“Legends & Legacy” celebration honors influential medical leaders while raising critical funds for scholarships, mentorship and community health programs.
LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, October 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Association of Black Women Physicians (ABWP) will host its 45th Annual Charity & Scholarship Benefit Gala on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
Under the theme “Legends & Legacy,” the black-tie gala will recognize distinguished leaders whose contributions to medicine, education, and public health continue to inspire future generations. The evening will also raise essential funds for ABWP’s Rebecca Lee Crumpler Scholarships, community health advocacy initiatives, and physician mentorship programs.
Founded in 1982, ABWP has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships, helping aspiring Black women physicians overcome financial barriers to medical education while building a stronger, more representative healthcare workforce.
“Representation in medicine isn’t symbolic,” said Dr. Anastasia Williams, ABWP President. “It’s a matter of health outcomes. When we invest in Black women physicians, we invest in healthier communities.”
The 2026 gala will recognize four distinguished medical professionals whose achievements reflect ABWP’s longstanding commitment to leadership, service, and excellence.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Jessie L. Sherrod, MD, MPH, founding president of the Association of Black Women Physicians. Dr. Sherrod’s leadership helped establish an enduring foundation for professional advancement and mentorship among Black women in medicine. The Honorable Mablean Ephriam will present the award.
The Humanitarian of the Year Award will recognize Toluwalasé “Lasé” A. Ajayi, MD, FAAP, FAAHPM, chair of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees. A respected physician and healthcare leader, Dr. Ajayi has helped improve healthcare access, advance health equity, and strengthen the medical profession.
Also receiving the Humanitarian of the Year Award is Brandi K. Freeman, MD, MS, FAAP, the 127th president of the National Medical Association. Dr. Freeman’s work as a pediatrician, educator, and healthcare advocate reflects her commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and improving outcomes for underserved communities.
The Special Visionary Award will honor Judith Joseph, MD, MBA, a 2026 TIME100 Creator, board-certified psychiatrist, researcher, and bestselling author. Dr. Joseph has earned recognition for her contributions to mental health education, research, and public awareness, helping make important conversations about emotional well-being accessible to broader audiences.
While financial assistance remains central to ABWP’s mission, the organization’s commitment extends beyond scholarships. Through its signature Sister-to-Sister mentorship program, ABWP connects medical students, residents, and aspiring physicians with experienced professionals who provide practical guidance, encouragement, and career development support.
ABWP also advances health equity through public education, community outreach and advocacy addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect underserved populations.
“Our 45th Anniversary marks a profound milestone in advancing health equity,” said Dr. Dominique Woods, ABWP President-Elect. “As we honor the legends who paved the way, we reinforce our commitment to community advocacy and mentorship programs like Sister-to-Sister—ensuring our scholarship recipients and future leaders have the support needed to thrive. Amid today’s economic climate and educational funding cuts, medical students face unprecedented financial strain. These students need our financial support now more than ever.”
The Rebecca Lee Crumpler Scholarship honors the first Black woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. The program provides financial assistance to deserving students pursuing careers in medicine, supporting academic achievement and a commitment to serving communities in need.
ABWP gratefully acknowledges its current sponsors, including Amgen, Cooperative of American Physicians, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, and Dr. Carl Truesdale. The organization also recognizes valued previous sponsors and supporters, including Cedars-Sinai, Kaiser Permanente, Blue Shield of California, Sutter Health, Pfizer, Gilead, and SCAN Health Plan.
The Association of Black Women Physicians’ 45th Annual Charity & Scholarship Benefit Gala will take place Saturday, October 24, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Red-carpet arrivals begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a reception from 6 to 7 p.m. Dinner and the awards program will take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Attire is black-tie or cocktail.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and additional event information, visit https://www.blackwomenphysicians.org/45th-annual-abwp-gala.
Founded in 1982, the Association of Black Women Physicians is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving public health, addressing healthcare disparities, and advancing opportunities for Black women in medicine. Through scholarships, professional mentorship, community health education, and advocacy, ABWP develops future healthcare leaders and improves the health and well-being of the communities they serve.
For more information, visit https://www.blackwomenphysicians.org/.
Joy Parris
Rich Girl Productions
+1 323-960-5600
jparris@richgirlproductions.com
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