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