The Communities of Color series continues to educate, uplift, and empower, and Day 2 was no exception! On February 8, 2025, we gathered at The Spot Where Lives Transform for an eye-opening discussion on Black health, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease led by Mark Brezzell, M.S.C.P.

A Matter of the Heart: Why This Conversation Matters
For many, diabetes feels like a life sentence—but Brezzell’s message was clear: diabetes is a condition, not a death sentence. With the right education, resources, and lifestyle adjustments, we can take control of our health and break generational cycles of chronic illness in the Black community.
🩺 Key Takeaways from the Discussion:
- Diabetes is a growing crisis. African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
- Prevention starts with awareness. Regular health screenings, balanced nutrition, and exercise can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes and its complications.
- Knowledge is power. Understanding how diabetes and heart disease are connected allows individuals to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
Attendees left feeling empowered, informed, and motivated to prioritize their health and encourage their loved ones to do the same. 💙
What’s Next? Join Us for Our Final Event on February 23!
We’re closing out the Communities of Color series with an important and transformative discussion on mental health! Don’t miss this final event featuring Tucker Higgins, Co-host & Mia Pile of Pain Unwasted, a powerful advocate for mental and emotional healing.
🗓️ DATE: Sunday, February 23, 2025
⏰ TIME: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 LOCATION: The Spot Where Lives Transform (5045 Memorial Pkwy NW, Suite B, Huntsville, AL 35810)
🎭 SPECIAL GUESTS & PERFORMANCES:
✔️ Fully Xtreme Danze Company – A powerful youth dance performance
✔️ Dorian Stewart – Special guest author of the Promise Pals collection
💡 Why You Should Attend:
The article "Mental Health in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Communities" from Tava Health highlights the unique mental health challenges faced by BIPOC individuals, emphasizing the impact of systemic discrimination, cultural assimilation stressors, and the need for culturally sensitive interventions. These insights align with the upcoming "Communities of Color: Make It Make Sense" mental health event on February 23, 2025, which aims to address mental health disparities in Black communities. This gathering seeks to create a supportive environment that acknowledges the cultural contexts of mental health, echoing the article's call for community-based, culturally informed care.
- Break the stigma around mental health in the Black community
- Learn how to heal from past trauma and emotional wounds
- Be inspired by powerful performances and stories of resilience
This is more than an event—it’s a movement. A movement to uplift our communities, prioritize our well-being, and support one another.
🎟️ Register now: www.nmdinc.org (Alternate payment methods accepted at the door.)