Black History Month was recognized as a federal holiday in 1976 to acknowledge the contributions of the Black community to U.S. history. At Compassion & Choices, we believe that the changemakers in our movement are paving the way to make history. That’s why we are celebrating our African American Leadership Council all month long.
Compassion & Choices’ African American Leadership Council was launched in 2017 and has grown to include over a dozen trailblazing leaders from diverse professional backgrounds including faith leaders, advocates, physicians, nurses, and entrepreneurs.
The council members share a passion for addressing health disparities and improving end-of-life care within their communities. They provide invaluable guidance to our mission, speak at events, engage in advocacy, nurture partnerships with Black-led organizations, and much more.
In recent years, the council has worked with Compassion & Choices and leading national organizations to pass resolutions calling for improved end-of-life care and options for African Americans. Organizations issuing resolutions include the NAACP, African American Mayors Association, National Black Caucus of State Legislators, National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, The Center for Black Health and Equity, and the Lambda Psi Nu Sorority.
Another highlight of the council’s recent work has been collaborating with the Black Barbers Doc podcast. Last year, we joined the podcast for four powerful episodes exploring grief, advance care planning, ensuring equitable end-of-life care in Black communities and other pressing topics. We hope these episodes spark important conversations for listeners and their loved ones, because as council member Ottamissiah (Missy) Moore has said: “When you talk about what your choices are for your health, then you have freedom.”
Through these vital efforts, the council is raising awareness about end-of-life care, addressing healthcare inequities, and making end-of-life planning a communal conversation and process in Black spaces.
If you are interested in learning more about Compassion & Choices’ community engagement work or how you can get involved, reach out here!
Compassion & Choices
Media Contacts
David Blank
Media Relations Director
[email protected]
Phone: (227) 225 6553
Patricia A. González-Portillo
Senior National Latino Media Director
[email protected]
(323) 819 0310
Mail contributions directly to:
Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750
