head2toemagShamea Morton, Demetria McKinney, Dr. Karri Bryant, Dr. Debra Morton and more Shine at the Atlanta Stop of The First Ladies Health Initiative’s ‘Born to Thrive
Left to Right: Marquise Alston-Allison (FLHI Co-Executive Director), Dr. Charis Chambers (OB-GYN aka “The Period Doctor), Dr. Debra Morton (author and mother of PJ Morton), Shamea Morton (RHOA), Demetria McKinney (Tyler Perry’s House of Payne), Dr. Karri Bryant (author and wife of Dr. Jamal Bryant), Taylor Alston-Cleveland (FLHI Co-Executive Director)Yesterday at Morehouse School of Medicine, The First Ladies Health Initiative (FLHI) hosted a star-studded informative panel discussion surrounding maternal health entitled, “Born to Thrive: Maternal Health Panel & Resource Fair”. There were two panels, both hosted by the FLHI Co-Executive Director Marquise Allison-Alston. Special guest panelists included Shamea Morton (BRAVO’s Real Housewives of Atlanta), Demetria McKinney (Tyler Perry’s House of Payne), and Dr. Charis Chambers (board certified OB-GYN aka “The Period Doctor”) and more.
Award Presentations
There were also special award presentations to Dr. Karri Bryant, author, entrepreneur, pastor and wife of Dr. Jamal Bryant. She was presented with the “Light of Healing Award” for her endless work in uplifting black women around the world. Additionally, Dr. Debra Morton, author, entrepreneur, wife of Bishop Paul S. Morton and mother of 5x Grammy Award-winner PJ Morton, served on the panel. She was awarded with the “Lifetime Ministry Award” for her lifetime commitment to ministry. Dr. Morton also serves as a pastor of Changing a Generation in Atlanta and Greater St Stephen in New Orleans. There were tears shed, new connections made, and a wealth of information shared. These moments helped bring further awareness to the health challenges facing black women today.
Thoughts from Director
When asked about her thoughts of the event, FLHI Co-Executive Director Marquise Alston-Allison says, “This event exceeded every expectation. Having Wanda Irving on our panel sharing the story of her daughter Shalon — a summa cum laude scholar with a dual PhD, a Johns Hopkins MPH, and a respected CDC epidemiologist — was heartbreaking and necessary.
If someone with Shalon’s brilliance and credentials wasn’t believed when she said something was wrong, what does that mean for everyone else? Furthermore, she died three weeks after giving birth. In addition, she continues, “What moved me just as deeply was seeing both women and men on the panel. Moreover, the audience was fully engaged in this conversation.
This crisis requires all of us. And even within the heaviness, the room found connection, understanding, and hope. Each person who came up afterward saying, ‘I needed this,’ reminded me of our continued mission. Although FLHI has done more than 700,000 screenings, there is still so much more to do.”
For more information on the First Ladies Health Initiative and their future activation, be sure to follow them on Instagram at @firstladiesinitiative or visit their website at firstladieshealth.com.
About the First Ladies Health Initiative
Founded in 2008 by Tracey Alston, the First Ladies Health Initiative (FLHI) is a faith-based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bridging the health equity gap in underrepresented communities. What began as an effort led by pastors’ wives to deliver life-saving health education has grown into a national movement.
Now led by second-generation Co-Executive Directors Marquise Alston-Allison and Taylor Alston-Cleveland, both Spelman College alumnae. FLHI continues its mission to advance health equity through faith-based partnerships, advocacy, and access to care.
Impact Highlights
700,000+ Screenings: Early detection of chronic illnesses through partnerships with 250+ healthcare providers.
100+ Church Collaborations: Delivering trusted, community-based health outreach.
National Recognition: Honored by the White House Cancer Moonshot, American Journal of Nursing, and American Heart Association for excellence in grassroots health leadership
Health Equity at Morehouse School of Medicine
Executive Director Dr. Natalie D. Hernandez, and
FLHI Co-Executive Director Taylor Alston-Cleveland“Light of Healing Award” Honoring L-R: Taylor Alston-Cleveland,
Dr. Karri Bryant (honoree) and Marquise Alston-Allison“Her Story and Our Solution” Panel L-R: Marquise Allison-Alston (moderator),
Dr. Debra Morton, Dr. Charis Chambers, Demetria McKinney and Shamea MortonFirst Ladies Health Initiative Co-Executive Directors and Sisters,
Marquise Alston-Allison and Taylor Alston-ClevelandAll of the “Born to Thrive: Maternal Health Panel” Participants
L-R: Dr. George Bugg, Marquise Alston-Allison, LaCresha Cunningham,
First Lady Sandra Mitchell, Dr. Charis Chambers, Dr. Debra Morton,
Shamea Morton, Demetria McKinney, Dr. Karri Bryant,
Taylor Alston-Cleveland, Dr. Annise Mabry, Dr. Quantrilla Ard, and Wanda Irving #atlanta #blackWomen #maternalHealth #Morehouse
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