Black Advocacy: Recognizing Leaders in Food Allergies, Asthma, & Beyond

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of Black leaders across all fields—including health, advocacy, and policy. The intersection of race and health disparities is especially critical in areas like food allergies, asthma, and chronic conditions such as Type 1 diabetes.

While Black individuals are disproportionately affected by these conditions, systemic barriers have often limited access to resources, care, and policy representation. However, many Black leaders have worked tirelessly to change this reality, advocating for equitable healthcare access, life-saving legislation, and improved health outcomes for marginalized communities.

In honor of Black History Month and the passing of Dominique Brown, I’m spotlighting five impactful Black figures—Charles Booker, Maxwell Frost, Emily Brown, and Carla Davis—who have inspired me and deserve to be celebrated as part of honoring Black excellence.

Charles Booker: A Voice for Health Equity and Economic Justice

Charles Booker is a distinguished political leader from Kentucky, widely recognized for his advocacy on social justice issues, particularly those affecting marginalized communities.

Born and raised in Louisville’s West End, an area historically impacted by economic disinvestment and racial displacement, Booker has dedicated his career to addressing systemic inequalities. In 2018, he made history as the youngest Black state legislator in Kentucky in nearly 90 years. His policy work has focused on economic justice, healthcare reform, and dismantling systemic barriers that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities.

Booker has been open about his personal struggles with Type 1 diabetes and the financial burden of affording insulin, an experience that has fueled his fight for accessible healthcare. His advocacy continues to shine a light on the critical need for affordable medical care, particularly for those navigating chronic illnesses in low-income communities.

Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost: Advocate for Justice and Equality

Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost, the first Gen Z member of Congress, is an outspoken advocate for health equity and systemic reform. As someone managing life-threatening food allergies himself, he has taken a firm stance on policy changes to protect individuals living with severe allergies.

In 2024, Frost introduced the EPIPEN Act, a groundbreaking bill aimed at capping the cost of epinephrine auto-injectors at $60 per two-pack, addressing the financial barriers that many Americans face in accessing this life-saving medication. He has also worked alongside organizations like FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), speaking at the Courage at Congress event to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those living with food allergies.

Beyond health advocacy, Frost has built his career on fighting for marginalized communities, previously serving as the National Organizing Director for March for Our Lives, working with the ACLU, and advocating for voting rights and criminal justice reform. His leadership continues to shape policies that support individuals managing chronic health conditions while addressing broader social justice issues.

Emily Brown: Tackling Food Insecurity & Health Disparities

Emily Brown is a trailblazer in the fight for equitable access to allergy-safe food, particularly for low-income and marginalized families. As the founder of the Food Equality Initiative (FEI), she established the first U.S. food pantry stocked with allergy-friendly and gluten-free foods, ensuring that families facing both food insecurity and dietary restrictions had access to safe, nutritious meals.

Expanding on her work, Brown later founded Free From Market, a platform designed to connect individuals with allergy-safe and gluten-free foods, further addressing the gaps in food access for those managing chronic conditions. Her leadership has earned national recognition, including support from the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund.

Her work is deeply rooted in advancing health equity, advocating for policy changes, and ensuring that economic barriers do not prevent individuals from accessing essential, allergen-free nutrition. Brown continues to be a powerful force in the food allergy and public health advocacy spaces.

Dr. Carla M. Davis: Leading Innovation in Pediatric Allergy Care

Dr. Carla M. Davis is a pioneering physician specializing in pediatric allergy and immunology. As the Director of the Food Allergy Program at Texas Children’s Hospital, she has been at the forefront of research and clinical care for food allergies, asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and other immune system disorders.

Dr. Davis has dedicated her career to increasing awareness and access to care, particularly for underserved communities where racial disparities often result in delayed diagnoses and limited treatment options. She actively works to bridge these gaps, ensuring that children from all backgrounds receive the support they need to manage food allergies effectively.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Davis has led important research efforts and policy discussions aimed at improving food allergy treatments. Her leadership was recently recognized with the 2024 Floyd Malveaux Award, a prestigious honor celebrating her commitment to health equity in allergy and immunology.

Dominique Brown: Championing Diversity in Disney Fandom

Dominique Brown was a prominent influencer and advocate who co-founded Black Girl Disney, an online community dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the Disney fan space. Through her platform, she worked to create a more inclusive environment for people of color in the Disney community.

Beyond her work with Black Girl Disney, Dominique was known for her advocacy around food allergies. She openly shared her personal experiences to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with food allergies, particularly in social and public settings.

Tragically, on December 5, 2024, Dominique passed away at the age of 34 after suffering an anaphylactic reaction during a charity holiday event in Los Angeles. Reports indicate that she had inquired about the presence of her allergen in the food served at the event and was reassured that the dishes were safe for her to consume. Despite these assurances, she experienced a fatal allergic reaction.

In the wake of her passing, a Change.org petition was launched, urging for enhanced food allergy measures in California to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Dominique’s preventable death underscores the critical need for increased awareness and stringent protocols regarding food allergies, especially in public and social settings. Her legacy continues to inspire efforts to create safer environments for individuals with food allergies. Even after her passing, ‘Black Girl Disney’ continues to inspire conversations about inclusion in entertainment, while her advocacy remains a beacon for food allergy education.

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Honoring Black Leaders in Health, Advocacy, and Beyond

The contributions of Black leaders in food allergy advocacy, healthcare, and policy reform continue to push forward necessary change. Their work not only improves lives today but lays the foundation for a more equitable future.

As Charles Booker said, “We will continue to celebrate Black History Month this month, and every month.” Their stories remind us that progress is ongoing and that advocacy in health equity is more important than ever.

1. How do food allergies affect the Black community?

Food allergies, particularly in the Black community, can be overlooked or misunderstood, leading to delays in diagnosis and inadequate treatment. Racism and societal healthcare inequities primarily contribute to this challenge. Awareness is growing, but it’s essential to address the unique challenges Black individuals face in managing food allergies, from accurate examples of what conditions may look like on their skin tone shades, to access to educational resources and healthcare.

2. What is eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and why is it relevant to the Black community?

EoE is a chronic allergic condition that affects the esophagus, often linked to food allergies. Research has shown that conditions like EoE may disproportionately affect Black individuals, but there’s still a lack of widespread awareness and tailored care. Proper diagnosis and management are crucial, especially when compounded by cultural barriers to accessing allergy care and support. Thankfully EoE and similar conditions are becoming more and more talked about in the food allergy space and in the general healthcare space, but we still have a long way to go. Just like food allergies, EoE has no cure or known cause.

3. How does asthma intersect with food allergies in the Black community?

The “atopic march” refers to the typical progression of allergic diseases, often beginning with atopic dermatitis (eczema) in early childhood, followed by the development of food allergies and asthma. Research indicates that Black children exhibit a higher risk of developing asthma, even with a more intact skin barrier and lower rates of sensitization and food allergies compared to White children. This suggests that the traditional atopic march may not fully apply, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in managing these conditions within the varying communities.

4. Are there historical factors that influence food allergy diagnoses in Black communities?

Yes. Historically, the medical community has been slow to recognize food allergies in Black individuals, with many cases misdiagnosed or ignored. This has led to significant gaps in care, research, and education. Increasing representation and awareness within the healthcare system is key to improving outcomes for Black individuals managing food allergies and related conditions.

5. How can Black families better manage food allergies and related conditions like EoE and asthma?

Allergy education and advocacy access reaching these communities is crucial. If possible, families should seek healthcare providers who understand the intersection of food allergies, EoE, and asthma in the context of Black communities. Building a strong support network, keeping up with the latest medical research, and having a plan in the event of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis are essential steps toward effective management.

6. What role does cultural awareness play in food allergy management in the Black community?

Cultural awareness is critical for food allergy management because it influences diet, lifestyle, and medical treatment choices. Recognizing the cultural significance of food in Black communities, such as traditional foods and cooking methods, helps tailor effective allergy management plans and ensures individuals feel seen and heard in their allergy journey.

7. How can I advocate for better food allergy care in Black communities?

Advocacy starts with education—both within families and within healthcare systems. Supporting policies that increase access to allergy testing, treatment, and care can help address disparities in food allergy diagnosis and management. Additionally, all of us raising awareness about the intersection of food allergies, asthma, and conditions like EoE can empower the community to seek better healthcare and support.