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.
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.
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
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.