Spotlight on the Birmingham Black Male Summit: Promoting Health Equity and Community Wellness for Black Men
The Birmingham Black Male Summit is on a mission to enhance the quality of life for Black men in Birmingham by addressing critical areas of mental, physical, emotional, and financial health. Through meaningful collaborations with organizations like the Forge AHEAD Center, the Summit amplifies its mission of advancing health equity. Dedicated to serving communities of color, the organization thrives through partnerships that amplify its impact.
As the Summit enters its third year, founder and coordinator Darrell Forte shares his deeply personal motivation for leading this transformative effort. For Darrell, this work is not just professional; it’s personal. Driven by a desire to change the narrative around Black men’s lives and to honor his father and brother’s legacies through community empowerment, Darrell emphasizes the importance of collaboration.
Partnerships with organizations like the Forge AHEAD Center are key to expanding their reach and increasing their influence in addressing health disparities and promoting equity for Black men and their families.
Forte shared, “Partnerships are essential to the work we do. They help us expand our reach, increase our credibility, and connect with the community in meaningful ways. When organizations like the Forge AHEAD Center collaborate with us, it’s not just about resources, it’s about building trust and amplifying impact.”
Breaking Barriers to Better Health
Authenticity and cultural sensitivity are central to the Summit’s approach. The third annual Summit, scheduled for February 8, 2025, promises to be a pivotal event for the Birmingham community. With a focus on empowering healthy lifestyles, the Summit will include a health panel, breakout sessions on critical topics like physical and mental health, financial wellness, leadership development, and more.
When asked what advice he would give to others addressing similar health issues in their communities, Darrell said, “Do it organically. Meet people where they are. Document but do it with care. Go out there with good intentions. Have culturally relevant language and have people who can be accessible at the event.”
This philosophy drives the Summit’s efforts to make health resources approachable and inclusive. For example, the organization addresses logistical barriers by providing school buses for student attendees, ensuring transportation barriers don’t limit participation. Darrell is also working to secure additional resources and partners to support the Summit’s success. The organization’s commitment to meeting people where they are and fostering trust ensures that their impact extends far beyond the event itself.
“Do it organically. Meet people where they are. Document but do it with care. Go out there with good intentions. Have culturally relevant language and have people who can be accessible at the event.”
Year-Round Initiatives Supporting Community Wellness
The Summit’s work extends beyond its annual conference. Monthly community activations, direct-service mentoring, and a private group chat for health discussions foster ongoing engagement. Early morning gym workouts and educational events bring people together, bridging gaps and promoting understanding across the African diaspora.
A new resource guide—covering local healthcare providers, grocery stores, and essential services—is in development to further support community members. Available in both physical and online formats, this tool aims to meet people where they are.
2025 Summit Highlights: Education, Empowerment, and Action
This year’s Summit will feature keynote speakers who are leaders in health equity, entrepreneurship, and community resilience such as Derrick Brooms, Ph.D., professor and executive director of the Black Men’s Research Institute at Morehouse College, Abdie Mohamed, lead cloud governance engineer at Lockheed Martin, and Damion Wright, a leader from Intuit, the parent company of Mailchimp, TurboTax, and Credit Karma. A health panel led by experts like Birmingham family medicine physicians Gregory Ramsey, NP, and Marshall Pritchett, III, M.D., will address critical health topics.
Feedback from past attendees highlights the Summit’s transformative impact. From success stories shared by community members to personal testimonials from Darrell’s own family, the event continues to change lives.
A Special Focus on Heart Health During American Heart Month
As we enter February, American Heart Month, the Birmingham Black Male Summit’s commitment to promoting heart health takes on special significance. Darrell shares a poignant personal story about his grandfather, who suffered a heart attack at just 42 years old. Stories like this reinforce the importance of regular check-ups and proactive health monitoring.
When asked what he wishes more people knew about heart health, Darrell said, “There is no age [minimum].” He emphasized that “heart disease has no name. It can be you. That’s why getting your blood pressure checked is important.”
The Summit’s inclusion of topics like heart-health aligns with its broader mission to foster healthier lifestyles through education, free health screenings, and community engagement. By addressing preventable conditions like hypertension and raising awareness about cardiovascular disease, the Summit is saving lives and reshaping health outcomes for Black men in Birmingham.
This February, as we reflect on the importance of heart health, let’s recognize the incredible work of the Birmingham Black Male Summit. Their efforts are a powerful reminder that improving community health begins with trust, education, and action.
For more information about American Heart Month and tips for community health, please visit the resources below.
“There is no age [minimum].” He emphasized that “heart disease has no name. It can be you. That’s why getting your blood pressure checked is important.”
Eating Healthy Heart-Check Foods
Eating Healthy Add Color
Healthy Living Making Habits Stick
Fitness Staying Motivated
