A discussion panel including religious leaders and public health researchers shared an insightful exchange of ideas, observations, and experiences that illuminated both opportunities and challenges related to Black health and communities of faith.

 Watch the video of the panel discussion

A panel discussion hosted by the Zuckerman College of Public Health, titled The Role of Spirituality in Black Health, brought together public health researchers with church leaders for an insightful exchange of ideas, observations, and experiences that illuminated both opportunities and challenges related to black health and communities of faith.

Organized by the MEZCOPH Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI), the panel included

Moderator

• Kelly Palmer PhD, MHS, CCRP
  Assoc. Director, Center for Health Disparities Research, UAHS

Panelists

• Pastor Jonathan Smith MPH
  Pastor, Tucson Sharon Seventh-day Adventist Church
• Reverend D. Grady Scott
  Pastor, Grace Temple Baptist Church, Tucson
• Amanda Sokan PhD, MHA, LL.B
  Assistant Professor of Practice, Zuckerman College of Public Health

After the panel concluded, the panelists joined audience members, students and staff for soul food and drinks and continued the conversation. Thanks to Dr. Velia Leybas Nuño and Blanca Alderete from ODEI for all their work to organize this unique and important event!

Top photo, left to right: Dr. Velia Leybas Nuño, Sabrina Butler, Dr. Amanda Sokan, Pastor Jonathan Smith, Reverend Grady Scott, Dr. Kelly Palmer, Namoonga Mantina, Blanca Alderete.

Reverend Grady Scott responds, and every question prompted a lively discussion among the panelists.

Blanca Alderete (left) who organized the event for the MEZCOPH Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion joins Pastor Jonathan Smith (right) who is also a PhD student in the college.

Audience members asked many questions after the main panel discussion.

Everyone appreciated the delicious soul food from Ken’s Hardwood BBQ after the panel, and the good company!