Building Power Together: Join Us at the 2026 Black Male Summit

On February 7, 2026, Birmingham will once again become a gathering place for connection, growth, and possibility as the 4th Annual Black Male Summit returns to the UAB Hilton Downtown Birmingham from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This year’s theme, “Community Collaboration and Success,” reflects a powerful and timely truth. Meaningful progress does not happen in isolation. It happens when people, organizations, and systems come together with intention. For four years, the Black Male Summit has created space for that kind of connection, and in 2026, organizers are working to make this convening the strongest and most impactful yet.

The Forge AHEAD Center is proud to support the Black Male Summit once again, building on a partnership rooted in shared values and a commitment to improving health, opportunity, and well-being across communities.

A vision led by purpose

At the heart of the Black Male Summit is its founder and lead planner, Darrell Forte, whose servant leadership and purpose-driven approach continue to shape the spirit and direction of this convening. Grounded in faith and guided by a deep commitment to service, Darrell is passionate about using strategy, innovation, and partnership to drive measurable social impact.

His work centers on building bridges across sectors, ideas, and people to spark meaningful and lasting change. That vision is evident in every aspect of the Summit, from the diversity of voices at the table to the intentional focus on both personal growth and collective responsibility. Under his leadership, the Black Male Summit has grown into more than an annual event. It has become a platform for collaboration, accountability, and shared success.

A space designed for growth, connection, and action

Last year’s Summit welcomed more than 250 attendees and featured seven tracks, 20+ speakers, and 20 vendors, offering a dynamic mix of learning, dialogue, and engagement. The 2026 Summit will continue that momentum with:

Interactive workshops focused on leadership, career advancement, and personal development
A career fair connecting attendees to employment and professional opportunities
Financial literacy discussions that provide practical tools for building long-term stability
Sessions designed for adult men, young men, and the women who love and support Black men

Together, these elements create a space where individuals can gain insight, build confidence, and expand their networks while being in community with others who share a commitment to growth and success.

Why this summit matters now

The Black Male Summit is intentionally designed to address more than one aspect of success. It recognizes that professional advancement, financial stability, and health are deeply interconnected, and that community-based spaces play a critical role in advancing all three.

In 2026, the Summit will further strengthen its focus on well-being by working to incorporate health screenings and hosting a dedicated men’s health breakout session. These additions align closely with the Forge AHEAD Center’s mission to improve health outcomes and increase access to care, particularly in communities that have historically faced barriers to health services.

By bringing conversations about health into a space already rooted in trust, leadership, and empowerment, the Summit reinforces a holistic vision of success that centers the whole person.

Moving forward together

As the Summit enters its fourth year, its continued growth is a testament to the power of collaboration and purpose-driven leadership. The Forge AHEAD Center is honored to stand alongside Darrell Forte and the many partners, speakers, and community members who make this gathering possible.

The 2026 Black Male Summit is an invitation to connect, to learn, and to be part of a movement dedicated to creating positive change. If you are looking for a space that values your voice, invests in your future, and believes in the strength of community collaboration, we invite you to join us.

Together, we can continue shaping a brighter, healthier future, one conversation, one connection, and one community at a time.

Written by: Carol Agomo, Ph.D.

El Pueblo’s Mi Corazón Program Puts Heart Health at the Center of Community Care

January is Healthy Weight Management Awareness Month and a time to recenter or start fresh with a focus on practical, everyday choices that support long-term health. In Mississippi, one community organization has turned that idea into action in a way that feels personal, accessible, and rooted in trust.

El Pueblo, a Forge AHEAD Community Micro-grant recipient, leads Mi Corazón (My Heart), a community health initiative supporting Hispanic adults with limited English proficiency as they manage high blood pressure and improve heart health. The program is designed to be welcoming, easy to understand, and closely connected to the realities participants face in their daily lives.

Mississippi has one of the highest rates of high blood pressure in the country. For many Hispanic immigrants with limited English proficiency, managing hypertension is especially challenging due to language barriers, limited access to affordable care, and uncertainty around navigating the healthcare system. Mi Corazón was created to help address these challenges by offering clear information, consistent support, and trusted connections.

Participants are recruited through local clinics, schools, churches, and community centers using Spanish-language materials. Once enrolled, they receive weekly blood pressure checks, bilingual check-ins, and personalized goal setting. Monthly in-person education sessions provide guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and stress management, along with healthy meals and opportunities to ask questions. These sessions are delivered in partnership with organizations such as Lackney, Catholic Charities, and Fast Pace Clinics.

“Mi Corazón is about meeting people where they are and helping them feel comfortable taking charge of their health,” said Michael Ann Galliano Oropeza, executive director of El Pueblo. “When information is clear and support is consistent, people are more likely to stay engaged, keep appointments, and make changes that work for them and their families.”

Early updates from the program show encouraging progress. Participants have their blood pressure checked at least once a week, either through in-office visits or by phone and virtual check-ins. Many report attending medical appointments more consistently, particularly with their primary care providers. Several participants have adopted lower-sodium eating habits, and at least five now walk three times a week as part of their regular routine.

“When information is clear and support is consistent, people are more likely to stay engaged, keep appointments, and make changes that work for them and their families.”

– Michael Ann Galliano Oropeza, executive director of El Pueblo

Monthly meetings continue to see strong participation, even from individuals who travel up to 40 minutes to attend. Guest speakers from the healthcare field offer practical advice on heart health and maintaining healthy habits over time. Social media has helped extend the program’s reach, while routine check-ins include reminders about upcoming doctor’s visits and medication schedules.

The program also faces real challenges. Many participants live in rural areas with limited transportation options. The nearest low-cost clinic is often 25 minutes away, and reliable access to vehicles is not always available. Some participants lack basic health tools, such as blood pressure cuffs, or the technology needed for virtual check-ins. These barriers can make ongoing engagement difficult and, at times, frustrating.

Despite these obstacles, Mi Corazón continues to build momentum. The program expects to serve at least 20 participants directly and reach more than 100 community members through family involvement and public sessions. By focusing on clear communication, trusted relationships, and steady support, El Pueblo is helping lay the foundation for lasting improvements in community health.

As we recognize Healthy Weight Management Month, Mi Corazón reminds us that progress does not require perfection. It begins with small steps, reliable support, and the encouragement of a community working together.

Simple, community-friendly tips for healthy weight management

Start small. Replacing sugary drinks with water or adding one extra walk each week can add up over time.
Prepare familiar meals in healthier ways. Using less salt, baking instead of frying, and adding more vegetables can support heart health.
Find movement you enjoy. Walking, stretching, or dancing at home all count.
Keep track when possible. Writing down blood pressure readings, meals, or activity can help build awareness and motivation.
Stay connected. Support from family, friends, and community programs makes healthy changes easier to maintain.
Keep up with medical care. Regular checkups and taking medications as prescribed are key parts of managing weight and blood pressure.

Forge AHEAD is proud to partner with El Pueblo through the Community Micro-grant Program and support work that strengthens heart health and community well-being across Mississippi.

Written by: Carol Agomo, Ph.D.

Healthy Weight Awareness Month: Small Steps Toward a Healthier 2026

January is Healthy Weight Awareness Month, a time that aligns with New Year’s resolutions and offers a fresh opportunity to focus on habits that support overall health and well-being. At the Forge AHEAD Center, we recognize that a healthy weight looks different for everyone and that lasting change often begins with small, sustainable steps rather than quick fixes.

This month is about balance: nourishing your body, moving in ways that feel good, managing stress, and building routines that support both physical and mental health, especially in the communities we serve across the Deep South.

Why healthy weight matters

Maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Beyond disease prevention, healthy habits can improve energy levels, mood, sleep, and overall quality of life.

Healthy weight isn’t about perfection or numbers on a scale, it’s about supporting your body so you can feel your best, stay active, and do the things that matter most to you.

Katie Ellison, Ph.D., RDN, LDN, postdoctoral scholar working on the WISE Health Research Project shared, “Weight is just one metric and does not fully reflect overall health. Factors like cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, mental well-being, and metabolic health matter just as much and, in some cases, even more! Research shows that behaviors like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and not smoking reduce mortality risk across all BMI categories. Bottom line, focusing on healthy habits promotes sustainable health and well-being beyond the number on the scale.”

Focus on habits that last

Move More—In Ways You Enjoy

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. That can be just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week of walking, dancing, biking, or swimming. They all count.

“I’ve found that small habits really add up. I park at the back of the lot to get extra steps in, and I keep a dumbbell in my office so I can do a few lifts throughout the day. Between that and the treadmill, I’m able to stay active even on busy workdays,” shared Christopher Williams, FAC Community Advisory Board Member.

Eat Smart and Stay Nourished

Healthy eating doesn’t require strict rules. Start by focusing on fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, drinking more water, and being mindful of portion sizes.

Don’t Forget Sleep and Reduce Stress

Getting 7–8 hours of sleep and managing stress are just as important as physical activity and nutrition. Stress can influence eating patterns, while movement can help reduce stress.

Set Realistic Goals

Focus on small, achievable goals such as cooking at home a few nights a week or taking a short daily walk.

“Weight is just one metric and does not fully reflect overall health. …Bottom line, focusing on healthy habits promotes sustainable health and well-being beyond the number on the scale.”

— Katie Ellison, Ph.D., RDN, LDN

“I’ve found that small habits really add up”

— Christopher Williams, FAC Community Advisory Board Member

Fuel your body to move more with post-exercise snacks such as:

1.5 cups of low-fat chocolate milk
Peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole wheat bread
A serving of fruit and a string cheese stick
A turkey sandwich or wrap with a side of fruit
Scrambled eggs with a slice of whole wheat toast
A meal replacement shake that contains carbs and protein

Source here

Support makes a difference

Community programs, healthcare professionals, and support groups can help make healthy habits easier to maintain.

Instead of focusing only on weight, we encourage you to try goals you can control:

• Cook at home three nights a week

• Walk most days

• Add vegetables to one meal a day

• Pay attention to how your body feels

When healthy behaviors improve, weight often follows naturally. Remember, the goal is to build healthier habits to promote sustainable health and well-being. Start where you are. Use the tools around you. And remember, progress that lasts usually looks simple, not extreme.

Moving forward together

Healthy Weight Awareness Month reminds us that progress happens over time. This January, choose one small habit to focus on and celebrate your progress. At the Forge AHEAD Center, we are committed to supporting healthier futures—one step at a time.

Learn more about how to keep a healthy weight from this resource from the American Heart Association.

Written by: April Agne, MPH & Carol Agomo, Ph.D.

CMG Spotlight: Food Is Medicine – Edwards Street Fellowship Center Brings Fresh Solutions to Diabetes Care in Hattiesburg

Community Micro-Grant Spotlight: Food is Medicine – Edwards Street Fellowship Center Brings Fresh Solutions to Diabetes Care in Hattiesburg

In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Edwards Street Fellowship Center has long been a place where compassion meets action. Through its Fellowship Health Clinic, the Center provides free medical, dental, and pharmaceutical care for uninsured and underinsured adults in Forrest and Lamar counties. Every service, every interaction, shines with the Center’s mission to extend a helping hand to those who need it most and to reflect the light of faith.

The Forge AHEAD Center is proud to support this mission through a Community Micro-Grant awarded to Edwards Street Fellowship Center for their project, “FOOD IS MEDICINE: Health Outcomes Based on Consistent Access to Fresh Produce for Diabetic, Obese, and/or Hypertensive Patients of a Free Clinic.” This initiative puts fresh fruits and vegetables directly into the hands of patients who need them most and tracks how that access supports their health.

A Fresh Approach to Managing Chronic Conditions

For many of the Fellowship Health Clinic’s patients, barriers to health are not just medical; they are practical. Every patient in the program qualifies as low-income, and consistent access to fresh, quality food is a daily challenge. This reality makes managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension especially difficult.

That is where the Food Is Medicine project comes in. As the start of the project, ten patients diagnosed with diabetes and/or hypertension are receiving produce vouchers to redeem at a local grocery store. In addition to their free medications and supplies, participants meet regularly with registered nurse educators, including volunteer professionals, instructors, and nursing students from the University of Southern Mississippi, for personalized chronic condition education.

Through these one-on-one sessions, patients learn how diet, exercise, and daily habits directly influence their health. Graduate students from the University’s nutrition program have also joined in, providing individualized nutrition consultations, diabetic cookbooks, and “My Plate” portion control tools to help patients put new habits into practice.

Tracking Health, Building Hope

This project is about more than providing resources; it is about measuring real change. Over a twelve-month period, the team is tracking each participant’s weight, A1C levels, and blood pressure to assess how consistent access to fresh produce impacts their overall health. So far, results are promising, and the enthusiasm is contagious.

“Our patients are delighted to receive their fresh produce vouchers,” said Ann McCullen, Executive Director of Edwards Street Fellowship Center. “The grocery store we partner with provides detailed receipts for every voucher, so we know patients are buying fruits and vegetables and enjoying them.”

Monthly check-ins for weight and blood pressure, along with quarterly A1C tracking, are painting a clear picture of how nutritional support translates into improved outcomes. The team has also shared the project’s progress with community groups, donors, and board members, sparking broader conversations around food access in Hattiesburg.

Nourishing Bodies and Communities

While the data collection continues, the project has already achieved something powerful: it has connected the dots between food security, education, and long-term health. It has also shown how collaborative community partnerships between local organizations and universities can drive meaningful change at the local level.

As National Diabetes Month shines a spotlight on prevention and management, Edwards Street Fellowship Center’s work is a timely reminder that health starts with access to care, to knowledge, and to nutritious food.

“We are grateful for the opportunity for improved health that this Forge AHEAD micro-grant provides for our patients,” McCullen said. “It’s opening doors to better health, one grocery basket at a time.”

The Forge AHEAD Center is honored to partner with community organizations like Edwards Street Fellowship Center to advance health across the Deep South. To learn more about Edwards Street Fellowship Center, visit their website.

Written by: Carol Agomo, Ph.D.

Community Micro-Grant Spotlight: Pinktopps – Building a Healthier Future after Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to create awareness and honor the millions of lives affected by breast cancer (WHO, 2025). For Alabama’s Pinktopps, this month is also about honoring people who have faced breast cancer and to spotlight programs that help survivors thrive. The Forge AHEAD Center is proud to support Pinktopps Inc. through our Community Micro-Grant Program for their project, “Pinktopps Building a Healthier Future after Breast Cancer”. This community-based wellness initiative focuses on the real work of returning to life as normal as possible, one step at a time.

Pinktopps’ project is exactly the kind of community-first innovation the Forge AHEAD Center aims to lift up. The Center’s efforts place values on programs that are rooted in local culture, led by people with lived experience, and designed to be sustainable beyond the grant period.

Who the program serves and why it matters

Pinktopps targets young survivors and women with limited healthcare access who often face challenges to follow-up care and wellness resources. The program also provides education and support for families and caregivers, so recovery is supported at home. By focusing on younger survivors ages 19 to 45, Pinktopps supports a population that is building families, careers, and community roles while coping with survivorship.

This work matters because the transition from clinic to “life after treatment” is a time requiring increased support. Programs like Pinktopps help survivors move from short-term recovery into long-term wellness through peer-led support, practical skills, and connections to local resources.

A program built from lived experience

Pinktopps was created with the understanding that surviving cancer is not only a clinical journey. It is a life change that touches the body, emotions, relationships, spirit, and daily routines. The program centers lived experience at every level. Facilitators and peer leaders are trained to lead with their own histories in mind. That shared experience creates trust and makes it easier for participants to try new strategies, ask hard questions, and stay engaged. Peer leaders, survivor participants, and family members shape every session and every resource. Their leadership creates programs that are respectful, useful, and ready to be shared across communities.

The program sits on three core principles. First, health promotion that gives survivors practical tools for daily life. Second, community engagement that brings trusted local networks into the work. Third, peer empowerment that values survivor leadership and pushes decision making down to the people the program serves. Together these principles shape a holistic and sustainable model of survivorship care.

The Wellness Wheel: a whole-person curriculum

Pinktopps uses a Wellness Wheel Model that integrates six domains of health. Each domain is taught in ways that are practical, developed with input from community partners to reflect local context, and trauma informed.

Physical Wellness
Strengthening the body through movement adapted from physical therapy principles, good sleep habits, and gentle exercise that meets survivors where they are.

Nutritional Wellness
Practical education on meal planning, cooking on a budget, and ways to use anti-inflammatory foods to support recovery and long-term health.

Emotional Wellness
Group counseling, peer support circles, and journaling workshops that help people process what they have been through and build emotional tools for the future.

Spiritual Wellness
Mindfulness, guided meditation, nature therapy, and gratitude practices that support inner restoration and resilience.

Social Wellness
Safe spaces for social reengagement, relationship building, and reconnecting with family, friends, and community after treatment.

Environmental Wellness
Hands-on activities like growing food, nature-based sessions, and guidance on choosing eco-conscious health products that support a healthier home and neighborhood.

This Breast Cancer Survivor Month, help us spread the word. Share this post with your networks, invite a survivor to a Pinktopps session, or connect a community partner who can help grow the program. When communities and researchers work together, survivors gain both the practical tools and the social support they need to thrive.

Written by: Carol Agomo, Ph.D.

InspireHER Women’s Health Walk: Walking to Wellness

The Forge AHEAD Center is proud to collaborate with community partners to support the InspireHER Women’s Health Walk, taking place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Black Creek Park in Fultondale, AL. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m., with the program and walk from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The InspireHER Walk is more than just a morning in the park. It is a celebration of women’s health and wellness, a chance to connect with others, and an opportunity to take steps toward healthier futures. With the theme “Walking to Wellness,” the event invites women, families, and the broader community to come together for a morning of movement, learning, and encouragement.

Group from 2024 InspireHER Walk

Participants will engage with healthcare providers, access health awareness information, and explore practical ways to take charge of their health. October is recognized as Health Literacy Month, which makes this walk even more timely. Attendees will be able to gather resources, ask questions, and strengthen their ability to make informed choices about their health and well-being.

This year, the walk also highlights October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with an emphasis on lifting up survivors and their stories of strength. As Dr. Angela B. Haynes, CEO of InspireHER Global, shares, “October is a month of both awareness and action. By walking together, we honor the journeys of survivors while standing firm in our commitment to build healthier, safer communities for all women.”

As a planning partner, the Forge AHEAD Center is committed to advancing the message of cardiometabolic health. The walk reflects our shared mission: to promote healthier lifestyles, expand access to health screenings, and support policies that give our community the resources they need to thrive.

Walking improves more than just physical health. It strengthens the heart, reduces stress, boosts mental well-being, and reminds us that a community moving forward together is stronger than any individual walking alone.

We invite you to join us at Black Creek Park on October 18. Together, let’s keep Walking to Wellness and building healthier communities, step by step.

To learn more about InspireHER Global, the walk, and to register, please visit inspireherglobal.com.

Written by: Carol Agomo, Ph.D.

Health Literacy Month: Taking Charge of Your Heart and Health

Vicky, or Ms. V. as many in the neighborhood call her, lives in a small town in Alabama, loves her Sunday gumbo, and keeps the family photo albums on the porch for visitors to see. Last winter she started feeling more tired than usual and sometimes felt lightheaded when she stood up too fast. At first, she blamed it on a busy schedule and caring for her grandchildren. Then her niece, who is a nurse, noticed Vivian’s hands were shaky when she opened a pill bottle and encouraged her to get a checkup.

At her checkup, Ms. V. learned that her blood pressure was higher than it should be. She felt scared and overwhelmed by the numbers and the medical terms. Her niece sat with her during the visit, wrote down what the nurse said, and helped Ms. V. set a reminder to take her medications on her phone. Ms. V. also talked with her pastor, who connected her with the church wellness team. Between her niece, her church friends, and a kind nurse at the clinic, Ms. V. started to feel supported instead of alone.

Over a few months Ms. V. began making small changes. She used a simple pill box, set an alarm for medicine time, and started walking with a neighbor three times a week. At the Sunday potlucks she started asking the cook for a smaller portion and often added a side of greens to her plate. She keeps a little notebook with her blood pressure readings and brings it to appointments. These changes did not happen all at once; they happened step by step with people who cared for her.

Health Literacy Month

The Forge AHEAD Center works with community partners, researchers, and healthcare providers in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana to reduce cardiometabolic risk and support healthy living. We are sharing these tips for Health Literacy Month because clear information and small, doable steps help people protect their hearts and reduce risk for chronic diseases. This month we want to spotlight simple tools you can use right away that make it easier to take those next steps.

October is Health Literacy Month, a time when communities nationwide focus on making health information easier to find and easier to use. Health literacy is not about being a doctor. It is about understanding health information and using it to make choices that keep you and your family well. For people in the Deep South, where heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes affect many families, stronger health literacy can help turn fear into action.

Download our one-week Health Literacy Month checklist to help you keep track of blood pressure, medicines, and simple steps you can try this week. [Download the checklist]

What health literacy looks like in real life

Health literacy means you can read a prescription label and know when to take it. It means you can understand what your blood sugar and blood pressure numbers mean. It means you feel comfortable asking your doctor or nurse to explain something again in plain language. It also means knowing how to find trustworthy local resources when you need help.

Good health literacy helps prevent cardiometabolic diseases. The good news is that many of the changes that lower risk are within reach and can be easy shifts to make.

Health Literacy Month Checklist

One week. Small steps. Better health.

Use this checklist during Health Literacy Month to build small habits that help prevent heart disease and diabetes. Pick one or two items to start. Check the box when you do each task. Bring this page to your next clinic visit.

Download the checklist

You do not have to be perfect

Prevention is about progress, not perfection. Remembering to take your medicine twice instead of zero times or walking 10 minutes more each day are all wins. Share what you learn with a neighbor or a community group. That ripple can help families across your town stay healthier.

Ms. V. did not change everything at once. She asked simple questions, leaned on her niece and her church friends, and kept a small notebook of her blood pressure readings. Over time those steps became habits that protect her heart and health.

Download our one-week Health Literacy Month checklist to help you keep track of blood pressure, medicines, and simple steps you can try this week. [Download the checklist]

Written by: Carol Agomo, Ph.D.