Her Health Challenge – Black Women’s Health Imperative

Atlanta’s Prominent Men Step Up for the Her Health Challenge, Declaring Black Women’s Health a Priority

The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) invites men everywhere to show up, speak up and give back to advance the health and wellness of Black women.

ATLANTA, GA — The headlines about Black women’s health are impossible to ignore. Nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. Nearly 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. Partnering with BWHI, they are bringing these conversations out of the headlines and into their group chats, their social media feeds, and the networks of men who have the power to make a difference.

Jason “J.” Carter, founder of One Musicfest; DJ Mars, music curator and DJ; Channing Baker, founder of Evolve Contractors; and Ryan Wilson, co-founder of The Gathering Spot are among the first of many to answer the Her Health Challenge, a national campaign launched today by BWHI. Each man is participating in honor of a woman who has shaped his life, and each is calling on other men across the country to do the same.

The Her Health Challenge is about support, education, and community. Participants are invited to share a photo or short video honoring a Black woman or girl who has impacted their life, challenge three other men to do the same, and offer financial support through a donation to BWHI. The campaign grew out of a shared conviction between BWHI and its partners that men need to be part of this conversation, learning more about the health issues Black women and girls navigate every day and offering tangible support for efforts that will help change health outcomes. The challenge runs through August 2026.

To meet men where they are, BWHI is also releasing In Her Corner: A Man’s Playbook for Supporting Women’s Health — a free, culturally tailored resource designed specifically for the men answering 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 the hard days, to understanding the health challenges Black women face that too often go unaddressed. It is one of the few resources of its kind created with Black men in mind, and it is available now at herhealth.bwhi.org.

The timing is not coincidental. As funding rollbacks across government and corporate sectors continue to threaten decades of progress in health equity, organizations like BWHI are absorbing the impact on the frontlines. The Her Health Challenge is BWHI’s call to expand its circle of champions and advocates to ensure the women it serves are never without a voice.

What starts in Atlanta is meant to travel. We expect these early prominent participants to spark a chain reaction, a nationwide movement of men who are willing to show up, speak up, and stand visibly with Black women during these critical times.

“The landscape is shifting beneath our feet, yet BWHI is holding steady,” said Joy D. Calloway, President and CEO of the 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 shift. This campaign is a direct response to this moment. Men have always had influence. When they add their voices, their networks, and their resources to this critical work, we all move forward together.”

For Jason “J.” Carter, the decision was personal.

“I’m doing this in honor of my wife, who inspires me every single day,” Carter said. “Black women give so much to the people around them. Supporting BWHI through the Her Health Challenge is my way of making sure that love is backed by action.”

For Ryan Wilson, it started with a loss.

“I’m participating in honor of my grandmother, Evelyn Frozine Hughey, who passed away from breast cancer in 1967 before I had the chance to meet 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.

About the Black Women’s Health Imperative

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