ABWP sets 45th annual gala for Oct. 24 in Beverly Hills

The Association of Black Women Physicians will hold its 45th Annual Charity & Scholarship Benefit Gala on Oct. 24, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton to raise money for scholarships, mentorship and community health programs. The event will honor medical leaders while spotlighting ABWP's work to expand representation in medicine and support Black women physicians.

Why it matters: - The gala funds ABWP scholarships, mentorship and community health advocacy at a time when medical students face growing financial pressure. - ABWP says its scholarship and pipeline programs help build a more representative healthcare workforce and improve health outcomes in underserved communities. - The event also spotlights Black women leaders in medicine, education and public health.

What happened: - The Association of Black Women Physicians will host its 45th Annual Charity & Scholarship Benefit Gala on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. - The black-tie event carries the theme “Legends & Legacy.” - Red-carpet arrivals begin at 5:30 p.m. - A reception runs from 6 to 7 p.m. - Dinner and the awards program run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. - Attire is black-tie or cocktail.

The details: - The gala will raise funds for the Rebecca Lee Crumpler Scholarships, community health advocacy initiatives and physician mentorship programs. - ABWP was founded in 1982 and has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships. - The Rebecca Lee Crumpler Scholarship honors the first Black woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. - The scholarship supports students pursuing medicine who show academic achievement and a commitment to serving communities in need. - ABWP's Sister-to-Sister mentorship program connects medical students, residents and aspiring physicians with experienced professionals. - The organization also advances health equity through public education, community outreach and advocacy focused on health disparities. - Sponsors include Amgen, Cooperative of American Physicians, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and Dr. Carl Truesdale. - Previous supporters include Cedars-Sinai, Kaiser Permanente, Blue Shield of California, Sutter Health, Pfizer, Gilead and SCAN Health Plan. - Tickets, sponsorship opportunities and event information are available here. - More information is available on ABWP's website.

Between the lines: - ABWP is using the anniversary gala to connect recognition with fundraising, a common nonprofit strategy that can amplify both visibility and donations. - The honorees reflect ABWP's focus on leadership across clinical care, mental health, public health and medical advocacy. - Dr. Anastasia Williams said representation in medicine is a matter of health outcomes and that investment in Black women physicians supports healthier communities. - Dr. Dominique Woods said the 45th anniversary underscores ABWP's commitment to advocacy and mentorship, especially as educational funding cuts and economic pressure strain medical students.

What's next: - ABWP will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Jessie L. Sherrod, MD, MPH, with The Honorable Mablean Ephriam presenting the award. - The Humanitarian of the Year Award will go to Toluwalasé “Lasé” A. Ajayi, MD, FAAP, FAAHPM, and Brandi K. Freeman, MD, MS, FAAP. - The Special Visionary Award will honor Judith Joseph, MD, MBA. - The gala is expected to further support ABWP's scholarship, mentorship and health equity programs beyond the October event.

The bottom line: - ABWP is turning a milestone gala into a fundraising push for the next generation of Black women physicians.