The "Urgency of Now", the Summit

2025 Black Birth Equity Summit: Hosted and moderated by Rhonda Smith, Executive Director of the California Black Health Network

Expert Panel Discussion

On October 30, 2025, a distinguished panel of experts from the fields of health, law, and government engaged in a timely discussion. They assessed the progress achieved in recent years, identified existing gaps in care and equity, and explored actionable solutions for the future. We embrace such dialogue, especially now, when the systems meant to protect our most vulnerable communities are under increasing strain.

This event took place at the Westin Hotel (LAX), and we were there.

Why This Conversation Matters Now

In the current national climate, the healthcare landscape is undergoing rapid and often unsettling shifts. Access to care, especially for underserved communities, continues to face political and financial pressures. Programs like Medicaid remain essential lifelines, yet they are continually threatened by funding uncertainties and policy changes. At the same time, disparities in maternal and infant outcomes persist, especially for Black women and families, whose experiences reflect long-standing systemic inequities.

In this environment, conversations like this panel are not simply academic—they are necessary acts of advocacy. As the social safety net tightens, communities depend more than ever on informed leadership, strong partnerships, and persistent public engagement. The urgency to protect reproductive health, safeguard community-based research, and preserve culturally grounded care has grown dramatically. This dialogue underscores that achieving health equity requires not only policy innovation but also unwavering vigilance from the public and all sectors of healthcare.

Key Topics Addressed

• Persistent gaps that continue to impact outcomes and equity

• The roles of Medicaid, healthcare reform, and legislation in overcoming structural barriers

• Recent achievements in Black maternal and infant health policy and practice

• Strategies to promote long-term equity for Black mothers and infants in California

We had the privilege of hearing from the esteemed Dr. David M. Carlisle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU). Dr. Carlisle detailed the challenges the University has encountered, and successfully addressed—in areas such as research advancement and securing sustainable funding. Importantly, he clarified that while CDU shares the mission and legacy of institutions dedicated to educating and uplifting communities of color, it does not operate under the formal “HBCU” designation.

Kimlin Tam Ashing, Ph.D., professor and director of the Center of Community Alliance for Research & Education at City of Hope, a researcher and personal mentor also contributed to this meaningful insight through sponsorship, alongside numerous community partners and advocates for change. Their collective voices emphasized the importance of sustained community engagement and cross-sector collaboration in the fight for equity.

We will continue to provide our community with timely insights and updates as these conversations evolve and as policy and practice shifts begin to shape real-world outcomes. The work is ongoing, and so is our commitment.

Photos (lt to rt) Dr. Ashing, poster sound board w/artist, Antoinette, Dr. Ashing, Arnedra Jordan, Dr. Calisle, Video: Dr. Ashing

Questions & Answer