Greetings! I am Aaron Redda a doctoral student in the College of Communication and Information Sciences at The University of Alabama. I have created this Diversity & Inclusion ePortfolio (D&I-eP) as part of my work for the CIS 650 (Applying Diversity Leadership Theories & Praxis) course during Spring 2025.In my D&I-eP, I analyze existing diversity and inclusion responses focused on cancer prevention among underserved populations through early screening and lifestyle interventions such as smoking cessation and alcohol reduction. This project was conducted in collaboration with Emlane Social, a health and wellness digital media company based in Tallahassee, Florida, committed to addressing health disparities impacting African American communities.
On this page, I present a case study analysis of promising practices from leading organizations that align with my project's focus on advancing cancer prevention and health equity in Black communities. I identify exemplary collections, resources, leadership roles, strategic diversity statements, internal departments, and recent news and events that demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equitable health communication. Each example highlights practical strategies that address cancer disparities through culturally tailored outreach, structural advocacy, and systemic change. These case studies inform potential pathways for Emlane Social,and similar organizations to strengthen their diversity-centered initiatives and amplify their impact within underserved populations.
1) Collections
Organization: American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS) exemplifies my project’s mission to advance cancer prevention among Black communities through equitable, culturally tailored resources. Their “Advancing Health Equity Addressing Cancer Disparities” initiative includes a curated collection of tools such as the Health Equity Impact Report, The Facts on Our Fight data and the Inclusive Language and Writing Guide. These evidence-based resources inform my research and work by offering proven strategies to promote equity behavior by targeting communities affected to cease cancer-causing behavior such as smoking cessation, alcohol reduction, and screening uptake within the Black population as well as ways to communicate to Black people
2) Resources
Organization: NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD)
The NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) provides targeted resources and programs aimed at eliminating cancer disparities in historically underserved populations, particularly African American communities. Its Community Outreach, Research, and Engagement (CORE) branch prioritizes inclusive participation in precision oncology, culturally competent health education, and multidisciplinary training in disparities-focused research. Programs such as CUSP2CT and PE-CGS aim to boost clinical trial access and genomic literacy in underrepresented populations. The Disparities Research Branch (DRB) emphasizes the biological impact of social determinants of health and supports team science initiatives through funding opportunities like the Basic Research in Cancer Health Disparities (R01/R21) and the HDIO (P20) initiative. These programs integrate research, education, and communication to improve outcomes in cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship. These resources aligns with my project's mission to advance cancer prevention through community-informed, culturally relevant outreach, education, and engagement in Black communities.
3) Assigned Role
Organization: American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS) demonstrates leadership accountability in cancer equity through Tawana Thomas Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. She leads the organization’s diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and health equity strategy, placing these priorities at the center of ACS’s operations and culture. Her role includes community engagement to reduce cancer disparities in Black and multicultural communities, as well as producing educational media like the More Than Conquerors documentary. By overseeing a dedicated DEI team, leading enterprise-wide ESG efforts, and driving national partnerships, Johnson embodies a strategic, role-assigned approach to ensuring equity in cancer outcomes.
4) Strategic Representations
Organization: The Center for Black Health & Equity
The Center for Black Health & Equity is a Black operated nonprofit whose mission is rooted in health justice and equity, focusing on eliminating health disparities that affect Black communities, particularly regarding tobacco use, cancer prevention, and other chronic conditions. Their vision highlights a commitment to culturally tailored strategies and equitable representation in health advocacy. These strategic statements ensure that underserved communities are actively included in public health narratives and resource allocations.
5) Internal Department/Unit
Organization: Truth Initiative
URL: https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/targeted-communities/why-tobacco-racial-justice-issue
The Truth Initiative houses specific initiatives focused on health equity and social justice particularly tobacco use among communities of color. This internal unit produces data-driven reports and implements tailored campaigns addressing smoking cessation within Black communities. The department exemplifies an internal structure dedicated to reducing disparities through advocacy, research, and culturally competent health communication. They also advocate for systemic policy change and equitable prevention efforts with the goal of reducing nicotine consumption.
6) News and Events (Internal)
Organization: NAACP
The NAACP has hosts webinars and events focusing on prevention for Black communities focusing on not smoking. The websites often explore systemic barriers to health equity, such as access to cancer risks that affect minority populations more and culturally competent care and polices to fight the inequities in healthcare. By prioritizing internal dialogues and professional development, the organization works to educate its members and partners on advancing equitable health outcomes for Black populations affected by cancer.
7) News and Events (External)
Organization: American Public Health Association (APHA)
The American Public Health Association (APHA) hosts external events during National Public Health Week, including panels on racism and health equity that address topics like cancer disparities, smoking, and alcohol use within Black communities. These events bring together public health leaders and community advocates to discuss solutions for promoting health equity, aligning with strategic diversity management principles. The events create a space for inclusive dialogue, disseminating information that impacts diverse and underserved populations.
