Code Red at Four.
Turning a Diabetic Crisis into a Lifetime of Advocacy.
Beyond the Headlines: A Mother and Daughter's Unbreakable Bond.
Hear the full story behind the local and national news clips that inspired the community: the day Samantha Mason called for help to save her diabetic mother, Sharon Mason.
Podcast Host Leon Rock talks with the Masons about the intergenerational impact of diabetes, the unique challenges Sharon faced in managing her condition, and how Samantha’s childhood heroism shaped her educational path. Discover how their family's experience informs Samantha's passion for health equity, fostered at an HBCU and continuing now at the University of Maryland. Get ready for an emotional, inspiring part 1 episode, of a 2 part series that defines true family strength.
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Honor the memory of a loved one by supporting the African American Diabetes Association.
Make a difference volunteer and Donate Today!
African American Diabetes Podcast
Listen and/or watch all the the African American Diabetes Podcast episodes HERE
November is Diabetes Awareness Month! ✨ For our community, this isn't just a month of awareness – it's a powerful call to action, deeply rooted in our legacy of resilience and self-determination.
Let us unify, educate, and empower ourselves. Let us pour into the institutions built by us, for us.
Your support, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, directly contributes to healthier, stronger Black families and communities. Learn more
Join us. Donate. Let's make a profound difference together.
Mr. Clarence V. Wilder
Mr. Clarence V. Wilder, Chief Court Officer of Essex Superior Court, who served with unwavering dedication from 1985 to 2024. Passed away on December 8th, 2024.
For nearly four decades, Mr. Wilder was a pillar of the court, known for his integrity and commitment. Beyond his professional life, he was a respected student and teacher of Uechi Ryu Karate Do (Waychee Ru Karate Doe), leaving a lasting impact on countless individuals. For the past ten years, he was a devoted student of Walter E. Mattson, achieving the esteemed rank of 9th-degree black belt and becoming a vital member of Mr. Mattson's Massachusetts-based group of schools.
Mr. Wilder's journey highlighted the critical need for improved care for patients in underserved communities. In his memory, Walter Mattson and his students have made a generous donation to the African American Diabetes Association to support these vital efforts.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Wilder's family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy of dedicated service to the court and his profound impact as a martial artist will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
CONTACT US
Media Inquiries:
Leon Rock, M. Ed.
Co-Founder and CEO
e-mail: lrock@africanamericandiabetes.org
Boston Address:
African American Diabetes Association, Inc.
55 Roxbury Street # 191083
Roxbury, MA 02119-9998
Maryland Address:
African American Diabetes Association, Inc.
10901 Rhode Island Avenue # 1724
Beltsville, MD 20705-2158
Phone
240-564-9040
Monthly Updates Are Coming Your Way!
We are thrilled to announce a significant and exciting change for our dedicated community! The African American Diabetes UPDATE Newsletter is undergoing a complete revision to bring you a more consistent, insightful, and engaging resource for managing and preventing diabetes.
Get ready for your essential dose of health information! Starting soon, the revised newsletter will be posted monthly on the African American Diabetes Website!
Speakers Addressing
the Challenges of Diabetes
The African American Diabetes Association is honored to offer its top leadership as dynamic speakers who can inspire and inform your audience. These speakers, including our co-founders will share their personal stories, illuminating the profound impact of diabetes on millions of Black Americans. They will address critical health disparities and share their advocacy for essential services to improve the well-being of the Black and other minority communities.
Our speakers are available for both in-person and virtual engagements, offering flexibility to suit your event's needs. While their insights are invaluable, we understand the importance of budgeting. Please reach out to discuss your specific requirements and explore fee options that align with your organization's goals.
THE WAIT IS ALMOST OVER!
Ready to join the movement that’s changing the game for African Americans with diabetes?
The AADA Board has finalized the new, detailed paths for becoming an official Chapter (Community based Nonprofit or Faith-Based) of AADA! This is your chance to formalize your impact and join a national coalition.
November 15th is the official announcement date!
Want the news first? Join our Mailing List now!
The African American Diabetes Association (AADA) celebrates Booker T. Washington, whose 1915 National Negro Health Week profoundly impacted health awareness. Recognizing the link between health and opportunity, Booker T Washington's initiative (1915-1951) addressed health disparities within the African American community, including diabetes. The AADA recognizes National Negro Health Week's historical significance, and builds on the foundation of National Negro Health Week to connect individuals with vital diabetes health information. AADA encourages learning about Booker T. Washington's legacy and prioritizing health.
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month
The Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD) Southern Maryland Chapter (SMC) invites you to a powerful and FREE informational webinar designed to illuminate the specific impact of Juvenile Diabetes on our community and equip us with culturally relevant tools for resilience and advocacy.
The Top Ladies of Distinction is honored to welcome its distinguished guest speaker: Kyhla Desire, M.P.H., a dedicated Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology and a passionate founding and former board member of the African American Diabetes Association.
Khyla is not just going to share crucial information; she's going to open up about her authentic lived experience with type 1 diabetes, giving a perspective that you simply can't find in a textbook.
Prepare to have your understanding of care and support fundamentally changed as Khyla helps us bridge the gaps with her deeply personal and powerful story.
Event Details:
Date: Monday, November 10, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (EST)
This isn't just an informational session; it's a call to action to prioritize community health and wellness. Join us to gain insights, share experiences, and connect with a community committed to a healthier future.
Don't miss this essential dialogue! Secure your spot by registering using the QR Code provided on the original flyer. Let's learn, grow, and heal together. @followers Beyond Type 1
#diabetesawareness#
#KnowTheSigns
#diabetesadvocacy
#beyondtype1
#DiabetesAction
#TopLadiesOfDistinction
Make A Tax Deductible Donation In Memory of Your Loved One.
Your contribution makes life better for those with diabetes through community education and community outreach. Donations can be sent in your love ones name online or by mail to:
African American Diabetes Association #1724 Beltsville, MD 20705
African American Diabetes Association (AADA)
A community lead organization carrying the torch forward, building on the legacy of Black leaders who have long fought for health equity in the United States. ©
Feeling Overwhelmed by Diabetes? We can help!
The Call That Changed Everything
When Samantha Mason made a life-saving call for her diabetic mother, Sharon, it set her on a path to fight for health equity. In this emotional Part 1 of a two-part series, host Leon Rock sits down with the mother-daughter duo. Hear the full story behind the headlines, Sharon's unique challenges managing her diabetes, and how Samantha's childhood heroism, shaped by her time at an HBCU and now the University of Maryland, fuels her passion today.
African American Diabetes Association
In the News!
The African American Diabetes Association (AADA) is proud to be named a Life-Saving Resource for Black Diabetics by BlackDoctor.org. In the article written by Evan Bollinger, he explores various resources available to Black communities, including AADA, DiabetesSisters, ADCES, and church-based programs.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Watch Usher and Deion Sanders
talk candidly about Diabetes
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Donate to the African American Diabetes Association to support vital education, and advocacy programs specifically addressing the disproportionate impact of diabetes on Black communities.
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Your contribution helps empower individuals, improve health outcomes, and work towards a future free from diabetes-related disparities.
Volunteer with the African American Diabetes Association
