BLACK MEN'S HEALTH

EQUITY COUNCIL

Join the Black Men's Health Equity Council, a dedicated initiative aimed at tackling and minimizing health inequalities that disproportionately affect Black men.

Black Men's Health Equity Council Join Today!

About

Black Men Equity Health Council

The Black Men's Health Equity Council is dedicated to advancing health equity for Black men in Mississippi. The council aims to revolutionize the well-being of Black males throughout Mississippi communities. By enhancing the well-being of Black men holistically, the council focuses on imparting knowledge, raising awareness, delivering effective programs, and advocating for transformative policies.

Mission

The mission of the Black Men’s Health Equity Council is to reduce health disparities among African American men in Mississippi through collaboration with community stakeholders, dissemination of information and linkage to support services.

Black Men's Health Equity Council Programming

  • Choppin’ It Up: The Barbershop Series
  • Vaping Youth Rallies
  • School Supply Giveaways
  • Black Men’s Health Equity Conference
  • Men’s Health Month
  • Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
  • Minority Mental Health Month
  • Tobacco Cessation 


For More Information

Men interested in getting involved with this work or learning more about it, contact Warren Jones at wjones@advancingminorityhealth.org. You can find resources on topics related to Black men’s health on the Black Men’s Health Equity Council social media platforms.

Two people shaking hands and smiling in a home setting. One person has their hand on the other's shoulder.

Mississippi Link

Here's a section from an article about the past Black Men's Health Equity Conference, which was featured in the Mississippi Link. Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated 'Central Park Five' was the featured headliner. Dr. Yusef Salaam delivered an impassioned address during the Black Men's Health Equity Conference.

IAMH hosts the second Black Men's Health Equity Conference

The Black Men's Health Equity Conference was a success. Here are some special memories from the event.

Goal

Reduce heal disparities among Black Men in Mississippi

Objective 1 

The Black Men’s Health Equity Council will educate at least 500 men about issues that are relevant to Black men in the state (e.g. heart disease, HIV, STIs, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, diabetes), annually.

box chart

Objective 2

The Black Men’s Health Equity Council will develop a network of men who will identify and participate in the development of solutions to the most pressing health issues affecting Black Men.


Meet
Meet Monthly virtually or face to face




Develop
Develop a strategic plan with input from the council




Create

Create a database of men's health services


Objective 3

The project aims to develop a mentorship initiative to improve academic and health outcomes among young Black men in Mississippi. 


Develop
Develop a mentor network




Identify
Identify at risk youth



Develop

Develop a mentorship curriculum


Develop & Implement
Develop and implement a summer
youth camp/program

Community Resource Fair

By Minority Health • March 4, 2026
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A Community Resource Fair was held at College Hill MB Church in Jackson. 

Impact in Action: Expanding Access to HIV Education and Screening Across Mississippi

By Minority Health • February 23, 2026
Institute Program Manager Latasha Rice shares information with Judge Yemi King during the Community Resource Fair on Saturday, February 21 at College Hill Church.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Supports Mississippi Families Through Baby Depot Donation

By Minority Health • January 30, 2026
The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health (IAMH) is proud to recognize Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for its generous support of Mississippi families through a significant contribution to IAMH’s Baby Depot program. During the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, IAMH received more than 5,000 essential items, including diapers, wipes, and baby food, from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Beta Delta Omega Chapter and Gamma Rho Chapter. This donation directly supports infants and toddlers across Mississippi who face diaper insecurity—a challenge that forces many families to choose between purchasing diapers and paying for basic necessities such as rent and utilities. Diaper insecurity is more than a supply issue; it is a public health concern that disproportionately affects low-income families and those eligible for Medicaid. Access to clean diapers is essential for infant health, reducing the risk of infections, supporting early childhood development, and easing financial strain on caregivers. The Baby Depot program provides critical relief to families by supplying essential items while connecting parents and caregivers to health education and supportive resources. Contributions like this one help strengthen community well-being and improve outcomes for Mississippi’s youngest residents.  Founded in 2019, IAMH works to reduce health disparities among underserved populations in Mississippi through collaborative partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and evidence-based public health interventions. The support from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. reflects a shared commitment to service, equity, and the health of families statewide. IAMH extends sincere gratitude to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for embodying a legacy of service and for making a meaningful difference in the lives of Mississippi families.

Warren Jones Highlights the Tell Ten Challenge on WLBT to Address Men’s Health Outcomes

By Minority Health • January 30, 2026
Warren Jones discussed the Tell Ten Challenge during an interview with WLBT. The challenge is inspired by statistics on men's health. A CDC report shows that men have worse outcomes than women.

Warren Jones Featured in WJTV Interview as Black Men’s Health Equity Conference Returns to Tougaloo College

By Minority Health • November 17, 2025
Warren Jones was recently interviewed by WJTV. This year’s event placed a strong focus on the mental and physical health challenges disproportionately affecting African American men in Mississippi. The conference brought together community leaders, health experts, and advocates to address these issues and promote actionable solutions for improving overall wellness and equity.

Local sorority chapter hosts suitcase drive for unhoused community

By Minority Health • October 27, 2025
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - A local sorority chapter is working to restore a sense of humanity in the community - one suitcase at a time. The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health and the Ebony Pearls Foundation collaborated with the Rho Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to host a suitcase drive for the unhoused community in the area. “The purpose of it is we want to restore dignity to those who are unhoused or unstably housed when carrying their belongings because we know, a lot of the time, the shelters are only really for night-time and they’re forced to leave and they have to take their belongings around either in garbage bags or plastic bags,” Dawn Magee, chapter president, said. Cars lined up outside The Ivy Pointe in Jackson on Sunday afternoon to donate both new and gently used suitcases to aid those experiencing homelessness. It was the first year for this drive, and the chapter wants to address a side of homelessness that many people may not think about. “No one wants to carry their belongings in a garbage bag around. You’re already dealing with the fact that you’re unhoused. Then, the way that you have to carry your possessions, all of us have a certain feeling towards the things that we own,” Magee added. “So, we want to make sure that they can carry around their belongings in a wheeled suitcase or duffel bag.” The suitcases will be donated to Shower Power next month. Magee also has a message for people who are unsure about donating. “It can be any of us at any day. Like they say, we’re all one paycheck away sometimes from being unhoused,” explained Magee. “So, I would encourage them to look at how you would feel if you were in their shoes, unhoused, trying to take your belongings from place to place.” If you didn’t have a chance to donate today, you still have until Nov. 20 to give back. Read more
Empowering Jackson’s homeless community with compassion, care, and access to vital health resources.

Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health Supports World Homeless Day to Promote Health and Hope in Jackson

By Minority Health • October 11, 2025
The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health proudly participated in World Homeless Day 2025 on October 10, 2025, at The Stewpot’s Opportunity Center in Jackson, MS.

Warren Jones Champions Men’s Health at Mississippi State Capitol

By Minority Health • September 3, 2025
Our epidemiologist, Warren Jones, continues to make us proud! He was a featured speaker at the Prostate Cancer Awareness Month press conference at the Mississippi State Capitol. He shared insights on the importance of knowing your family history and getting screened early. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men, and Black men are more than twice as likely to die from it compared to their white counterparts. Men, don’t wait! Go get checked. Talk with your doctor about prostate cancer screening today!

Jackson recognizes September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

By Minority Health • September 3, 2025
JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Jackson Mayor John Horhn declared September 2025 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. According to health officials, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States, with African American men disproportionately affected. This month, the city will join local organizations and health partners in raising awareness about the importance of early detection, regular screenings and prostate health education. “The health of our community is a top priority. By coming together to raise awareness about prostate cancer, we can save lives through education, early detection, and support. Jackson is ready to lead by example this September,” Horhn said. Some community events have been planned throughout September: September 25 at 6:00 p.m. – Community Awareness Forum at MS Baptist Hospital, Belhaven Building, 1200 N. State Street, Room 220 September 28 – Prostate Cancer Sunday, acknowledged during morning worship services in churches across Jackson, encouraging male representatives to speak about early PSA screening  Residents are encouraged to wear blue during the month to show solidarity and support for men’s health.

Institute's Black Men’s Health Equity Conference brings community together at Tougaloo College

By Minority Health • August 28, 2025
The third annual conference at Tougaloo College focused on breaking down barriers to care with workshops, free screenings, and open conversations about health equity for Black men. The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health hosted its third annual Black Men’s Health Equity Conference this weekend at Tougaloo College, drawing community members, faith leaders, and policymakers to address the well-being of Black men across Mississippi. The event, held at the Bennie G. Thompson Academic and Civil Rights Research Center, featured conversations on mental health, chronic disease prevention, financial literacy, environmental justice, and even climate change. “It’s all about preventative health for Black men across the state of Mississippi,” said Warren Jones, an epidemiologist with the Institute. “This conference is important to acknowledge the disparities and come up with strategies to help men live healthier lives.” In addition to workshops and networking opportunities, free health screenings were offered to support early detection and prevention. Mississippi Public Service Commissioner DeKeither Stamps took part, encouraging others to do the same. “I got all my tests done. It’s critically important that you know your numbers and how to keep them low,” Stamps said. “If you have any negatives, there are professionals here to guide you.” Organizers say the conference provides a safe space for men to ask questions and learn directly from health experts. “There are no dumb questions,” said Mac Epps, CEO of the Epps Institute of Health and Family Community Living. “Events like these give you information you can’t always find online.” Leaders hope the annual event will continue breaking down barriers to care and encourage men to take charge of their health. They also stress the importance of regular screenings and staying connected with local resources.
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