Let's be real for a second.
Black men are dying at rates that should alarm every one of us. We're 2.2 times more likely to die from prostate cancer than White men. We carry a heavier burden of hypertension, stroke, and diabetes. We deal with mental health challenges at higher rates than almost any other group — and we're among the least likely to get real, quality care for it. The stigma, the mistrust, the misdiagnoses — it's a system that was never built with us in mind.
But this April 25th, the Southwest Atlanta High School Alumni Association is doing something about it.
Built to Last: Men's Health, Strength and Longevity is a men-only forum happening Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Evelyn G. Lowery Library, 3665 Cascade Road, Atlanta. This isn't a panel where you sit quietly and nod. This is a gathering of alumni physicians, community health advocates, and trusted voices coming together to have the honest conversations Black men rarely get to have in a safe, focused space.
"We live in a period where heart disease, prostate cancer and mental health challenges disproportionately affect Black men. This gathering serves as a vital platform for education, empowerment and connection. By bringing together community members, alumni health advocates and trusted voices, this gathering reinforces the importance of taking ownership of one's health and supporting one another in doing the same." — Curtis Miller, Event Organizer
That hit different when I read it. Because it's true — how often do we actually sit down, man to man, and talk about our health? Not just the physical stuff, but the mental weight too?
This forum is open to all men — not just SWAHS alumni. Whether you're 25 or 65, whether you've seen a doctor in the last year or the last decade, this event was designed for you. Topics will cover prevention, early detection, and long-term wellness strategies, with access to real health information delivered by people who look like us and understand what we're up against.
You'll be in the room with Dr. Robin Ashford, Dr. Walter Branch, and Dr. Walter Falconer — health professionals who are committed to uplifting, informing, and promoting men's wellness through expert insights, meaningful dialogue, and valuable resources.
The Southwest Atlanta High School Alumni Association has been preserving the heritage of a legendary institution since Southwest High first opened in 1950 on what was then Sewell Road. The alumni have always believed in the community — and this forum is proof that belief never stopped.
This is one of those events where the knowledge shared has the potential to save lives. Not hypothetically. Literally.
Mark your calendar. Tell your brother, your father, your homie who never goes to the doctor. This is for all of us.
📍 Where: Evelyn G. Lowery Library, 3665 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA 30331
📅 When: Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
📧 Info: swhsa22alumcmte@yahoo.com
📞 Media: Jackson Communications — (404) 271-6240
