Black People Like Me Virtual Conference Series
Welcome to Allergy & Asthma Network’s Black People Like Me virtual conference series
Join us for virtual conferences as we address ongoing disparities and barriers to care for the Black community living with allergic, respiratory, and skin diseases.
Session 5: Chronic Urticaria in the Black Community: More than Hives
Allergy & Asthma Network presents a Black People Like Me free virtual conference on overcoming barriers in chronic urticaria diagnosis and disease management in the Black community. In this session, we’ll show how urticaria (including Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria, or CSU) appears on different skin tones, discuss its root causes, and share strategies to manage symptoms effectively.
We’ll explore how often this condition is misdiagnosed, particularly on skin of color. We’ll clarify confusing terminology around hives and the links to potential autoimmune causes. Attendees will learn about the Black community’s need for more inclusive images featuring diverse skin tones, ages, and genders.
Dr. Nicole Negbenebor, will discuss how to identify possible root causes of hives so you’re not just treating the hives but understanding why CU occurs even when a “known cause” isn’t readily identified. Patient advocate Emmeka Hawkins will share her personal experience with chronic spontaneous urticaria. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and drive meaningful change in addressing urgent health disparities.
Free Virtual Conference: May 1, 2025| 4:00 PM ET
In this virtual conference, you will:
- Learn how underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis uniquely affect individuals in the Black community.
- Discover why more diverse images of hives are needed to improve recognition across different skin tones, ages, and genders.
- Explore how chronic urticaria is often mistaken for other skin conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis) leading to delays in proper care.
- Understand why many patients push back on the idea of “no known cause” and want clearer answers about what’s driving their condition.
- Find out why identifying the root cause of chronic urticaria is just as important as treating the symptoms.
- Hear a personal story about living with chronic spontaneous urticaria and the power of self-advocacy.
CE is not available for this event.
Speakers:
Sherrina Gibson — Moderator
Sherrina Gibson is the CEO of Carter Consulting, a Black woman-founded firm helping health-focused organizations use data to drive community change. With a background in strategy and analytics, she has supported over 100 health nonprofits and public agencies. Sherrina is also a passionate food allergy advocate and leads the Richmond Food Allergy Support Group in Virginia.
Dr. Nicole Negbenebor — Doctor Speaker
Dr. Nicole Negbenebor is a dermatologic surgeon and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, where she also leads the Skin of Color Clinic. She received her medical degree from the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and completed her dermatology residency there. Dr. Negbenebor further trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology through a fellowship at the University of Iowa.
Emmeka “Meka” Hawkins — Patient Speaker
Emmeka, known online as “Meka,” is a content creator who began sharing her natural hair journey in 2020. After being diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria in 2021, she expanded her platform to include wellness and clean beauty. Meka advocates for inclusive care, self-advocacy, and better representation for people of color living with chronic skin conditions.
All attendees will be offered a certificate of attendance. No other continuing education credit is provided.
Who Should Attend?
- Patients, caregivers, and family members affected by eczema
- Healthcare professionals and advocates interested in health equity
- Anyone seeking to understand or reduce health disparities in their community
The first 100 patients or caregivers living in the United States and Puerto Rico who register and attend the full virtual conference presentation are eligible to receive a $25 gift card.
You must live in the United States or Puerto Rico and provide a valid address and phone number to receive the gift card.
The registration information is only for Allergy & Asthma Network use and will not be shared with any outside organizations including government agencies or pharmaceutical companies.
If you are unable to attend, still register! We will send a link to you after the event so you can view the on-demand recording.
Special thanks to Genentech and Novartis for providing funding support to make this webinar possible.
Session 4: Eczema Care in the Black Community: Empowerment Through Shared Decision-Making
Recording
On Feb. 11, 2025, Allergy & Asthma Network presented this Black People Like Me virtual conference addressing barriers in patient-doctor communication in eczema care and empowering the Black community in disease management.
What we covered
- Ama Alexis, MD, discussed why eczema disparities persist and explored how patients and doctors can collaborate to foster more empathetic, patient-centered care.
- How under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis of eczema uniquely affect people in the Black community.
- Practical tips to prepare for doctor appointments, speak up effectively, and ensure your concerns are fully addressed.
- Gregg Clark Jr., MA, APCC, shared why mental health support, especially in communities that are underserved, is essential for holistic care.
- How shared decision-making with your doctor can help you navigate medication options and insurance hurdles.
Resources
- EczemaInSkinofColor.org
- Health Equity in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
- What is Eczema?
- What is Shared Decision-Making?
- Eczema Patient Resources (including videos and podcasts addressing skin of color)
Special thanks to Incyte, who has provided funding support to make this virtual conference possible.
Session 3: Addressing COPD in the Black Community – Risks, Resources, and Health Equity
Recording
On Nov. 5, 2024, Allergy & Asthma Network presented this Black People Like Me virtual conference to address the disparities and barriers to care for the Black community living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
What we covered
- Dr. Cedric “Jamie” Rutland, MD addressed COPD and its disproportionate impact on the Black community. He provided insight on how COPD impacts overall health and quality of life.
- We learned how COPD is diagnosed – and also too often under-diagnosed in the Black Community.
- Speakers provided education on managing and treating COPD, including new medications.
- We heard from a person living with COPD – Misako Bonner – who shared her experiences.
- How to advocate for yourself or a family member living with COPD.
Resources
- What is COPD?
- BiologicMeds.org
- Ask the Allergist Video: Is It Asthma or COPD? Or Both?
- Health Equity in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Special thanks to Genentech and Viatris who have provided funding support to make this virtual conference possible.
Session 2: Addressing Barriers in Food Allergies and Empowering the Black Community
Recording
What we covered
- Food allergy disparities, the burden on the Black community, and how to achieve health equity, from board-certified allergist Dr. Nancy Joseph.
- How food allergies are often misdiagnosed or under-diagnosed in the Black community.
- How to manage food allergies at social events, such as family gatherings.
- We heard directly from a person living with food allergies – Thomas Silvera – who shared experiences, including how to handle severe allergic reactions to food.
- How to advocate for yourself or a family member living with food allergies.
Resources
- What are Food Allergies?
- Living with Food Allergies
- Food Allergy Treatment and Management
- Mental Health and Food Allergies
- Health Equity in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Special thanks to Genentech, who has provided funding support to make this virtual conference possible
Session 1: Addressing Barriers in Eczema and Empowering the Black Community
Recording
On April 9, 2024, Allergy & Asthma Network presented this Black People Like Me virtual conference to address the disparities and barriers to care for the Black community living with eczema.
What we covered
- Dr. Nancy Joseph explained how eczema looks different on skin of color. She discussed what symptoms to look for, how to know when symptoms are worsening, and treatment options.
- Speakers discussed how to prepare for a doctor’s visit to discuss eczema.
- We heard directly from people living with eczema who shared experiences, including how the condition has affected mental health.
- Catherine Blackwell, RN, discussed how the Black community can get involved in research.
Resources
- EczemaInSkinofColor.org
- Health Equity in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
- What is Eczema?
- Eczema Patient Resources (including videos and podcasts addressing skin of color)
Special thanks to Incyte, who has provided funding support to make this virtual conference possible.
