As we honor Black History Month, we must recognize that Black health equity is still an urgent battle – one shaped by centuries of systemic barriers, ongoing policy shifts, and the resilience of Black-led organizations and advocates. While progress has been made in research, healthcare access, and community-driven solutions, recent policy rollbacks threaten to erase hard-fought gains. Cuts to Medicaid expansion, FDA diversity mandates, and environmental health protections disproportionately impact Black communities, further widening disparities in preventative care, chronic disease management, and access to life-saving clinical trials. These challenges make it clear: Black health equity cannot be an afterthought – it must be a national priority.
Despite these setbacks, Black-led research, advocacy, and grassroots initiatives continue to drive change. Organizations like the Gwen Lily Research Foundation (GLRF) are on the front lines, working to expand access to precision medicine, increase representation in clinical trials, and push for policies that center the needs of historically excluded populations. Community-based programs are stepping up where federal policies fall short – bringing mobile health clinics into underserved neighborhoods, creating culturally competent mental health services, and empowering Black communities with the tools to take control of their own health. These solutions are proof that when Black voices lead, Black health improves.
However, progress cannot be sustained without collective action. We need policymakers to stand firm against policies that deepen racial health disparities. We need research institutions to commit to inclusive, equity-driven studies that reflect the realities of Black health. We need healthcare providers to recognize and dismantle systemic biases in treatment and care. And, most importantly, we need individuals – activists, researchers, community members, and allies – to refuse to accept inequality as the status quo. Health is a human right, and we must demand a system that ensures Black communities are no longer left behind.
At GLRF, we refuse to let Black health equity be erased. We are calling on you to join us in this fight. Whether you are a researcher pushing for more inclusive clinical trials, a policymaker advocating for health justice, or a community member ready to mobilize for change – there is work to be done, and your voice is needed. Sign up, donate, partner, and take action today. Together, we can ensure that Black health is not just a conversation during Black History Month – it is a commitment that shapes policy, research, and healthcare all year round.
Join us. Be part of the movement. Visit www.gwenlily.org to take action.
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