Black Church Beyond COVID-19.About My Guest:Pastor Watson Jones III is the Senior Pastor of Compassion Baptist Church in Chicago, IL whose mission is to reach and grow people to be passionate for God and compassion towards others.
This week on Dr. P on the Pod, Dr. P sits down with Erline as she shares insight into why she wrote her latest book, Your Voice Matters – Conversations you Dare to Have. She empowers us to speak up and move through the fear and often times uncomfortable situations that causes us to stay silent.Erline Belton is a real estate developer, organizational development consultant, the CEO and Founder of the Lyceum Group, and the author of Your Voice Matters – Conversations you Dare to Have and A Journey that Matters, your personal Living Legacy.
This week on Dr. P on the Pod, Dr. P sits down with Mr. Jefferson to discuss why we must keep talking boldly and loudly about Black Health Equity. Tobacco is one of the leading causes of death among African Americans. NO Menthol Sunday is coming up on May 16th.Delmonte Jefferson is the Executive Director of The Center for Black Health & Equity (formerly known as NAATPN, Inc.), a national organization that facilitates public health programs to benefit communities and people of African descent.
For National Minority Health Month, Dr. P interviews former NBA player and coach Don Chaney and his wife, Jackie, about his diagnosis of hereditary transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (hATTR-CM). ATTR-CM is a type of amyloidosis (a group of diseases in which certain proteins change shape, or “misfold,” and can build up in different parts of the body) that affects the heart and is associated with heart failure – it's also underrecognized and underdiagnosed even by doctors. Don and Jackie are working to raise awareness of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of the condition, including how the Black/African American community is disproportionately affected. They are urging others who have heart failure, are experiencing unresolved symptoms and have a family history of heart disease to talk to a doctor or cardiologist. Visit www.yourheartsmessagewithdon.com to learn more and fill out a doctor discussion guide to help you at your next doctor’s appointment. The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider.
Discussing our feelings about the conviction of the policeman who killed Brother George Floyd, Dr. Robinson gives us an in-depth look into her thinking and vision on how the church must begin to tackle real life issues – hard core issues – issues that matter to our everyday lives.The Rev. Dr. Dominique A. Robinson serves as the newly appointed inaugural Dean of Chapel and Assistant Professor of Religion at Wiley College – “the home of the Great Debaters” – in Marshall, TX. She is the founder of iHomiletic™, a groundbreaking homiletic that employs social media linguistics and technology as a methodology to reconnect millennials to the Church. Dr. Robinson has preached the Gospel across the United States and abroad in Guyana, South America, Barbados, Haiti, and Trinidad and Tobago. Her life’s goal is to fuse her doctrine, discipline, and testimony to be an effective advocate and ally for those who are marginalized.
This week's Dr. P on the Pod, we are revisiting a podcast in which Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, shared her thoughts on health disparities as it relates to COVID-19. Her 35-year career placed her on the frontlines of health care as a clinician, educator, researcher, and leader in the biopharmaceuticals and life sciences industries. Dr. Lewis-Hall provides us with a frank discussion on why African Americans must become engaged in all stages of vaccine development, including COVID-19.
The Balm In Gilead and The Black Church Food Security Project is launching the African American Church Community Garden and Food Security Project in South Carolina this week. Food insecurity, food deserts, food inequity are real issues for the Black community. Churches with land to grow food can make a difference!!About My Guest: ShaVon Terrel, Deputy Director, Black Church Food Security NetworkA rising voice in the Black Food and Land Sovereignty Community. Sha’Von Terrell is a child of the Deep South, freedom dreamer and a strategic good systems planner
As we celebrate the mystical, transformative days of Holy Week, Bishop-Elect McRae and Dr. P discuss the crossroads of the Black Church one year into the COVID-19 pandemic.
About the Podcast:Our Sister Geneva gives us practical steps and tips on getting REST of mind and body. With the busy-on-the-go lifestyle that many of us live, Dr. P and Sister Geneva discusses how we MUST find time to embrace REST in the midst of our hectic schedules and daily concerns.About the Guest: Geneva M. Watford is a holistic, well-being advocate and activist with a dedication to cultivating spaces for community, conversation, creativity, and healing. Ms. Watford is the owner of GMW Living based in Montgomery, AL.
Debra Peek-Haynes gives us much to think about regarding why some of us consistently eat so poorly. She gives us 10 things that we must do now to move our personal health in the right direction.Debra Peek-Haynes is an entrepreneur, health and wellness advocate, host of the podcast “Debra’s Healing Kitchen”, author, “The Beginners’ Guide to Healthy Living” and “The Simplified Guide to Healthy Living”. She is the president of DHK Wellness Strategies, Inc. a non-profit organization committed to the addressing health disparities in the African American and Hispanic communities. Debra became interested in holistic and nutritional healing when she and her husband had difficulty conceiving a child. More than twenty-five years ago, she was introduced to a holistic physician who exposed her to a new mindset for a healthier lifestyle. She spent countless hours learning from holistic practitioners, reading books and creating healthy recipes. After transforming to a healthy lifestyle, Debra was able to conceive and birthed a beautiful daughter.
Having been a guest speaker at age 6 for the Harlem Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS in the early years of this national movement, Hydeia discusses her extraordinary life, so far, living with AIDS. Now 36, Hydeia has much to say to teens and young adults living with HIV and AIDS.Hydeia Broadbent is an long-long AIDS Activist. She was born in 1984 with HIV. Hydeia Broadbent began her debut as an HIV/AIDS activist and public speaker at six years old. By 12 years old, Hydeia appeared on many national television programs including Oprah, 20/20, Good Morning America, “A Conversation with Magic Johnson” on Nickelodeon. She has been featured in prominent publications to include; New York Times, People, Essence, Ebony, Health Quest, POZ, National Geographic, and Real Health. Hydeia also co-graced the cover of TV Guide.
This week, Dr. P will be joined by Joanna Pearson, a Patient Education Liaison (PEL) from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, to discuss a rare, genetic condition that disproportionately affects African Americans. Known as hereditary ATTR amyloidosis, or hATTR amyloidosis, the disease is more common for people of certain ethnicities, including those of African (West African: Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone) and Afro-Caribbean descent.For more information about hATTR amyloidosis, and to request to speak with an Alnylam PEL who can answer questions you may have about hATTR amyloidosis, please visit www.hATTRbridge.com.Content sponsored and provided by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.ABOUT OUR GUEST: JOANNA PEARSON, RN, BSN, CPRHJoanna Pearson is a Patient Education Liaison at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. In her role, she is responsible for educating individuals and their families about hereditary transthyretin (hATTR) amyloidosis – a rare, life-threatening condition. Joanna received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University and has worked in patient education at all levels of her career.
This week, Dr. P honors the legacy, genius and contributions of Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou. The Balm In Gilead owns all rights to the presentations of within this broadcast.
Rev. McKain and Dr. P discuss this week’s PBS Special on The Black Church, as well as provide more insight into the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.Rev. Dr. George E. McKain, II is the Director, Public Affairs & Social Concerns of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, headquartered in Charlotte, NC. Rev. McKain is also the pastor of Greater Unity AME Zion Church in Sharon, SC.
According to Harvard University, Science in the News, the HeLa Cells, (the cell line of Henrietta Lacks) were used in the ground-breaking discovery of the infectivity and viral spread of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Dr. Bowie and Dr. P highlight the facts about Henrietta Lacks plight at Johns Hopkins Hospital over 70 years ago and how her HeLa cells continue to be used in ground-breaking scientific discoveries today and beyond. As a professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Dr. Bowie shares her views on John Hopkins then and now!Dr. Bowie is a professor in the Bloomberg School of Public Health’s- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bowie’s research examines approaches that lead to the success and sustainability of community-based interventions and the implications of religion and spirituality for prevention and treatment. Bowie is also core faculty in the Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions.
Dr. Warren gives the facts about the Tuskegee Syphilis Study; why these 40 years of public health horror placed upon the lives of 400 Black men in the 1930s is deeply rooted in the mistrust of Black people taking the COVID-19 Vaccine today.Dr. Reuben C. Warren is the Director of the National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care and Professor of Bioethics at Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL. From 1988-1997, Dr. Warren served as Associate Director for Minority Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As a member of the next generation of leaders in the Black Church, Bro. H. Matthew Seawright shares his views on social justice; giving voice to those in the pew; feeding the hungry, responding to COVID-19, lining a hymn, and other topics relevant to a church at the crossroads.A Liberation Theologian, Bro. Harry Matthew Seawright believes in the alignment of one’s purpose and faith through Evangelism for the enrichment of community through identification, understanding, and the utilization of one's purpose in order to advance the kingdom of God!
This week cervical cancer Tamika Felder shares her 20+ year journey through surviving cervical cancer and the facts and myths about prevention, HPV testing, and HPV vaccine. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancers. African American women are among the highest death rates from this cancer.Named a “Cancer Rebel” by Newsweek in a 2017 cover story, Tamika Felder is a highly sought-after speaker on cervical cancer advocacy, cancer prevention, HPV education, and living life with purpose after cancer. She is the author of "Seriously, What Are You Waiting For? 13 Actions To Ignite Your Life & Achieve The Ultimate Comeback." Learn more about Tamika’s work at Cervivor.org and TamikaFelder.com.
In this thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Fitzpatrick shares her personal story on what led her to participate in the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial and her experience in the process.Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick, MD, MPH is a CDC-trained medical epidemiologist and board-certified infectious diseases physician with both domestic and global experience in public health. She was recently named as a member of the Institute of Medicine/National Academy of Sciences Roundtable on Health Literacy.
This week on Dr. P on the Pod, Dr. Pernessa Seele, and Dr. Fallon Wilson discuss the importance of understanding technology and its significance in our everyday lives. Dr. Wilson will touch on different topics, including digital redlining and how Facebook uses our data. Don't miss this critical discussion.
Dr. P and Jeff chat about saying good bye to 2020, surviving Covid, taking the vaccine, and what’s important to both of them in 2021
Merry Christmas Eve! On week's Dr. P on the Pod, Dr. P and her guest Julius Turner will share their gratitude for the reasons for the season
Dr. Richardson discusses his best-selling book, A Witness to Grace, with Dr. P this week on the Pod. Offering a deeper insight into his ministerial journey through the lens of his losses, successes, angry, sickness, and healing, Dr. Richardson blesses the listeners with a profound message for this Advent Season.
This week's Dr. P on the Pod guest, Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, shares her thoughts on health disparities as it relates to COVID-19. Her 35-year career placed her on the frontlines of health care as a clinician, educator, researcher, and leader in the biopharmaceuticals and life sciences industries. Dr. Lewis-Hall provides us with a frank discussion on why African Americans must become engaged in all stages of vaccine development, including COVID-19.
Dr. Martin and Dr. P, two long time HIV advocates, discuss the realities of HIV in the United States and around the world. After 39 years of fighting HIV, is World AIDS Day still relevant? Why are high rates of HIV among Black women not being discussed? Tune-in to listen to the conversation.
Every Thursday, Dr. P on the Pod brings us engaging and impactful discussions on various topics about health, culture, religion, and the arts. Tune-in weekly to hear some of the nation’s leading experts and influencers on Dr. P on the Pod.This week on Dr. P on the Pod, Dr. Barbara Shaw joins Dr. P for a rich discussion on next week’s 7th Annual Healthy Churches 2030 Conference, which kicks-off on Monday, Nov 16. Tune in for a sneak peek of what to expect from the conference.
Every Thursday, Dr. P on the Pod brings us engaging and impactful discussions on various topics about health, culture, religion and the arts. Tune-in weekly to hear some of the nation’s leading experts and influencers on Dr. P on the Pod.As we prepare for the virtual 7th Annual Healthy Churches 2030 Conference, Dr. P gives The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II the entire program to share the realities of Health Equity in our nation.
Dr. P and Pam gives us a look inside look into some of the topics of the conference and why these topics are important to the conversation of Black Health and Wellness.During this year’s conference, The Balm In Gilead is rolling out its Healthy Churches 2030 Roadmap 2030, which is a 10-year plan to strengthen the capacity of African American faith communities to be a focus in changing the health paradigm of their members and communities from sick and dying to health and wellness.
This week on Dr. P on the Pod, guest Julius Turner, shares his story of being a cancer survivor when he was diagnosed with leukemia at 32. Listen to his motivating story as he talks about his road to recovery and maintaining his wellbeing.
This week's Dr. P on the Pod guest, Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, shares her thoughts on health disparities as it relates to COVID-19. Her 35-year career placed her on the frontlines of health care as a clinician, educator, researcher, and leader in the biopharmaceuticals and life sciences industries. Dr. Lewis-Hall provides us with a frank discussion on why African Americans must become engaged in all stages of vaccine development, including COVID-19.
Pastors are people too. During this week's episode of Dr. P on The Pod, Dr. Rayvann Kee discusses The Johari window and how pastors react to this technique's use in helping people better understand their relationship with themselves and others.
This week on Dr. P on the Pod, Dr. P and Dr. Eseosa Ighodaro, M.D., Ph.D., neurology, and neuroscientist resident at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, discuss the role of racism in neurological health disparities. Dr. Ighodaro has published over 15+ articles in the areas of hippocampal sclerosis of aging, cerebral small-vessel disease, and neurological health disparities in African Americans.
Many factors have contributed to medical mistrust amongst African Americans. This week, Dr. P gathers a male perspective on the issue amid the passing of Chadwick Boseman from her guest, Jeffery Marlow, Fiscal Director of The Balm In Gilead.
This week on Dr. P on the Pod, Dr. Pernessa Seele, and Cheryl Lafferty bring a few of their kitchen table discussions to the Podcast this week. Growing up in the hills of confederate Virginia, Ms. Lafferty shares her life’s journey and work as a racial justice advocate. Her work includes challenging white churches, both individuals and institutions, to explore their consistent, moral disengagement when challenged to accept systematic racism that built our nation and the privileges they continue to enjoy because of it.
This week on Dr. P on the Pod, Dr. Penessa Seele, and Dr. Carla M. Harwell discuss the vicious cycle of joint pain, lack of movement, obesity, and lack of sleep caused by Arthritis. Dr. Harwell explains and encourages us to move. Why? Because Movement Is Life!
Episode #89: Protecting our Children’s Health in this Changing Season by The Balm In Gilead
If it's Thursday, it's Dr. P on the Pod! This week, The Balm In Gilead's CEO & Founder, Dr. Pernessa Seele, and Deputy Director, Pamela Price talk candidly during there mid-year check-in. They discuss school reopening during a pandemic, the political landscape of America, and what to expect from this year's virtual Healthy Churches 2030 Conference.
Recently a group of women in the pharmaceutical industry came together to form Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP) as a response to the recent COVID-19 and the racial/social injustice pandemics. Dr. Jones-Burton discusses the finding and solutions of their recently published paper entitled "Improving Health Equity for Black Communities in the Face of Coronavirus Disease-19. These two leading public health advocates tackle the struggles of the intersection of black culture and public health guidelines during COVID-19.
For the month of July, Dr. P and guest Rose Brown (MSW, Senior Director of Program Services, Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris) have partnered with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on a 4-part series to discuss mental health and wellness, and how serious mental health conditions, like schizophrenia, can impact African American adults.Episode 4 explores the potential challenges regarding access to mental health care and resources.For more information and helpful mental health education resources from Janssen, specifically for adults living with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and their loved ones, please visit Choices in Recovery at www.choicesinrecovery.com.
For the month of July, Dr. P and guest Rose Brown (MSW, Senior Director of Program Services, Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris) have partnered with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on a 4-part series to discuss mental health and wellness, and how serious mental health conditions, like schizophrenia, can impact African American adults.Episode 3 discusses the impact of serious mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and major depressive disorder, on African American adults.For more information and helpful mental health education resources from Janssen, specifically for adults living with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and their loved ones, please visit Choices in Recovery at www.choicesinrecovery.com.
For the month of July, Dr. P and guest Rose Brown (MSW, Senior Director of Program Services, Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris) have partnered with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on a 4-part series to discuss mental health and wellness, and how serious mental health conditions, like schizophrenia, can impact African American adults.Episode 2 discusses the connection between spirituality, faith, and mental health.For more information and helpful mental health education resources from Janssen, specifically for adults living with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and their loved ones, please visit Choices in Recovery at www.choicesinrecovery.com.
For the month of July, Dr. P and guest Rose Brown (MSW, Senior Director of Program Services, Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris) have partnered with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on a 4-part series to discuss mental health and wellness, and how serious mental health conditions, like schizophrenia, can impact African American adults. Episode 1 discusses the importance of voicing mental health concerns to your loved ones and your trusted support system.For more information and helpful mental health education resources from Janssen, specifically for adults living with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and their loved ones, please visit Choices in Recovery at www.choicesinrecovery.com.
Mississippi plans to fly a new state flag, one without the Confederate battle emblem in the corner. For 126 years, the Mississippi state flag flew what is deemed a hateful oppressive and divisive symbol.Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Williams discusses Mississippi's current racial climate, the economic effects of COVID-19, and the health disparities that plumage African Americans in Mississippi. Rev. Dr. Williams is the pastor of the historic Lynch Street CME Church in Jackson, MS, and the Presiding Elder of (GJD) The Great Greenwood-Jackson District of the Mississippi South Region of the Fourth Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
Episode #81: When HIV & COVID-19 Cross Paths with Dr. Tanya Henderson by The Balm In Gilead
When former NFL player Bobby Howard suffering severe kidney disease and received a kidney transplant, he made it his life's mission to help others who face life-threatening health challenges. During this episode of Dr. P on The Pod, Mr. Howard discusses the importance of organ donation, since astounding 94-97% of the African Americans on the waitlist are specifically awaiting a life-enhancing kidney transplant.
On this week's episode, Dr. P and Michael P. Kincade, Sr., discuss caregiving amidst a pandemic, the importance of cognitive health assessments for older adults and try to tackle why African Americans lessen their participation in the race to find the cure for Alzheimer's disease.Michael P. Kincade, Sr. is the Communications and Outreach Coordinator at the BWH Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment & Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.
How do we Respond to Racism during the COVID-19 Outbreak? Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Senior Pastor of the historic Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York, answers this question and reacts to the climate in America and discusses the role of the church during this formative time.
The effects of COVID-19 on the health of racial and ethnic minority groups are still emerging. Current data suggest a disproportionate burden of illness and death among racial and ethnic minority groups, and that the elderly are among the most vulnerable. In today's episode of Dr. P on the Pod, Edna Kane-Williams Senior Vice President, Multicultural Leadership at AARP, discusses AARP's commitment to providing resources and assistance to the 50-plus population during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Dr. P and Ms. Williams touch on caregiving amidst COVID-19, AARP Fraud Watch Network, and AARP's Community Connection Platform that connects older adults with volunteers to provide support during the pandemic.
Globally, as of May 21, 2020, there have been 4,893,186 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 323,256 deaths reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). The coronavirus is effecting individuals worldwide, with 68,347 confirmed cases in the continent of Africa. In today's episode, Dr. Howard discusses how the number of COVID-19 cases in parts of Africa has grown exponentially over the past few weeks, and the challenges facing individuals living in underserved communities in Africa. Dr. Joyce Moon Howard’s work and career is rooted in the global community healthcare movement, where she witnessed the transformative power and positive impact of neighborhood and community action on healthcare.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is frightening for all people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those with moderate to severe asthma could be at higher risk of having a severe case of the illness. COVID-19 can affect your respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs), cause an asthma attack, and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease. In this episode of Dr. P on the Pod, Dr. P talks with Dr. Carsten on why racial minorities are disproportionately affected by asthma and why they are at higher risk for serious COVID-19 complications.
Nurses are the backbone of the U.S. healthcare industry. In celebration of national nurses week, Dr. P and Dr. Martha A. Dawson, the 13th President of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), discuss the essential role of nurses and why young people of color should consider entering the field of nursing. Dr. Dawson shares the role of nursing and the influence of Florence Nightingale — how it has changed over time and what it is like now amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Black women are three to four times more likely to experience a pregnancy-related death than white women. Alice Freeman calls for maternal health justice as Black women continue to experience high rates of maternal mortality. In conversation with Dr. P, Alice Freeman reminds us of the rich legacy and culture of Black women as midwives and how this ancient art of escorting humanity into the world is continuing to strive today even amid COVID-19.
This week on Dr. P on The Pod, Dr. P gets a real-life account from Tanya, John, and Janelle Asiedu on the loneliness and trauma caused by contracting the COVID-19 disease. Each family member describes their experience and how they battled through. Tanya reveals the extreme loneliness she felt being in isolation. Janelle, her daughter, is married and pregnant with her first child, recounts how anxious she was about the virus and its potential effects on her pregnancy. John, her father, is a medical professional who also became a victim to the coronavirus. He shares his symptoms and pleads for us to listen to the recommendation of the public health officials and stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Episode #71: Dr. LaPrincess Brewer & Mr. Robert "Clarence" Jones - Your Heart Health During COVID-19 by The Balm In Gilead
In our homes, community, congregations, and schools, we are mourning the loss of what was. Dr. Rayvann Kee II speaks candidly with Dr. P about finding comfort in such a difficult situation.He provides a glimpse into the process of working through tremendous grief and loss, so many of us are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bishop Smith has been saving bodies and souls for over 30 years. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop Smith shares his medical, theology, and pastoral expertise on how to navigate through this global crisis.
Do you believe that "you are what you think?" Today's episode of Dr. P on The Pod features Kafui Dzirasa, MD, Ph.D., and his viewpoint on the State of Black Mental Health.
Observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day "wake-up call" that focuses on the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk. On today's episode, Dr. P talks with Ms. Pamela Price, Deputy Director for The Balm In Gilead, on the importance of observing Diabetes Alert Day on March 24th.
In today's episode, Dr. P talks with two exceptional guests Renée P. Beaman, RN & Christopher T. Pullins, M.D. In honor of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Ms. Beaman speaks of her continued work with HIV/AIDS testing, treatment, and prevention. Dr. Chris Pullins discusses the facts of Coronavirus and prevention tips. Ms. Renee Beaman, RN, is the founder of Beautiful Gate Outreach Center (BGOC), Delaware's only full-service faith-based HIV/AIDS testing, treatment, and prevention agency. Dr. Pullins, MD, is a Family Physician at Mayo Clinic Family Medicine - Arrowhead, Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
This Week's Episode - Reaching Out to the “Least of These”! Podcast Guest - Pastor Daryl Drummond of New Hope Outreach and Worship Center in Chesterfield, VA.
On today's episode, Dr. P talks with health care executive Ms. Cynthia Finch on her 4 essential P's for end-of-life planning: Plan, Prepare, Papers, and Peace.
On today's episode, Dr. P talks sexual health and the importance of National Condom Day with Ms. Lindsay Bryant, program coordinator for Nia, Inc. of Greater Richmond. Ms. Bryant is a leader and active participant in HIV prevention, education, and treatment activities in the Richmond metropolitan area. She is also a trained facilitator for several HIV prevention and awareness interventions.
Episode #62 - Surviving A Heart Attack: A Personal Story from Dr. Sherri Garrett by The Balm In Gilead
Dr. P is closing out the month of January with a very candid conversation on Cervical Cancer with Cancer survivor and award-winning women's health advocate Ms. Tamika Felder. Tamika's story of patient-to-advocate / survivor-to-Cervivor inspires and mentors not only patients and medical communities, but anyone who has struggled with obstacles in their life
Dr. P talks with Dr. Barbara L. Shaw, Board Chair of The Balm In Gilead, Inc. Board of Directors on the history and significance of The National Council of Negro Women as it relates to African Americans. Dr. Shaw is the past President and Chair of the National Council of Negro Women in Baltimore, MD. She is also the past International President of the Women’s Home and oversees the Missionary Society of the AME Zion Church.
Dr. P talks with Dr. Joyce (Joy) Balls-Berry, a Senior Associate Consultant at the Mayo Clinic Axil School of Medicine and Assistant Professor of Epidemiology. Previously, Dr. Balls-Berry was the co-lead for the Mayo Clinic Center for Clinical and Translational Science Community Engagement Program and served as the Program Manager of the Office for Community Engagement in Research.
Dr. P talks with Rev. Dr. Renita J. Weems, Biblical scholar and a highly sought after writer, speaker, ordained minister, and public intellectual known for her scholarly insights into modern faith, biblical texts, and the role of spirituality in everyday life.
Dr. P talks to Ms. Pamela Price, Deputy Director for The Balm In Gilead, Inc., about her personal experience as the family caregiver, and managing it all during the Holidays.
Dr. P and Mr. Jeffrey Marlow, Accounting Director for The Balm In Gilead, Inc., have a conversation about dealing with loss during the holidays, as Jeffrey deals with the passing of his mother this year.
This week, Dr. P reflects on the joy of the holiday season and the pain many children and families experience year long, especially during Christmas. She talks with Donna Mitchell, a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and President and CEO of Covenant Counseling & Consultation Services, LLC. Covenant Counseling is a licensed Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facility in Tennessee, and a provider for the Department of Children Services.
This week, Dr. P reflects on the 2019 Healthy Churches National Conference and talks with Dr. Rayvann Kee II, "Suffering Silence" presenter. Dr. Kee has more than 15 years of experience working in the fields of human services, mental and behavioral health, and leadership development.
Dr. P and The Balm In Gilead, Inc's Deputy Director, Pamela Price chat about this year's exciting 2019 Healthy Churches 2020 Conference, its remarkable slate of sponsors and the health discussions that will take center stage..
Dr. P on the Pod is all about the 2019 Healthy Churches 2020 Conference, and features the Rev. Samuel L. Green, Director of Christian Education for the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church.
Dr. P talks with Major Geraldine Peacock, RN, a Critical Care Nurse by profession, and health ministry director at Apostolic Faith Church, Chicago. She also worked at Rush University Medical Center, for 45 years. Major Peacock is the lead instructor for the 2019 Healthy Churches Institute entitled "Fundamental Tools for the Non-clinical, Non-licensed Black Church Nurse".
This week, Dr. P talks with Alzheimer's advocates Meryl Comer, President and CEO of Geoffrey Beene Foundation Alzheimer's Initiative, and Dr. Marsha Henderson, former Commissioner for Women’s Health, Food and Drug Administration.
Dr. P pays tribute to internationally renowned opera singer Jessye Norman. Ms. Norman will forever hold a special place in the heart of Dr. P and The Balm In Gilead, Inc.
Dr. P is on fire again! Hear all about her personal health journey AND meet host and executive producer of the cooking show “Cookin’ Up Good Health” - Mrs. Donna Green Goodman! Mrs. Goodman is talking all things good health and breaking down what it really means to adopt a plant-based, vegan, vegetarian and other diet forms.
Dr. P chats about the upcoming Healthy Churches National Conference, and talks with the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Griffin, Senior Pastor, Hood Temple AMEZ Church, Richmond, VA about overcoming a cancer diagnosis and preaching the Gospel through the storm.
Dr. P talks with 10-year cancer survivor Julius (Ju - Ju)Turner, producer of Dr. P on the Pod.
Dr. P talks with Dr. Marsha Martin, Coordinator of the Global Network of Black People Working in HIV, about today's reality of living with HIV and what must be done now to combat HIV.
Dr. Pernessa C. Seele talks with Chicago-based Foster Care Expert Ms. Faye Edwards about the issues surrounding foster care. Ms. Edwards is the Director of Foster Care at Ada S. McKinley Community Services Inc. in Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. P chats with Jeffrey Marlow, Entrepreneur and Financial Director for Balm In Gilead, Inc., about men's health and his role as caretaker for his Mom.
This week's Dr. P on the Pod features Holistic Expert Alice Freeman, founder of Healthy Heart Plus, LLC (HHP). HHP is a Holistic Wellness Center that provides individualized nutritional counseling services, nutrition detoxification therapies, and an introduction to herbal use, its effects and benefits. HHP helps their clients learn the importance of selecting healthy foods through the educational and the practical use of food as a cleanser and healer along with the use of water as a natural diuretic.
"Why We Have to Get Serious From Our Pulpits Talking About Health" - Dr. Pernessa Seele takes a look back at the 2018 Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference highlighting Bishop Horace E. Smith (Pastor, Bishop and Doctor, Senior Pastor of the Apostolic Faith Church.
Dr. P On The Pod - With Dr. Edith Mitchell: Cancer, The Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention by The Balm In Gilead
Dr. P On The Pod - All About the 2019 Healthy Churches 2020 Conference! by The Balm In Gilead
Dr. P On The Pod - With Rev. Dr. Paul Abernathy, Director, Focus Pittsburgh by The Balm In Gilead
Featured Guest:Dr. Karen Winkfield, MD, PhD Radiation Oncologist Director of the Office of Cancer Health Equity Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer CenterTopic: The Fundamentals of Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Dr. P On The Pod (PodCast)#39 - Dr. Margaret McKenzie | Embracing Your Sexual Health by The Balm In Gilead
Rev. Dr. Khaalida Forbes, Metamorphasis EnterprisesTopic: Your Next Assignment is Waiting on You: Get Up and Get Going
Dr. P on the Pod is yet another powerful way Pernessa C. Seele extends the global reach of The Balm In Gilead – “Where Faith and Public Health Connect.” As Founder & CEO of The Balm In Gilead, “Dr. P” has worked as an international force for more than 30 years establishing programs that strengthen the capacity of faith institutions throughout the United States and Africa. These faith-based programs promote health education, disease management and services that contribute to the elimination of human suffering. Every Thursday, Dr. P on the Pod brings us engaging and impactful discussions on various topics about health, culture, religion and the arts. Tune-in weekly to hear some of the nation’s leading experts and influencers on Dr. P on the Pod.
Dr. Pernessa Seele and Bishop Horace Smith, M.D. discuss Today’s Pastor in Today’s Community – Where is the Community Church? "The Pew is powerful, but the Pulpit has the most leverage." Bishop Horace Smith, M.D., is the Senior Pastor of the Apostolic Faith Church and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL.
Dr. Pernessa Seele and The Reverend Dr. Claudette A. Copeland, President and CEO of WellnessCenterSA.com Women’s Educational and Healing Retreats Incorporated, discuss the importance of Teaching Women How To Heal!
Dr. Pernessa Seele and Father Paul Abernathy, Pastor, St. Moses Orthodox Christian Mission and Director of FOCUS Pittsburgh, an Orthodox Christian non-profit focused on Trauma Informed Community Development, discuss the multilayered effects of “Trauma” and the role of the Church in dealing with this epidemic. Father Abernathy describes the church as a hospital and challenges listeners to ponder three questions: Where else can they heal? Where else can they feel love unconditionally? Where else can they experience forgiveness and that mercy that only God can give?
How does “The Skin You’re In” play a role in your health? This week Dr. Pernessa Seele and Dr. Thomas A. LaVeist, Ph.D., Dean of Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine discuss the burden of health that plagues African American’s, and its root cause.
This week, Dr. Pernessa Seele and Dr. LaPrincess C. Brewer M.D, M.P.H., Cardiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine within the Mayo Clinic Division of Preventive Cardiology, discuss Cardiovascular Health and its affect on the African American community. In order to protect our hearts and be there for our loved ones, Dr. Brewer shares the Ten Commandments to a Healthy Heart. This episode also features a special segment on the black male’s perspective on love, featuring Jeffrey Marlow.
In support of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Dr. P has a candid conversation with Rev. Savalas R Squire Sr. on living with HIV and the response of the Black church community.
Dr. Pernessa Seele features TED Talk speaker Clint Smith. Clint is a writer, poet, teacher and PhD student at Harvard University, where he studies the sociology of education.The original recording can be viewed at the link below. The Balm In Gilead does not own the rights to this TED Talk and is only used under their Creative Commons License.https://www.ted.com/talks/clint_smith_how_to_raise_a_black_son_in_america
Dr. Pernessa Seele chats with Maya Harris this week from Richmond, VA about her two books, education in schools and some tips for parents with school-aged children.
Dr. P chats with retired internal medicine physician, Dr. Mavis Thompson Blaize who is 91 year old living in Bronx, NY.
Dr. Pernessa Seele features TED Talk speakers T. Morgan Dixon and Vannessa Garrison, founders of the health nonprofit GirlTrek. The original recording can be viewed at the link below. The Balm In Gilead does not own the rights to this TED Talk and is only used under their Creative Commons License.https://www.ted.com/talks/t_morgan_dixon_and_vanessa_garrison_walking_as_a_revolutionary_act_of_self_care
Rev. Dr. Jerome Barber, Senior Pastor of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple joins Dr. P this week to discuss their successful prediabetes program as part of the Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative.
Dr. Lauren Powell, Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Virginia Department of Health joins Dr. P on the Pod this week to discuss how we discuss race in respects to health and what we can do as a community to champion for racial and health equity.
Pastor Vernon Walton, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna joins Dr. P on the Pod this week to discuss why prevention and education is so important to mobilize in the church!
Scott Bennett, Director of Communications for SWIM RVA joins Dr. P on the Pod this week to talk about the importance of learning how to swim and what we as a community can do to reduce drownings in the African American community.
Personal trainer, Tasha Turnbull joins Dr. P on the podcast this week to discuss food and how to change our mentality to lose those last 10 pounds!
Faith Hecht, Youth Programs Coordinator for Sportsbackers in Richmond, VA joins Dr. P on the Pod this week to talk about the importance of keeping our children active this summer! #drponthepod #hc2020 #health #faith
Dr. Pernessa Seele features TED Lagos Talk Speaker Sangu Delle as June is Mental Health Month.The original recording can be viewed at the link below. The Balm In Gilead does not own the rights to this TED Talk and is only used under their Creative Commons License.https://www.ted.com/talks/sangu_delle_there_s_no_shame_in_taking_care_of_your_mental_health
Dr. Pernessa Seele talks with Dr. Goldie Byrd, Professor of Biology and Director for the Center for Outreach in Alzheimer's, Aging and Community Health at North Carolina A&T State University.
Dr. Pernessa Seele features TED Talk Speaker Dr. Joseph Ravenell on this week's Dr. P on the Pod to talk about black men and health as we head into Father's Day and June being Men's Health Awareness Month.The original recording can be viewed at the link below. The Balm In Gilead does not own the rights to this TED Talk and is only used under their Creative Commons License.https://www.ted.com/talks/joseph_ravenell_how_barbershops_can_keep_men_healthy
Leading up to Memory Sunday on Sunday, June 10th, Dr. Pernessa Seele chats with author, Loretta Woodward Veney on her books "Being My Mom's Mom" and her new book, "Refreshment for the Caregiver's Spirit".
Dr. Paula Duren, Founder of Universal Dementia join Dr. P on the Pod this week as we discuss Alzheimer's and caregiving.
Join Dr. P this week as we talk mental health in the Black church? Is there a stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community?
Dr. Pernessa chats with Jay Ell Alexander this week about being the new owner of Black Girls RUN!.
Dr. Pernessa Seele talks about fitness physically and spiritually with Pastor Vernon Gordon from The Life Church in Richmond, VA.
Dr. P chats with Lupus Research Alliance on the impact of lupus in the African American community. She also speaks with a young woman living with lupus!
Dr. P on the Pod chats with jazz vocalist, Sharon Rae North on the important of the arts and jazz in recognition of Jazz Appreciation Month.
Reverend Dr. Charley Hames of Beebe Memorial Church in Oakland, CA joins us this week to talk about this new book and what he is doing in his congregation to get our community healthy and active.
Dr. Jasmaine Shelford of Happy Feet Podiatry joins Dr. Pernessa Seele this week to talk about the importance of feet and the health of your feet.
The Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative (SDFI) is a national program of The Balm In Gilead, Inc. The SDFI is a 5-state faith-based project designed to expand access and utilization of the CDC’s PREVENT T2 program. Hosted by The Balm In Gilead’s local faith partners, the SDFI supports and encourage communities and individuals to live healthier in mind, body and spirit.
Join Dr. Pernessa Seele and special guest Rev. Dr. Cheryl Ivey Green as they talk Easter, including its meaning, history, culture and much more!
Join Dr. Pernessa Seele on this week's episode as we talk food since March is Nutrition Month!
March is Women's History Month! Dr. P welcomes special guests, Evandra Catherine and Nell Gibson on this week's show!
The purpose of the 2018 National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is to bring national attention to the AIDS epidemic in the United States and the extraordinary role faith communities can and are playing in AIDS prevention, education, service and advocacy.
Welcome to Dr. P on the Pod with Dr. Pernessa Seele, CEO + Founder of The Balm In Gilead in Richmond, Virginia. Join us each Thursday for a new show!www.balmingilead.org