by Ebony Durham, Sr. Associate of Community Engagement
The Black Health Connect conference, which was held this year from June 26-30 in Washington, D.C., is a premier event focused on fostering professional development, innovation, and diversity in health care. The conference brings together health care professionals and leaders from underrepresented backgrounds to share insights, discuss emerging trends and explore actionable solutions that drive meaningful change in the industry.
This year’s theme, “Find Your Community: Now More Than Ever,” underscored the importance of building authentic connections and aligned with the organization’s dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion, supporting professional growth and staying at the forefront of industry developments.
By attending this conference, I expanded my professional network by engaging with thought leaders and peers in health care. I also gained insights into the latest industry trends and best practices that can benefit our team and projects. This conference was particularly important to me because it centers Black voices, experiences and solutions in a field that often overlooks the unique challenges and contributions of Black communities and professionals.
I chose to attend this conference to deepen my understanding of how equity-driven frameworks are being applied in real-world health systems, and to explore how culturally responsive strategies are being used to close gaps in access, care and health outcomes. I was especially drawn to a session called “What in the Health Policy? An Update on The Shifting Landscape in Healthcare,” where we learned to understand how recent policy changes like cuts to Medi-Cal/Medicaid and funding cuts are impacting public health systems and what communities need to know to stay ahead.
Another session I was drawn to was “Better Storytelling with Data,” where we learned how to unlock the power of data to tell stories that inform, influence and inspire action in the health care system. This session was relevant to my role at The Children’s Partnership as senior associate of community engagement by reassuring me how important it is to uplift community and youth voices, not just for the benefit of a project but for them to know how powerful their voices can be. The panelists also emphasized showing gratitude by reimbursing youth and community members for their time and effort, something we do at TCP.
By bringing together a community of Black professionals across the health care landscape, from clinical practitioners and researchers to policy advocates and public health leaders, the conference sought to strengthen the pipeline of Black health care providers, which is directly linked to better outcomes for Black children. Studies show that Black children seen by Black doctors are more likely to receive appropriate care, vaccinations and screenings. Representation in health care builds trust, especially important in early childhood care and adolescent mental health. Increasing the number of culturally competent providers directly benefits the next generation of Black children.
The sessions spotlighted Black-led startups, health tech and community-rooted care models that could be scaled to serve youth, meeting children and families where they are.
The conference modeled a healing-centered approach to health work, showing how community, joy and storytelling are tools of resistance and healing. It provided space for intergenerational dialogue, youth presence and Black professionals to mentor the next generation. Healing Black children also means healing the systems and professionals around them with joy, visibility and radical care.
