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By Tannette Elie
The National Association of Black Journalists-Milwaukee (NABJ-Milwaukee) and the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) are coming together to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing Black women today: health and wellness.
The organizations will host a Black Women’s Health Panel at 11 a.m. on Oct. 11 at the newly opened Martin Luther King Library Branch, 2901 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Attendees will hear from experts on topics affecting Black women’s health, including maternal health, mental wellness, heart disease and hypertension, breast cancer screening and more.
Panelists will also discuss issues that deeply impact Black women, such as navigating chronic conditions, accessing culturally sensitive medical care and leveraging community support to promote wellness.
“This partnership reflects the commitment of two leading organizations serving Black professionals to raise awareness around the critical health concerns of Black women,” said Tannette Johnson-Elie, president of NABJ-Milwaukee. “We invite women of all ages to join the conversation, ask questions and feel empowered.”
“NAHSE is proud to partner with NABJ-Milwaukee for this important conversation,” said Adrienne Bryant, president-elect of NAHSE. “This event creates a safe space where Black women can hear from experts, connect with one another and leave armed with the knowledge and resources to take charge of their health and wellness.”
NABJ-Milwaukee hosted a similar panel discussion for Black Men during Black Men’s Health Month in June and wanted to also give Black women a platform in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, as part of its intentional effort to elevate critical health conversations in the community.
The discussion will feature leading Milwaukee health experts and community leaders, including Bryant, of NAHSE; Dr. Lia Knox, founder and CEO of Knox Behavioral Health Solutions and co-founder of Black Space; Cherie Harris, director of Marketing, Media Strategy & Community Engagement for C.Harris Communications; and Carla Harris, R.N. and a breast cancer support group facilitator.
The panel will be moderated by Faithe Colas, the director of partnerships and special projects for the Greater Milwaukee Urban League. Colas will guide the conversation and audience Q&A.
This conversation is more important now than ever, given the persistent health disparities affecting Black women.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. The American Cancer Society also reports that while breast cancer incidence is slightly lower among Black women, they are 40% more likely to die from the disease than white women.
“Confronting these disparities requires open dialogue and shared solutions,” Bryant said. “By shining the spotlight on Black women‘ s health, we can help women take practical steps toward healthier futures.”
The panel discussion is free and open to the public.
About NABJ-Milwaukee
NABJ-Milwaukee is a non-profit chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. Originally founded in 1979 as the Wisconsin Black Media Association, it is a professional development organization aimed at enhancing access to the field of communications for students and professionals of color so that the media better reflect the multiracial community they cover. NABJ-Milwaukee also aims to use its communications skills to assist the Black community where appropriate. For more information about NABJ-Milwaukee, visit the NABJ-Milwaukee website or follow us at NABJ-Milwaukee on Facebook or NABJ-Milwaukee on IG.
About NAHSE
Founded in 1968, NAHSE has become the premier professional association for black executives in the health care field. NAHSE was established for the purpose of promoting the advancement and development of administrators, practitioners and educators and elevating the quality of health care services rendered to minority and underserved communities. Since its inception, NAHSE has sponsored and participated in local and national programs designed to improve quality, access, and availability of health services, and to expand educational opportunities in the field of health services administration.
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Post From Community: Black Women’s Health Panel
by Milwaukee NNS Reader Submission, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
October 6, 2025