How long have you been a member of the Black Health Network, and what drew you to CBHN?
The Saving Our Legacy: African Americans for Smoke-Free Safe Places (SOL Project) renewed its CBHN membership in 2024 to strengthen partnerships and advance health equity. CBHN’s statewide reach aligns with our mission to end the disproportionate impact of tobacco in Black communities. Membership gives us space to learn, share, and collaborate on culturally relevant solutions—like smoke-free housing—that improve health and protect future generations.

What is your current profession?
I serve as Project Director of the SOL Project: Empowering Local Communities. Our African American-led initiative educates, organizes, and advocates for policies that eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, and expand smoke-free spaces. We partner with faith leaders, youth, community groups, and policymakers to build healthier, safer environments in Sacramento county.

From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians?
Health equity for Black Californians is hindered by systemic racism, inequitable housing, limited access to culturally competent care, and predatory marketing by the tobacco industry. Despite smoking at similar or lower rates than whites, African Americans face greater tobacco-related illness. This disparity is fueled by targeted menthol advertising, high retailer density in Black neighborhoods, and fewer resources to quit—making tobacco a clear social justice issue.

Both in your work and with CBHN, how have you been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians?
We prioritize Black health by addressing environmental conditions that perpetuate inequities. The SOL Project works with churches to adopt smoke-free policies, mentors youth advocates, and supports local menthol bans. With CBHN, we amplify efforts to educate and engage health professionals, organizations and leaders to support services and policies that improve health outcomes for African Americans. SOL is specifically working to advance tobacco-free spaces, ensuring that African American families—especially renters—can live in homes and communities free from harmful secondhand smoke.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?
I am inspired by community resilience and the victories we’ve achieved together. Every smoke-free policy passed means more children, elders, and families can breathe easier. Witnessing tenants, youth, and faith leaders unite to protect health reminds me that change is possible. This collective strength fuels our commitment to equity and ensures the legacy of healthier Black communities for generations to come.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?
The bravest work has been standing before city councils and boards to demand smoke-free policies in the face of Big Tobacco’s influence. Speaking truth to power, while carrying the stories of families harmed by secondhand smoke, required courage and conviction. These moments of advocacy helped shift norms, spark local victories, and ultimately build momentum for statewide protections like California’s flavored tobacco ban.

What's the best advice you've ever received?
The best advice was: “Don’t take disagreements personally—most people are protecting their own concerns.” This perspective has helped me approach conflict with empathy, ask better questions, and find common ground. In tobacco prevention, where change can feel slow, this advice reminds me to listen deeply, build bridges, and persist until communities win the protection they deserve.