BlackDoctor, the premier health and wellness resource for Black communities, celebrated its 11th Annual Top Blacks in Healthcare (TBH) Awards Gala at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, DC on April 23. The 2026 gathering brought together influential healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing leadership, service, innovation, and lasting impact — shaping a legacy for future generations.
The evening was hosted by Mistress and Master of Ceremonies journalists Allison Seymour and Guy Lambert, whose presence set the tone for a powerful and engaging celebration. BlackDoctor President and CEO Akinwole “Aki” Garrett delivered dynamic remarks, BlackDoctor Chief Marketing Officer Derrick Lane followed with a lively invocation, and Dr. Keith Ferdinand, of Tulane University, delivered an inspiring keynote address. The event was made possible through the support of key partners and sponsors, including Novo Nordisk, Amgen, UCB, Novartis, Social Mission Alliance, Vertex, Limitless Impact Foundation, and Bayer.
With more than 200 healthcare leaders, executives, physicians, advocates, and innovators in attendance, the evening reflected the strength and depth of those driving meaningful change across the industry.
Pre-event networking sessions, social media buzz, and exclusive previews built excitement and set the stage for a powerful gathering focused on collaboration, inspiration, and collective progress.
The prestigious awards gala recognized 13 healthcare leaders whose contributions continue to elevate the standard of care. The 2026 Honorees are:
Dr. Cheryle Baptiste-Hill — Immediate Past President, National Dental Association
Yvonne Bryant — Commercial Head of Hemoglobinopathies, Novo Nordisk
Jason Carter — Senior Marketing, AbbVie
Sakinah Conway-Geneus — Executive Director, Customer Experience & Collaboration, U.S. Pharma Medical Affairs, Bayer
Dr. Ogo Egbuna — Vice President and Clinical Development Leader, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Keith Ferdinand — Professor of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine
Ricki Fairley — CEO, TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance
Dr. Janet Franklin — Vice President, Global Development Biosimilars, Amgen
Rodney Gillespie — Senior Vice President, U.S. Oncology TA Head, Novartis
Dr. Roger A. Mitchell — President, National Medical Association
Dr. Randall C. Morgan — Executive Director, President & CEO, W. Montague Cobb/NMA Health Institute
Dr. Jayne Morgan — Vice President, Medical Affairs, Hello Heart
Dr. Robert Winn — Director, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
Throughout the evening, honorees reflected on the significance of the recognition and the responsibility that comes with it. Many spoke to the importance of representation, access, and trust in healthcare, emphasizing that progress requires both innovation and accountability.
“This honor represents the communities we serve and the work that still needs to be done,” one honoree shared. Others echoed a shared commitment to mentorship, equity, and ensuring that future generations inherit a healthcare system that works for them.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was both celebratory and purposeful, grounded in a shared understanding that recognition is not the finish line, but a call to continue pushing forward.
As BlackDoctor continues to expand its platform and partnerships, the momentum from TBH 2026 will carry forward into new content, collaborations, and initiatives designed to move the needle on health outcomes in Black communities. From amplifying expert voices to delivering culturally relevant, actionable information, the mission remains clear — turning insight into impact.
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