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 4: Eczema Care in the Black Community: Empowerment Through Shared Decision-Making
Allergy & Asthma Network Presents this Black People Like Me webinar addressing barriers in patient-doctor communication in eczema care and empowering the Black community in disease management.
Join us for a free virtual conference highlighting the unique challenges Black patients experience when living with eczema. Research indicates higher rates of underdiagnosis, rushed appointments, and feelings of being misunderstood by healthcare providers within the Black community.
Featuring Dr. Ama Alexis, she will discuss why these disparities persist and explore how patients and doctors can collaborate to foster more empathetic, patient-centered care. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and drive meaningful change in addressing urgent health disparities.
Free Virtual Conference: February 11, 2025 | 4:00 PM ET
In this virtual conference, you will:
- Learn how underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis uniquely affect individuals in the Black community.
- Hear a doctor’s practical tips to prepare for appointments, speak up effectively, and ensure your concerns are fully addressed.
- Understand why it’s crucial to know your rights as a patient and how shared decision-making can help navigate medication options and insurance hurdles.
- You will get firsthand insights from a patient about their journey to a proper diagnosis and their feeling of being truly heard by their doctor.
- Find out how and where to seek mental health support, even in underserved areas, and why it’s essential for holistic care.
- Ask questions and get real-time answers directly from our speakers.
CE is not available for this event.
Moderators:

Ama Alexis, M.D. is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at NYU Langone and Weill Cornell with over 15 years of experience in New York. Born in Germany, she trained at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital and North Shore Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Dr. Alexis is a Fellow of multiple professional societies, including the AAAAI, ACAAI, and AAP.

Tonya Nash, MPH, CHES is a public health consultant and Project Manager at Allergy & Asthma Network with 15 plus years of cross-sector experience. She has led initiatives like the CDC EXHALE project and founded the award-winning Autism Faith Network. Tonya is also President of Spectrum Public Health Strategies, holds a digital health communication certificate, and is a Certified Health Education Specialist.

Gregg Clark Jr., MA, APCC is a mental health clinician and patient advocate in Los Angeles, specializing in culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care. He empowers communities of color to overcome generational barriers and thrive. Gregg’s approach blends positive psychology and evidence-based methods to foster resilience and meaningful change.
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 Incyte for providing funding support to make this webinar 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.