The top Black Cardiologists in the United States celebrate The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC)’s 15th Annual Spirit of the Heart Awards. The Dinner and Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, September 14, at 6 PM, along with the Policy Pulse Summit on Friday, September 13th at 10 AM – 3 PM at the InterContinental Hotel Downtown Los Angeles.
This year’s dinner and fundraiser theme is “Celebrating A Half Century of ABC Leadership: Where Every Heart Counts,” marking 50 years of ABC’s mission to promote the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and achieve health equity for all.
The Spirit of the Heart Awards Dinner kicks off the 50th year of the ABC which is a testament to enduring commitment to health equity. ABC honors those who have made significant contributions to cardiovascular health and underscores ABC’s mission to eliminate disparities in healthcare.
Co-chairs for the dinner and fundraiser are Doctors Icilma Fergus and Barbara Hutchinson. Dr. Icilma Fergus, MD, FACC, is a Professor of Medicine and director of Cardiovascular Disparities and Clinical Lipidology at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital at Mount Sinai. Dr. Fergus is a board-certified professional in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, currently serving as the Director of Clinical Lipidology in the Division of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Disparities at Mount Sinai. Her expertise lies in Preventative Cardiology, specifically focusing on Lipids and Hypertension, Women’s Heart Disease, and Cardiovascular Health Advocacy.
Dr. Barbara Hutchinson, MD, PhD, is a renowned cardiologist and the President of Chesapeake Cardiac Care, an adult cardiology practice headquartered in Bowie, Maryland. She is one of the few doctors in the United States who is board certified in both cardiovascular disease and sleep medicine. She is also the Medical Director at Flourish, Bowie. Dr. Hutchinson is also a noted speaker on heart disease in women and how sleep affects heart health.
Dr. Richard Allen Williams, a cardiologist and assistant medical director at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hospital in the Watts section in Los Angeles. In 1974, he observed that a handful of Black physicians and scientists who had traveled from urban academic medical centers across the United States who attended national conventions were in little contact. As a result, The Association of Black Cardiologists was founded. ABC has grown to over 2,000 healthcare, lay professionals, corporate members, and institutional members.
The day-long Policy Pulse Summit is an engaging and informative conference focused on improving cardiovascular health equity through effective policy, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships. The discussion will address critical issues affecting cardiometabolic health in our communities.
Actor/writer/director Jocko Sims will be the Honorary Chair for ABC’s 15th Annual Spirit of the Heart Awards Dinner. Sims, is known for his As an actor, in starring role in NBC’s hit medical drama, New Amsterdam, where he played the charismatic Dr. Floyd Reynolds, the head of the cardiac surgical department. Sims has consistently used his platform to raise awareness about the importance of diversity in healthcare.
We are excited to have Jocko Sims join us in this milestone 50th year to honor individuals and organizations who inspire us to continue striving for a future where every heart counts,” says Anthony Fletcher, MD, ABC’s President.
The evening will be hosted by Thomas Cunningham IV, a distinguished producer, director, and social commentator. Sims and Cunningham will guide attendees through a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration. The awards dinner will also honor the next generation of medicine and science leaders with scholarships.
Honorees for the 2024 Spirit of the Heart Awards:
- ❖ Distinguished Leadership Award: Michelle Albert, MD, MPH
- Dr. Walter M. Booker, Sr. Health Promotion Award: The Balm in Gilead
- Health Equity Champion Award: Biosense Webster
- Media Partner Award: OWN Television Network’s OWN Your Health Campaign
- Public Policy Award: Foluso Fakorede, MD
- Spirit of the Heart Award: The National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention
Proceeds from ABC’s annual fundraiser support its work in at-risk communities, enabling effective educational, outreach, and research programs. Funds also provide scholarships for underrepresented minorities (URM) in cardiology and support early career development through research fellowship awards.
For tickets or to purchase ads in the program book, visit https://abcardio.kindful.com/e/15th-annual-spirit-of-the-heart-awards-dinner-and-fundraise
For sponsorship inquiries, contact Tammy Boyd at Tboyd@abcardio.org. Access the sponsorship deck here: https://abcardioevents.org/become-a-sponsor/
About the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC):
Founded in 1974, the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. (ABC) is a nonprofit with a global membership exceeding 2,000 individuals, including health professionals, community health advocates, and corporate and institutional members. The ABC remains dedicated to its mission of promoting heart health and wellness in minority communities and eliminating disparities in cardiovascular care for all people, with a particular focus on Black Americans. Through advocacy, education, and research, ABC works to ensure that every person has the opportunity to achieve optimal heart health. Today, ABC’s public and private partnerships continue to make strides in improving cardiovascular outcomes in communities nationwide. Connect with us at www.abcardio.org and join our efforts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
For more information about the Awards, Honorees, and the Awards Dinner, visit abcardioevents.org
