African American Community Engagement

Since 2017, our African American Leadership Council has led Compassion & Choices' concerted efforts to empower Black people to take charge of their end-of-life planning and care. This includes launching public awareness campaigns, collaborating with nationally recognized leaders and identifying advocates.

Compassion & Choices is proud to offer a host of tools and resources to help you and your loved ones “finish strong” by planning for an end-of-life experience that matches the life you’ve enjoyed – defined by love, purpose and agency.

Stories are an essential part of our work to educate and empower all people to understand their options, plan ahead and take action early to chart their end-of-life journey. 

Motivated by the impact of racism, inequity and disparities in end-of-life care, we are connecting with people nationwide to spread the word about the importance of end-of-life care planning and accessing quality end-of-life care.

Community Spotlight

The Compassion & Choices African American Leadership Council attended events surrounding Congressional Black Caucus in September, representing end-of-life issues on the national stage.

What We Aim For

We’re informing and empowering the Black community about the power of end-of-life care and planning. Through events, storytelling, creating free resources, collaborating with partners, and more, Compassion & Choices is addressing inequities and equipping all people to take charge of their end-of-life care. Our guiding principles are unity, legacy and transformation.

Stories

Lillie Tyson Head smiling

Lillie Tyson Head

Lillie Tyson Head is the founding president of the Voices for Our Fathers Legacy Foundation and a lifelong public health and education advocate.
“End-of-life planning is a necessary and very important conversation for everyone to have, to make things better for those who are being left behind.”

Irene V. Jackson-Brown

Gerontologist and Compassion & Choices advocate Irene Jackson-Brown helps families with end-of-life options, planning and care.
“Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready as you move through the end of life.”
irene v jackson brown

Elaine S. Saunders

Elaine S. Saunders, chair of the Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Day Care Center Advisory Council, explains the importance of having an Advance Directive
“Protect your legacy. Get your affairs in order. Make a plan and share it with your loved ones–I have.”

Latest News

Bishop Kevin E. Taylor recognized in Riverside, California
November 12, 2024

Bishop Kevin E. Taylor plays an essential role in our African American and LGBTQ+ Leadership Councils, offering a vital perspective as a faith leader based in Newark, New Jersey, and an advocate for advancing end-of-life care tailored to the needs of his communities. Last October, Taylor reached a significant milestone when he was officially recognized…

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End-of-Life Options Act Gains Momentum With Passing Vote From House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee
March 8, 2024

Terminally ill Minnesotans are one step closer to the end-of-life care option of medical aid in dying after the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee voted to pass the End-of-Life Options Act Thursday. The proposed legislation now moves to the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee for their consideration, likely next week. The vote came…

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Black History Month Staff Spotlight: Osha Towers
February 10, 2023

This Black History Month, Compassion & Choices is celebrating Black leaders within our organization who bring their unique and invaluable perspectives to the end-of-life options movement. Our staff and supporters make progress possible. Compassion & Choices’ Community Engagement team works within communities to advance our mission of improving care and expanding options at the end…

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