Atlanta’s Prominent Men Fight Her Health Challenge, Declaring Black Women’s Health a Priority
The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) invites men everywhere to show up, speak out and give back to advance the health and wellness of Black women.
ATLANTA, GA — Black women’s health headlines are impossible to ignore. Almost three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. Almost 60% live with high blood pressure. More than half are affected by obesity. These are not just statistics. They are mothers, wives, daughters and friends. A group of prominent Atlanta men decided to be part of the solution. By partnering with BWHI, they’re taking these conversations out of the headlines and into their group chats, social media feeds, and networks of men who have the power to make a difference.
Jason “J.” Carter, founder of One Musicfest. DJ Mars, music editor and DJ. Channing Baker, founder of Evolve Contractors. and Ryan Wilson, The co-founders of The Gathering Spot are among the first of many to answer the Her health challenge, a national campaign launched by BWHI today. Each man participates in honor of a woman who has shaped his life, and each invites other men across the country to do the same.
THE Her health challenge it’s about support, education and community. Participants are invited to share a photo or short video to honor a black woman or girl who has impacted their life, challenge three other men to do the same, and provide financial support through a donation to BWHI. The campaign grew out of a shared belief between BWHI and its partners that men need to be part of this conversation, learning more about the health issues that Black women and girls navigate every day, and offering tangible support to efforts that will help change health outcomes. The challenge runs until August 2026.
To meet men where they are, BWHI is also available In Her Corner: A Man’s Playbook for Supporting Women’s Health — a free, culturally tailored resource designed specifically for men who answer this call. The guide gives men practical tools to show up for the Black women in their lives, from knowing what to say when she gets a diagnosis, to protecting her peace on difficult days, to understanding the health challenges Black women face that are too often not addressed. It is one of the few resources of its kind created with Black men in mind and is available now at herhealth.bwhi.org.
The timing is no accident. As funding cuts to government and corporate sectors continue to threaten decades of progress in health equity, organizations like BWHI are absorbing the impact on the front lines. THE Her health challenge is BWHI’s call to expand its circle of champions and advocates to ensure that the women it serves are never voiceless.
What starts in Atlanta is meant to travel. We expect these first prominent participants to spark a chain reaction, a nationwide movement of men willing to show up, speak out, and stand visibly with Black women in these critical moments.
“The landscape is shifting beneath our feet, but the BWHI remains stable,” he said Joy D. Calloway, President and CEO of Black Women’s Health Imperative; “Our mission to solve the most critical health issues facing Black women and girls does not stop when others’ priorities change. This campaign is a direct response to this moment. Men have always been influential. When they add their voices, networks and resources to this critical work, we all move forward together.”
For Jason “J.” Carter, the decision was personal.
“I do this in honor of my wife, who inspires me every day,” Carter said. “Black women give so much to the people around them. Supporting BWHI through Her health challenge it’s my way of making sure that love is backed up by action.”
For Ryan Wilson it started with a loss.
“I am participating in honor of my grandmother, Evelyn Frozine Hughey, who died of breast cancer in 1967 before I had the chance to know her,” Wilson said. “My mother lost her mom when she was young and growing up I understood how much that absence meant. That’s why supporting black women’s health is so important to me.“
Channing Baker sees it as a broader responsibility.
“Black women are at the center of our families and communities,” Baker said. “When their health is compromised, everyone feels it. I’m proud to stand with BWHI and challenge other men to recognize that this work belongs to all of us.”
To join the Her health challenge or learn more, visit herhealth.bwhi.org.
On the Imperative Need for Black Women’s Health
The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) is the only national organization solely dedicated to solving the most critical health issues facing Black women and girls through innovative programs, transformative research and policy advocacy. Founded on the campus of Spelman College more than four decades ago, BWHI has been at the forefront of advancing health equity and ensuring Black women receive the care, resources and support they deserve. For more information visit BWHI.ORG.
For media inquiries: Cieja Springer | cspringer@bwhi.org
