Bridging the Gap in Black Diabetes Health
The African American Diabetes Association (AADA) leads the movement to end systemic diabetes disparities.
Our story is more than a history; it is a blueprint for survival. AADA was born from a public health emergency that has long plagued our communities. Black Americans are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a disparity rooted not in biology, but in generations of systemic neglect and environmental injustice.
These structural barriers were exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the life-or-death need for community-led health. We stand on the shoulders of giants, drawing inspiration from the legacy of National Negro Health Week. When we lead our own healing, we reclaim our future.
Today, AADA utilizes the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) framework to dismantle these burdens. By changing the narrative around diabetes and fostering deep, relationship-based healing, we confront the racial hierarchies that restrict our wellness. We aren't just managing symptoms; we are fighting the systemic roots of health inequity to ensure our families thrive.
The Strategist
Founded and led by those with lived experience, AADA operates on a simple truth voiced by our Co-Founder, Leon Rock:
“This organization is being built by us, because, who knows more about us, but us?”
We transform this shared knowledge into a strategic roadmap for health equity. By bridging the gap between clinical systems and the real-world needs of Black families, we build a future rooted in trust and authenticity.
Our Promise
By uniting faith leaders, advocates, and government partners, we translate clinical data into peer-trusted resources that save lives and protect our cultural heritage. This is a call to action for every advocate, partner, and neighbor. Join us in implementing the blueprint for Black wellness.
Your support scales our movement, heals our relationships, and tears down the structural barriers to equity. Join the movement and help us build a healthier tomorrow for every community. Learn more
IMPACT IN ACTION
We Change the Narrative by honoring lived experiences and cultural traditions.
Leon Rock, Co-Founder
