Created in Canva
United States Celebrates 250 Years C O L O R SVOL. 3: ISSUE 2 AUGUST 2026 Dr. Danelle Stevens-Watkins 2026-2027 University Research Professor University of Kentucky Outstanding Research Excellence & Impact in Health Equity
COLORS J u l y 2 0 2 6N E W S P A P E R , I N C . 2 FEATURED ARTICLES: PAGE(S): A Local & National Health Concern: Diabetes in the Black Community............................................ 3 Environmental and Culturally Competent Care Should Be a Top Healthcare Priority..................... 4 Granny’s Birth Initiative: Transforming Maternal Health in Louisville.................................................5 West End Residents Continue to Push for Stronger Environmental Protections.............................. 6 Article Correction & Clarification: “Kentucky’s August 8 Emancipation Celebration”....................... 6 COVER STORY: Dr. Danelle Stevens-Watkins, 2026-2027 University Research Professor, University of Kentucky ............................................................................................................8-9 More Than a Haircut: The Barbershop Health Initiative to Improve Black Men Health................10 Black Azz Camping: Reclaiming the Outdoors & Possibilities..........................................11 10 Local Entrepreneurs Land $25,000 Credit Line...........................................................12 Driving Prosperity: Black-Owned Businesses Fueled America's Economic Growth........12 Metro Government Considers Data Center Moratorium as Community Concerns Grow.............14 Federal Foster Care Funding Reductions Raise Concerns Across Kentucky.....................................14 Technology Is Transforming Black Healthcare—But Challenges Remain.........................................15 Simmons University's Westover Campus Brings New Hope for STEAM Education ........................15 Changes at the EEOC Raise Concerns About the Future of Workplace Civil Rights...........Back Page CONTACT US: Phone: (502) 712-8902 Email: colorsnewspaperlou@gmail.comSupport Local Business:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Minority Health In 2024, Black/African American adults were 24% more likely than U.S. adults overall to have diabetes. In 2022, Black/African Americans died from diabetes 78% more often than the U.S. population overall. In 2021, Black/African American adults were more than twice as likely as U.S. adults overall to develop kidney failure caused by diabetes. In 2023, Black/African American adults with diabetes were 9% more likely than U.S. adults with diabetes to get a yearly eye exam. 3 A Local & National Health Concern: Diabetes in the Black Community Diabetes has become one of the most pressing health challenges facing Black communities across the United States, and Louisville is no exception. While advances in medicine have made diabetes more manageable than ever before, many Black families continue to experience higher rates of diagnosis, more severe complications, and greater barriers to receiving preventive care. A Local & National Health Concern In Kentucky, approximately 13.7% of adults have been diagnosed with diabetes. The burden is even greater among Black Kentuckians, with an estimated prevalence of about 19.4%—roughly 42% higher than that of White Kentuckians. These differences reflect not only individual health risks but also broader issues such as access to healthcare, healthy food, safe places to exercise, and economic opportunity. Louisville's health disparities mirror statewide trends. In West Louisville—home to many of the city's historically Black neighborhoods—the prevalence of diabetes is estimated to be about 20%, compared with approximately 10–12% in many East Louisville neighborhoods. Public health experts identify limited access to affordable healthy foods, transportation challenges, and longstanding inequities as contributing factors. A Community Challenge Diabetes is one of Louisville's most significant public health challenges, but it is also one where meaningful progress is possible. By increasing awareness, expanding preventive care, improving access to healthy food, and strengthening partnerships among healthcare providers and community organizations, Louisville can reduce diabetes-related disparities and improve quality of life for future generations. Community Solutions Louisville has numerous organizations working to improve health outcomes by increasing access to healthy foods, nutrition education, and wellness programs. Change Today, Change Tomorrow host the West End Farmers Market and Mobile Market to increase food access and healthy options. The Park DuValle Farmers Market & Wellness Center was recently opened as part of the Food Is Medicine Initiative. Healthcare providers recognize that trusted community spaces—including churches, barbershops, and community centers—can be effective places to offer diabetes education and preventive care. The fight against diabetes is not solely a medical issue—it is a community issue. Colors NewspaperAugust 2026
4 Environmental and Culturally Responsive Care Should Be a Top Healthcare Priority for Black and Low-Income Communities As policymakers continue to address health disparities across the U.S., advocates say environmental and culturally competent care should be among the highest healthcare priorities for Black, underserved and low- income communities. Residents in many underserved neighborhoods are more likely to live near industrial facilities and other sources of pollution that contribute to higher rates of asthma, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. Healthcare providers are encouraged to apply culturally competent care by recognizing patients' cultural backgrounds, life experiences, language, values, and environment. Advocates say this approach can improve communication, build trust between patients and providers, and increase adherence to treatment plans, leading to better health outcomes. Community leaders emphasize that improving health outcomes requires more than expanding access to healthcare. It also requires investments in cleaner neighborhoods, safe housing, nutritious food, quality education, economic opportunity, and healthcare systems that understand and respond to the unique needs of the populations they serve. As Louisville and communities across the nation continue to confront health inequities, environmental justice and culturally competent healthcare remain critical to building healthier communities. Colors NewspaperAugust 2026Graphic courtesy of Nursing CE at https://www.nursingce.com/ceu-courses/cultural- competency-and-humility-nursing-ce-course.Graphic courtesy of BusinessWire at https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230508005541/en/Cultural- Responsiveness-Enhances-Access-to-Care-and-Improves-Health-Outcomes.
5Transforming Maternal Health in Louisville Across Kentucky and the nation, maternal health continues to be one of the most pressing public health challenges. While pregnancy and childbirth should be moments of hope and celebration, too many families—particularly Black families—face preventable risks before, during, and after childbirth. Granny's Birth Initiative was established by founder, Alexa Scisney, to ensure that mothers and families have access to respectful, compassionate, and culturally responsive support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The name Granny's Birth Initiative pays tribute to the legacy of the "Granny" midwives—highly respected community birth attendants whose knowledge, compassion, and dedication helped shape maternal care long before modern healthcare systems became widely accessible. Addressing Maternal Health Disparities Maternal health disparities are influenced by a complex combination of factors, including access to prenatal care, economic conditions, transportation, insurance coverage, chronic stress, and differences in the quality of healthcare that patients receive. For many Black women, navigating pregnancy can also involve overcoming barriers such as limited access to culturally responsive care, implicit bias, and gaps in postpartum support. Granny's Birth Initiative works to bridge these gaps by helping families understand their options, communicate effectively with healthcare providers, and receive continuous emotional and educational support before, during, and after childbirth. The Power of Doula Care One of the organization's central services is doula support. Unlike medical providers who focus primarily on clinical care, doula care helps families prepare for childbirth, understand their birth preferences, and navigate what can often be an overwhelming healthcare system. Research has shown that doula care is associated with improved birth experiences, increased patient satisfaction, and, in some studies, lower rates of certain interventions. Prioritizing Mental Health Pregnancy and childbirth affect both physical and emotional well-being. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and postpartum mood disorders can have lasting effects on mothers and families if they are not recognized and addressed. Granny's Birth Initiative emphasizes the importance of maternal mental health by encouraging open conversations, connecting families with resources, and helping reduce the stigma surrounding emotional wellness during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Looking Toward the Future As maternal health continues to receive increased national attention, organizations like Granny's Birth Initiative demonstrate how community-based leadership can complement clinical care and help close longstanding gaps in health outcomes. For more information and to support, visit the Granny’s Birth Initiative website at https://gbiky.org. Colors NewspaperAugust 2026Alexa Scisney, Founder Granny’s Birth Initiative
6 Colors NewspaperAugust 2026 CORRECTION & CLARIFICATION: “Kentucky’s August 8 Emancipation Celebration,” Colors Newspaper, June 2026 Issue. th The previous version of the article incorrectly stated that the August 8th celebration traces its origins to August 8, 1863, when enslaved Black Americans in Tennessee learned of their freedom following President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and Union military victories during the Civil War. In correction, the August 8th celebration traces its origins to August 8, 1863, when Andrew Johnson, military governor of then Union-controlled Tennessee, freed his slaves. Blacks in Tennessee and Kentucky began to recognize and celebrate freedom and pay tribute to their roots on the 8th of August. Salute and thanks to Mariel Gardner of the West End Women’s Collaborative for recognizing and sharing the article correction. West End Residents Continue to Push for Stronger Environmental Protections West End community residents and environmental advocates continue to call for stronger action to address industrial safety and pollution affecting area neighborhoods. Advocates, like Rubbertown Emergency ACTion (REACT), have urged the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District (APCD) to take more aggressive steps to address ongoing environmental hazards. Parkland residents have reported recurring issues with fugitive dust, fires, and industrial emissions at nearby industrial facilities, raising concerns about air quality and public health. Residents are concerned that such incidents can affect daily life by creating unpleasant odors, visible dust, and uncertainty about potential health impacts, particularly for children, older adults, and individuals living with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Eboni Cochran, founder of REACT, advocate that every resident deserves clean air and a safe environment. REACT, led by Eboni Cochran, and community organizations continue to hold public meetings and urge residents to participate in APCD meetings to advance stronger policies, regulations, and laws to protect community. West End residents remain committed to ensuring that economic development and industrial activity do not come at the expense of neighborhood health and resident wellbeing.
7Colors Newspaper, Inc.
8 Colors NewspaperAugust 2026Dr. Danelle Stevens-Watkins 2026-2027 University Research Professor University of Kentucky Outstanding Research Excellence & Impact in Health Equity From the classrooms of Louisville's Central High School to becoming one of the nation's leading health disparities researchers, Dr. Danelle Stevens- Watkins has dedicated her career to improving the lives of underserved communities through science, education, and public service. A Louisville native and Central High School graduate, Dr. Stevens-Watkins has emerged as a nationally recognized psychologist, researcher, educator, and mentor at the University of Kentucky, where her groundbreaking work focuses on reducing health disparities affecting African Americans and other underserved populations. Today, she serves as a professor in the University of Kentucky College of Education, is affiliated with the Center on Drug and Alcohol Research and the Center for Health Equity Transformation, and has held senior university leadership positions advancing research and inclusion. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to ensuring that research addresses the real-world needs of Kentucky communities. Dr. Stevens-Watkins' research has focused on some of the most pressing public health issues facing Black communities, including substance use disorders, opioid addiction, HIV risk, mental health, maternal health, breastfeeding disparities, and barriers that prevent African Americans from accessing quality healthcare. For more than a decade, she has received continuous funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), leading and collaborating on major federally funded studies designed to improve health outcomes through culturally responsive research. In recognition of her distinguished scholarship, Dr. Stevens-Watkins was named the 2026–27 University Research Professor, one of the University of Kentucky's highest academic honors. University officials cited her more than 90 peer-reviewed publications, extensive federally funded research portfolio, and longstanding commitment to mentoring graduate students and early-career researchers. The award was etablished by the UK Board of Trustees in 1976, the program recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding impact across their fields. On July 2, 2026, Dr. Steven-Watkins shared with UKNOW, University of Kentucky News, that “being recognized as a University Research Professor is truly a full-circle moment for me. The University of Kentucky is where I cultivated a passion for research over 22 years ago, when I pursued a Ph.D.” When asked how the professorships will advance her research, Dr. Stevens-Watkins stated, “my overarching goal is to leverage my skills as a scientist to devise sustainable interventions that build capacity within communities, ultimately leading to improvements in health acorss generations.”
9 Colors NewspaperAugust 2026 Dr. Stevens-Watkins has expressed that her research on substance use and abuse is inspired by witnessing the devasting impact of drug use within families. Among her most influential projects is REFOCUS (Research Examining Factors Associated with the Opioid Crisis among Under-served African Americans), one of the first national studies dedicated to understanding how the opioid epidemic has affected Black Americans—an area that historically received far less research attention than opioid use in White communities. The findings are helping shape prevention strategies, treatment approaches, and public policy designed to reduce racial disparities in addiction care. Her work extends beyond the laboratory. Research teams under her leadership regularly engage directly with neighborhoods in Louisville and Lexington by providing overdose education, distributing naloxone, and connecting residents with treatment and recovery resources. This community- based approach reflects her belief that research should not only generate knowledge but also produce measurable improvements in people's lives.REFOCUS, the University of Kentuck research group led by Dr. Steven-Watkins studying the health impacts of opioid use in Black communities in Kentucky. Photo courtesy of Lexington 18, Jun 06, 2022 (www.lex18.com). Throughout her career, she has emphasized the importance of mentoring the next generation of scholars, particularly students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. She has often credited mentors who encouraged her own academic journey and now seeks to provide the same support to future researchers and healthcare leaders. For Louisville, Dr. Stevens-Watkins' accomplishments represent more than individual success. Her journey demonstrates how public education, community support, and higher education can prepare local students to become national leaders who improve lives through research and service. As communities across Kentucky continue addressing health disparities, substance use, maternal health, and chronic disease, Dr. Stevens-Watkins' work serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful solutions begin by listening to communities, conducting rigorous research, and translating evidence into action.
10 Colors NewspaperAugust 2026 For generations, the Black barbershop has been much more than a place to get a haircut. It has served as a gathering place where friendships are formed, ideas are exchanged, businesses are supported, and community leadership is cultivated. From the Civil Rights Movement to neighborhood organizing efforts today, barbershops have remained among the most trusted institutions in Black America. Today, barbershops are taking on another important role: helping improve the health of Black men by addressing high blood pressure and hypertension— two of the leading causes of preventable illness and death in Black communities. A Health Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight While barbershops have long supported the social health of the community, they are increasingly becoming vital partners in improving physical health. High blood pressure—often called the "silent killer" because it frequently has no symptoms—remains the leading cause of death among Black men in the United States. Barbershop Health Initiative Recognizing the trust barbers have earned within their communities, healthcare providers and researchers have partnered with barbershops across the country to bring preventive care directly to where Black men already feel comfortable. Known as the Barbershop Health Initiative, these programs train barbers to encourage conversations about health, offer blood pressure screenings, share educational materials, and connect customers with healthcare professionals for follow-up care. In some communities, pharmacists, nurses, or community health workers visit barbershops regularly to provide screenings, medication counseling, and referrals. By removing barriers to care and meeting people where they are, these initiatives have helped identify previously undiagnosed hypertension and encouraged men to seek treatment before serious complications develop. Why the Barbershop Works Health experts say the model succeeds because it is built on trust. Many customers visit the same barber every few weeks, creating relationships that often span years or even decades. Conversations in the barber chair are relaxed, honest, and free from many of the pressures people may feel in clinical settings. When healthcare information comes from a trusted barber who genuinely cares about the well-being of his clients, it often carries added credibility and encourages follow-through. An Opportunity for Louisville Louisville's Black barbershops have long been community pillars. The Barbershop Health Initiative in collaboration with local barbers like C.J. Carter, health advocate and founder of Sharp Futures Foundation, will do well to improve the health of Black men and boys in Louisville and across Kentucky. The barber's chair has always been a place where knowledge is shared and futures are shaped. Today, the barber’s chair is becoming a place where health can be improved and lives can be saved. More Than a Haircut: The Barbershop Health Initiative to Improve Black Men HealthHealth initiative shows barbershops can help lower blood pressure for Black men in the U.S. Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Changing the Narrative Griffin believes historical experiences have shaped how many Black Americans view outdoor recreation. Black Azz Camping is helping rewrite that story through visibility and education. "We're changing that simply by showing up. We incorporate our history and environmental education into everything we do. Every hike, every campfire, every kayak trip, every family fishing day changes someone's perception." Healing Through Nature Griffin has witnessed firsthand the transformative effects that spending time outdoors can have on mental and physical well- being. She describes nature as an essential source of peace. "In communities where survival is often the priority, creating intentional spaces for peace is revolutionary." Inspiring the Next Generation Youth engagement is central to Black Azz Camping's mission. Griffin hopes today's young campers will become tomorrow's environmental leaders. She believes outdoor experiences teach both youth and adults life skills that extend far beyond the great outdoors. Black Azz Camping Reclaiming the Outdoors & Possibilities 11 Colors NewspaperAugust 2026 For Brittney Griffin, founder of Black Azz Camping, the outdoors represents much more than recreation. It is a place of healing, self- discovery, education, and community. "Black Azz Camping was born from two things: pain and possibility," Griffin explained. Through Black Azz Camping, Griffin is leading a growing movement that is reconnecting Black communities with nature while challenging long- held perceptions about who belongs in outdoor spaces. More Than Camping The organization's mission extends well beyond tents and campfires. Events are designed to foster confidence, belonging, and environmental stewardship. "Our mission is simple," Griffin said. "Reconnect Black communities to nature while building community, culture, and connection." Since its founding, Black Azz Camping has introduced thousands of people to camping, hiking, kayaking, fishing, paddling, and environmental education."What started as a few people willing to try something different has become a movement," Griffin said. Website: https://www.blackazzcamping.orgBrittney Griffin, Founder Black Azz Camping
12Pictured: Dr. Natasha DeJarnett, Assistant Professor of Environmental Medicine at the Chirstina Lee Brown Envionme Insitute, Univeristy of Louisville. Colors NewspaperAugust 2026 10 Local Entrepreneurs Land $25,000 Credit Line Ten (10) aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners participating in the AMPED Business Accelerator program are being awarded $25,000 lines of credit through a partnership with Community Foundation of Louisville and Park Community Credit Union, providing a combined $250,000 in access to capital to help strengthen local businesses and expand economic opportunity. The initiative is designed to address one of the greatest challenges facing many small businesses—access to affordable capital—a significant obstacle to growth. The new lines of credit will provide participating founders with flexible financing to invest in their businesses, including equipment purchase, operation expansion, hire employees, and cash flow management. In addition, the firms can establish or strengthen long-term banking relationships. The partnership reflects a growing recognition that supporting local entrepreneurs requires more than education and technical assistance. Access to responsible financial products is essential for businesses seeking to move from startup to sustainable growth. Driving Prosperity: Black-Owned Businesses Fueled America's Economic Growth February 19, 2025, the Brookings Institute published an article on the research study by Andre M. Perry, Hannah Stephens, and Manann Donoghoe reporting that the boom in new businesses since 2020 has been led by Black- owned employer businesses (firms with at least one employee). According to Brookings, Black-owned employer businesses generated approximately $212 billion in revenue in 2022, employed an average of eight workers per business, and paid more than $61 billion in wages and salaries. These businesses supported families, strengthened local economies, and contributed to America's broader economic recovery following the pandemic. Research indicated that growth among Black- owned businesses did not come at the expense of other businesses. Instead, expanding entrepreneurship helped create a more competitive, innovative, and resilient economy benefiting communities across the country. The Brookings research demonstrates that when Black entrepreneurs and businesses succeed, communities prosper.
13Colors Newspaper, Inc.
Metro Government Considers Data Center Moratorium as Community Concerns Grow Louisville Metro Government appears to mover toward stronger oversight of hyperscale data center development as Metro Council considers a temporary moratorium while new zoning regulations are finalized. The proposed ordinance, sponsored by Councilwoman Cassie Chambers Armstrong Chappell, would temporarily pause the acceptance of new data center applications for 180 days. Supporters say the pause is necessary to allow the Metro Planning & Zoning committee to complete comprehensive zoning regulations and provide residents with greater opportunities for public input. Community supporters and Councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright (D3) are urging residents to contact their Metro Council representatives after the proposed ordinance was not brought up for consideration during a recent meeting on July 22, 2026. As Metro Council continues its review, the debate has become one of Louisville's most closely watched land-use issues, with residents, community organizations and leaders calling for better transparency, accountability, and responsible growth that balances economic development with resident quality of life. 14 Colors NewspaperAugust 2026 Federal Foster Care Funding Reductions Raise Concerns Across Kentucky Youth advocates across Kentucky are expressing concern that recent federal funding reductions affecting foster care and family support programs could place additional strain on an already overburdened child welfare system. Federal funding helps support family preservation programs, foster parent recruitment and training, mental health and case management services. The funding crisis exacerbates a severe shortage of placement options. As of March 2026, roughly 8,753 Kentucky youth require out-of-home care, the state reported fewer than 4,516 approved foster homes. To stop immediate payment rate reductions to foster homes, Governor Andy Beshear reallocated $30 million from unused economic development and housing projects. The funding cuts may have a greater impact on Black children, who are disproportionately represented in foster care. Child welfare advocates emphasize that stable funding is essential to protecting children while addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to family instability.
15 Colors NewspaperAugust 2026 Technology Is Transforming Black Healthcare—But Challenges Remain Technology is fasly reshaping healthcare and creating new opportunities to improve health outcomes in Black communities. From telehealth appointments and wearable fitness devices to mobile health apps, digital tools are making it easier for people to access care, monitor chronic conditions, and receive health information. Researchers have found that greater access to broadband internet, smartphones, digital health platforms, and telehealth services can help reduce health disparities among Blacks by improving access to physicians, specialists, and preventive care. These technical advances can help improve health for individuals living in communities where healthcare providers may be limited. Technology is also helping individuals take a more active role in managing their health. Health-tracking apps and wearable devices allow users to instantly monitor their health. This can be essential to improving health for person with chronic illnesses, in which Blacks suffer at higher rates. As innovation continues to transform medicine, community leaders, like the NAACP, advocate that the goal should be to make technology a bridge— not a barrier—to better health for Black Americans. Simmons University's Westover Campus Brings New Hope for STEAM Education in the West End A bold new chapter in educational opportunity is taking shape in the Chickasaw neighborhood in Louisville’s West End community as Simmons College of Kentucky moves forward with plans to develop its new Westover Campus, at the former Christ the King Catholic campus on South 44th Street. A transformative investment designed to expand access to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education while creating career pathways for West End residents. It is a strategic investment in the future of one of Louisville's historic neighborhoods, returning a long-standing educational site to its original purpose while preparing students for careers in some of the nation's fastest- growing industries. The project is expected to include engineering classrooms, a prototyping and fabrication space, laboratories, an aviation simulator, and performance arts facilities, establishing a modern learning environment reflecting today's workforce demands. Leaders have expressed that the vision is driven by a growing demand for graduates in STEAM fields, particularly among underrepresented populations. By expanding academic offerings in engineering, healthcare, technology, aviation , and related disciplines. Simmons aims to prepare students for high-paying careers while helping employers address workforce shortages across Kentucky.
Follow, Like, Subscribe & Share @Colors NewspaperCOLORSA u g u s t 2 0 2 6N E W S P A P E R , I N C .$ 1 . 5 0Changes at the EEOC Raise Concerns About the Future of Workplace Civil Rights & Discrimination A series of recent policy changes at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has sparked debate among employers, employees, and civil rights advocates over the future of workplace discrimination enforcement in America. The EEOC, the federal agency responsible for enforcing laws that prohibit workplace discrimination, has shifted its enforcement priorities by moving away from pursuing many disparate-impact cases. EEOC leadership argues that these changes are intended to reduce regulatory burdens on employers and reinforce a "colorblind" approach to employment decisions. n addition, the Commission has proposed ending the long-standing requirement that many employers submit annual demographic workforce reports—known as EEO-1 reports— which have been used for decades to identify patterns of discrimination across race, ethnicity, and sex. EEOC leadership argues that these changes are intended to reduce regulatory burdens on employers and reinforce a "colorblind" approach to employment decisions. However, civil rights organizations, labor advocates, and many employment law experts warn that the changes could significantly weaken the nation's ability to detect systemic discrimination before it becomes widespread. Without those reports, critics argue it will become far more difficult to recognize patterns of exclusion that may not be visible through individual complaints alone. Legal experts note that many discriminatory barriers are not the result of overt bias but stem from unintentionally disadvantage certain groups (i.e., hiring practicces, promotion criteria, AI systems, etc.). As the nation tackles this issue, these policy changes could reshape how workplace discrimination is measured, investigated, and prevented for years to come.