Celebrating Black Women’s Health & Advocacy

In a healthcare system that often fails to fully care for Black women, self-advocacy can be a critical lifeline. In this episode of the Love Letters 2 Our Bodies podcast, Gwendolyn Mitchell is joined by Dr. Chiquita Tuttle, a healthcare consultant, cancer care advocate, and lifelong leader in community-based support. Our conversation explores the systemic disparities Black women face when it comes to healthcare, the urgent need for cultural competency in medicine, and the life-changing power of peer navigation programs. Dr. Tuttle also reflects on her work with Black Ladies Advocating for Cancer Care (BLACC), the legacy of her late sister, and the role of holistic healing, community, and self-care in sustaining well-being. This episode is a moving call to listen deeply to our bodies and to one another. Tune in to hear Dr. Tuttle’s wisdom and lived experience in this heartfelt conversation.

 Key Points From This Episode:

•    Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Chiquita Tuttle, and her background in healthcare.

•    How her identity as a Black woman shaped her leadership and self-advocacy.

•    Key disparities Black women face when seeking medical care, and how to address them.

•    The importance of self-advocacy for Black women navigating an imperfect healthcare system.

•    Necessary systemic changes for improving healthcare outcomes for Black women.

•    The importance of representation in clinical trials and the call for Black data.

•    Dr. Tuttle’s work with Black Ladies Advocating for Cancer Care (BLACC).

•    The peer navigator model and how it supports women through cancer care.

•    Breaking the silence: why sharing diagnoses and asking for help matters.

•    Dr. Tuttle’s reflections on caregiving, grief, and her sister’s cancer journey.

•    Self-care, holistic practices, and the emotional toll of advocacy work.

•    A call to listen to your body, seek support, and become your own advocate. 

Quotes:

“The basic disparity is that oftentimes, [Black] women get ignored. They don't get the care that they are entitled to.” — Dr. Chiquita Tuttle [0:08:32]

“Community building is just really a very strong way to have advocacy and to get your points across or get things done for your organization or other organizations.” — Dr. Chiquita Tuttle [0:17:39] 

“Understand that the words that you say are important. Say things like, ‘What can I do to make you feel better? Or what do you need? Or how can I be of support?’” — Dr. Chiquita Tuttle [0:23:40]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Chiquita Tuttle on LinkedIn
Black Ladies Advocating for Cancer Care (BLACC) on Facebook
Peer Navigation Program Recruitment
National Medical Association
National Black Nurses Association

Stanford Cancer Institute

Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation
Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn
MOYO Institute, Inc
instagram.com/moyoinstitute