While African Americans navigate longstanding health disparities—including limited access to medical care, food insecurity, and elevated disease and mortality rates—the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) has been steadfastly addressing these challenges for over fifty years. Their mission has focused on promoting wellness and altering the statistics that affect both doctors and patients.
The ABC convened in Washington, D.C., from October 9-11, to mark this significant milestone with a series of events including a maternal cardiovascular health roundtable, a policy summit, an educational retreat for pre-college and undergraduate students, and a gala celebrating their 50th anniversary. This three-day event was more than a commemoration; it was a clarion call for health equity across the board.
“One of the things that ABC does is advocate for our patients regarding the need for evidence-based cardiovascular care,” Dr. Anthony Fletcher shared with The Informer. “We also focus on educating our patients and communities about cardiovascular disease—the signs, symptoms, and the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment.”
According to the U.S. Department Office of Minority Health, by 2024, Black individuals were diagnosed with hypertension at a rate 26% higher than the overall population, and data from 2022 revealed that African Americans died from heart disease more than any other racial or ethnic group.
While heart health remains a focal point for the ABC, the organization is dedicated to uplifting African Americans in every facet of the medical field.
“We also advocate for the inclusion of African American patients in clinical trials,” Dr. Fletcher emphasized. “This is critical for developing new medical treatments and determining their effectiveness within our population.”
Supporting the next generation of Black cardiologists through scholarships and programming is integral to the association’s mission.
“Part of our goal is to diversify the workforce, which includes advocacy for aspiring medical students,” Fletcher noted.
Since its inception five decades ago, ABC has worked tirelessly to empower Black communities and highlight the importance of prioritizing heart health.
“Most of us are committed to ensuring that our loved ones—people who look like us—have access to evidence-based cardiovascular care just like anyone else,” he asserted. “And it’s not just about Black individuals; it’s about everyone who is underserved or marginalized.”
Honoring the Past, Celebrating Progress, Pushing for More Equity
Fifty years ago, African Americans represented only about 2.2% of doctors in the United States. In response to this glaring void in health care, Dr. Richard Allen Williams and 17 others founded the Association of Black Cardiologists.
“I applaud the 18 individuals who initiated this organization,” Dr. Fletcher reflected. “They were not all the Black cardiologists at that time, but they represented the core of that community.”
In a 2022 interview, Dr. Williams recounted his motivation for launching ABC. “In the late 1960s, there was minimal information highlighting the prevalence of heart disease among African Americans,” he explained. “Many believed that our population was resistant to cardiovascular diseases. However, I gathered extensive data proving otherwise.”
Today, as Dr. Williams acknowledges the progress made over the past five decades, he highlights ongoing disparities. “Look how far we’ve come. Black individuals are now twice as likely to suffer from heart attacks, warranting increased attention to this urgent issue,” he said.
During the 50th anniversary celebration, current leaders of the organization issued a call to action while honoring the legacy of its founders.
“This milestone is more than a celebration; it reaffirms our mission to enhance cardiovascular health across all communities,” Fletcher, Cassidy McCullough, and Dr. Paul Underwood stated in a joint message. “Together, we honor the visionaries who laid our foundation and inspire the next generation to carry this mission forward.”
The celebration of ABC’s original members as pioneers continues as today’s Black cardiologists pave new paths.
“Many of us have been trailblazers, often being the first or second people of color in various programs,” Fletcher remarked. “Thus, it takes a certain level of audacity and bravery to break these barriers.”
Despite a modest increase in the proportion of Black physicians, rising to approximately 5.7% of American doctors, Fletcher acknowledges significant work remains to achieve true health equity.
“Currently, Black cardiologists represent only about 3% of practicing cardiologists, a stark contrast to our demographic representation of roughly 13% to 15% of the population,” he stated. “We still have a long way to go.”
The conference provided a platform for physicians to discuss future strategies to continue the legacy initiated by Dr. Williams and the ABC’s founding members.
Gloria Wilson Shelton, chair of the 50th anniversary celebration, highlighted the event’s purpose: “We aimed to provide three unforgettable days of inspiration, connection, and reflection.”
As the Association of Black Cardiologists looks forward to the future, Dr. Fletcher emphasizes the importance of tackling disparities to foster overall wellness for African Americans.
“Our primary goal is to close the gap,” he affirmed. “Even with improvements, the disparity still exists, and it’s crucial that people of color enjoy long lifespans alongside a quality life.”