Alzheimer’s Association-WI hosts ‘Creating Connections: Hope Is Blossoming Through Care & Support’
Photos by Yvonne Kemp
On February 11, 2025, The Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Health Equity Coalition hosted “Creating Connections: Hope is Blossoming Through Care & Support,” at St. Mark AME Church, 1616 W. Atkinson Ave. Held in honor of Black History Month, the event addressed the critical health disparities affecting black Americans living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Photos by Yvonne Kemp
The free event brought to light the concerning statistic that 21.3 percent of black Americans age 70 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a rate twice as high as their white counterparts. While researchers continue to investigate the underlying causes, the Alzheimer’s Association is taking proactive steps to support the black community, as only 20 percent report having no barriers to excellent healthcare and support. Those who spoke at the event included Cream City Medical Society President and Marathon Healthcare Family Practitioner Kevin Izard, M.D.; Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley; and Cairasu Home Care Owner Fatou Ceesay. The event was organized by Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Director of Health Equity Diane Milner; Alzheimer’s AssociationExecutive Director David Grams; Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Advocacy Committee Chair Fatou Ceesay; and St. Mark AME Church Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Joy Gallmon. Also pictured are Health Equity Coalition including members Rev. Dr. Joy Gallmon, Dr. Christlyn Frederick-Stanley, Sheri Williams Pannell, Ramona Dicks-Williams, Lawanda Chambers, Kevin Darczuk, Yolanda Egerson, Andrea Garr, Kathi Hayen, Jim Milner, Gail Morgan, Brenda White Phillips, Shanelle Snowden, Michael Snowden, Vinitia Strong-McDonald, and Kayla Steinke.
