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.
WJTV highlighted the importance of bringing health awareness directly into our communities through the "The Shop" . The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health, the Black Men's Health Equity Council, and community partners are working together to meet Black men where they are—right in the barbershop—to encourage conversations about health, prevention, and wellness.
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - The Jackson State University School of Social Work hosted a health and wellness fair that brought resources directly to students. Delicia Young said she learned about stroke risks at the event. “I learned about strokes being more prominent in women, especially Black women, versus other ethnicities and other genders. And so that was something that will make me keep a watch on,” Young said. Students said having resources on campus makes a difference. “A lot of times we don’t prioritize our health. So I feel like having this event and letting us know what we can go to like those organizations and those companies and businesses that are there to help us with our health and with our wellness is very educational,” Kayla Sanders said. Epidemiologist Warren Jones said holding health events at convenient places are key. “A lot of men seem to be more comfortable opening up to their barbers. So, it’s not just a haircut that they’re getting, but it’s almost like a counseling session sometimes,” Jones said. Mississippi is facing a maternal and infant mortality crisis. The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health runs the “baby depot,” providing free diapers and food to help mothers through the first year. Khaylah Scott with Mississippi Health Advocacy Program said these disparities are not accidents and the solution starts with an informed community. “I think the needle is moved more in these casual settings, especially in barbershops or places where communities convene, because that’s where real talk happens. And you never know how effective that can be,” Scott said. Scott said young Mississippians belong in the health advocacy space and their voices matter. “You can advocate for others as long as you’re demanding more and better for people around you and yourself,” Scott said. The goal is to keep the conversation going beyond April and National Minority Health Month.
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - For Black Maternal Health Week, metro area moms received the tools and resources they need for better pregnancy and mental health. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Rho Lambda Omega chapter and the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health hosted Healthy Moms, Healthy Futures. Organizers focused on baby CPR, maternal health, mental health, SIDS education, and more, providing education for new moms and moms-to-be. “This is important to make sure that we come out in the community to educate moms about how to have healthy pregnancies. If they have questions about what is going on during their pregnancy, they have someone to talk to and know how to advocate for themselves,” Latasha Rice, program manager for maternal and child health with the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health, said. Rice said she hopes mothers utilize and understand the information they are given to help promote better health in Mississippi.