Recipe for Change: Fighting Health Disparities and Advancing Economic Empowerment – Essence

Throughout the year, Global Black Economy Forum has hosted numerous curated talks focused on solutions to the most pressing economic and social problems facing marginalized communities. One of these issues that is often overlooked is the relationship between black health and wealth. Unless we start tackling medical disparities and health inequities today, we cannot build wealth for the future.

This intersection was the focus of an event we hosted in August as part of our Cooking Up Conversation series. Held on Martha’s Vineyard National Medical Scholarships (NMF) and the Global Black Economic Forum had the chance to sit down with NMF’s unapologetic leader, Michellene Davis. Named one of the 25 Most Influential Minority Leaders in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare magazine, Michellene’s career has been at the nexus of policy advocacy and social change.

The article continues after the video.

Her organization is dedicated to increasing the number of Black, Indigenous, and racially diverse physicians through scholarships, service learning programs, mentorship opportunities, and clinical research leadership training.

The conversation revealed two simple and related data points: Over the next decade, the United States will experiencehuge doctor shortage while also becoming one majority non-white nation. These two trends underscore the need for more diversity in the field. Research shows that doctors who see patients of different races and ethnicities have better health outcomes.

But the percentage of black doctors in the United States has been increasing at an alarmingly slow rate. increased by only 4% in the last 120 years. With conservatives’ reactionary and destructive attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, we have never needed to redouble these efforts. The more we can improve health outcomes, the better positioned we will be to capture and compete for future economic opportunities. Given the urgency to address disparities in the health care workforce and their direct impact on Black economic outcomes, it is equally important to recognize the broader economic opportunities that can foster wealth creation in our communities.

Competing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the greatest economic opportunities in the history of tourism and hospitality, was the focus of our other curated conversation. hosted alongside East Point Convention and Visitors Bureau, We sat down with its president, Chantel Francois. In his role, he is responsible for developing the tourism industry for the City of East Point, Georgia. He previously led economic development and tourism promotion efforts in Atlanta, Trinidad and Tobago.

Francois explained how local businesses, led by entrepreneurs of color, can leverage global events like the FIFA World Cup to increase the visibility of their brands, increase sales, and even start their own businesses. The company emphasized the importance of partnering with event organizers, teams and athletes to help raise awareness. This collaboration is also critical as city officials coordinate with various stakeholders to ensure the safety of tourists and maximum economic opportunity for the local community.

When it comes to large events like this, it’s also important to create a sense of pride in the community, regardless of the industry in which a business competes. This pride means a strong connection with travelers so they will continue to engage with small businesses or create a new spark. Curiosity to discover more about the community. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has the potential to put millions of dollars into the pockets of people of color and their communities, and it’s crucial for businesses to start planning for now if they haven’t already.

Alphonso David is a civil rights attorney and President and CEO. Global Black Economy Forum.