Exploring what's possible when community voices help shape the future of cancer care.
In fall 2026, BLKHLTH brought our Conversations series to Atlanta and Detroit, creating space for communities to explore new possibilities in multiple myeloma care and research.
Across both cities, people impacted by multiple myeloma came together with healthcare professionals and advocates to share knowledge and experiences. Our conversations explored advances in treatment, the importance of Black representation in clinical research, and the changes needed to make cancer care more equitable.
At the heart of these gatherings was a shared belief that people most affected by health inequities should have a voice in shaping the solutions.
Why These Conversations Matter
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that disproportionately affects Black Americans, who experience higher rates of diagnosis and death from the disease.
Medical advances have expanded treatment possibilities, but access to those advances remains unequal. Black patients continue to face barriers to timely care and opportunities to participate in clinical research.
Addressing these inequities requires listening to the people navigating them. Through BLKHLTH Conversations, we bring community voices into discussions about healthcare and research, creating opportunities to learn from lived experience and explore what meaningful change could look like.
Atlanta: Connecting Through Conversation
September 27, 2026 | National Center for Civil and Human Rights
We kicked off the series in Atlanta with an afternoon of connection and conversation at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Moderated by multiple myeloma advocate Tamara Mobley, the discussion featured Dr. Aron Kefela, Michelle Ware-Ivy, Oya Gilbert, and Bryon Daily, whose perspectives reflected both the clinical realities of multiple myeloma and the deeply personal experiences of those affected.
The conversation examined emerging treatment options and the role of clinical trials in advancing care. Panelists also reflected on the importance of patient advocacy and the work healthcare institutions must do to build trust with Black communities.
Attendees carried these ideas into small-group discussions, exploring what makes clinical trials difficult to access and what could make participation more possible for Black patients.
Special thanks to Shelly Andrews and team of The iLL Group for supporting event production and helping bring the Atlanta gathering to life.
Artist Alson Chiu captured the Atlanta panel discussion through live visual notes, bringing key ideas and moments from the conversation to life through illustration. His work offers a creative snapshot of what we explored together, from advances in cancer treatment to the importance of community engagement in research.
Detroit: Making Space for Reflection
October 25, 2026 | Owl & Oaks
A month later, we continued the conversation in Detroit, inviting attendees to approach the afternoon with reflection and openness.
The gathering began with a creative photography experience and guided reflection led by Rubini Naidu, founder of Empact, offering a moment to consider our relationships with wellness and the people who support us.
From there, attendees worked together to examine the experience of navigating clinical trials, considering the support people need from the moment they learn about research opportunities through their participation in a study.
A panel moderated by Tamara Mobley brought together Ellen Dillard, Kevin Hampton, and Shirley Cotton. Their conversation connected advances in multiple myeloma treatment with the lived realities of navigating cancer care, underscoring the importance of informed decision-making and patient advocacy.
The afternoon was a reminder of the value of creating spaces where people feel comfortable asking questions and sharing what they know.
Special thanks to Jeremiah Wheeler for his event management, production support, and community engagement, which helped make the Detroit gathering possible.
Detroit event photography by Kyle Powell. If you share photos from the event on social media, please credit and tag @kylejpowell.
More Options, More Possibilities: A Guide to Multiple Myeloma Clinical Trials
We want the learning and conversations from these gatherings to reach beyond the people who were in the room.
That's why BLKHLTH developed More Options, More Possibilities: A Guide to Multiple Myeloma Clinical Trials, a free resource designed to help people better understand clinical research and make informed decisions about their care.
The guide explains how clinical trials work and offers practical guidance for finding research opportunities, speaking with healthcare providers, and considering whether participation is right for you. It also connects patients and care partners with organizations offering additional support.
Whether you're navigating a multiple myeloma diagnosis or supporting someone who is, we hope this resource helps make the path forward a little clearer.
Illustrations and graphic design by Arella Warren.
BLKHLTH Conversations: Possibilities in Cancer Care and Research was made possible with support from Johnson & Johnson, in collaboration with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
To our panelists, facilitators, and partners, thank you for helping create spaces where important conversations could happen.
We're especially grateful to the community members who showed up with openness and a willingness to share their experiences.
