Around This Time Last Tuesday (Part 1 of 6)
SIXTEEN HUNDRED AND ONE: The Miles to #APHA2026 and ONE Woman Fueled by her Global Health Journey is a six-part personal reflection that offers academic insight into the people, rest stops, refuels, and unexpected detours that made this 1,601-mile journey memorable.
Can you recall where you were last Tuesday when history was made? I was at Booth 1437 with my fellow #MeharrySGH cohorts, proudly wearing our
#MeharryVotes T-shirts at the American Public Health Association (APHA) 2026 Annual Meeting and Expo. Like so many Meharrians, the shirts made their way from Nashville to San Antonio to promote civic engagement, show that representation does indeed matter, and remind us of the remarkable people – especially the Black women – who made history on November 3, 2026. I know many of those who wore that beautiful Meharry Maroon will, too, become historymakers. I am humbled to sit amongst global health's emerging leaders.
Speaking of sitting, if any of you ever ask what I bring to the table, let me just say I bring forensic curiosity, an insatiable hunger for knowledge, and a determination to use what I learn to make a difference and ensure everyone eats. And last Tuesday, I ate well with enough to bring home, reheat, and redistribute. I went from using my fingers to vote early in the ballots to using my salad fork on Election Day.
Allow me to expound. I had the extraordinary privilege of sitting among true historymakers and trailblazers in public health at the 58th Annual Hildrus A. Poindexter Awards Dinner, hosted by the Black Caucus of Health Workers. It was more than the great meal that blessed my soul (the catfish was amazing). It was an evening of mentorship, wisdom, and encouragement. I was beyond inspired, especially during a time when federal employment cuts have disproportionately affected Black women since 2025, many of whom are in public health and human services. I am especially grateful to Dr. Virginia A. Caine, past president of APHA and the 125th President of the National Medical Association, who invited me and graciously supported me
during my oral presentation. Having someone who has made such significant contributions to public health take an interest in my work is an honor I had to call home and tell my mama about. That night, I sat at a table where conversations ranged from scholarship to mentorship, and friendship through leadership. It was an honor to be among this extraordinary community of researchers, scientists, scholars, and changemakers committed to being the determinants they wished to see.
And they looked like me.
I left that table with more than memories. Around the same time as this posting last week, polls were closing, and I left knowing I am on the right side of history and science. I left with a deeper appreciation for those who came before me, like APHA President Dr. Nandi A. Marshall, whose words from the dinner have stayed with me. They solidified my belief more than ever that my future in global health is now.
And I left knowing exactly where I was and asking what more I could do to serve.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Living in rural Louisiana, the highway has always been my way. So the 1,601 miles logged during the seven-hour drive to San Antonio were a great opportunity to clear my head and mentally prepare to present and participate. This year's APHA Meeting wasn't my first, but it was my first to represent Meharry School of Global Health as its APHA-Student Assembly Campus Liaison. In fact, I had many firsts to reflect on during the drive home.
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