Black women physicians are getting their flowers — and the next generation of doctors is getting its scholarships. The Association of Black Women Physicians (ABWP) will celebrate its 45th Annual Charity & Scholarship Benefit Gala on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton, with actress and comedian Kim Coles serving as mistress of ceremonies.
This year’s theme is “Legends & Legacy,” and it fits. Since its founding in 1982, ABWP has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships, and this gala benefits the Rebecca Lee Crumpler Scholarships — named for the first Black woman physician in the United States. Kim Coles, beloved from “Living Single” and co-host of the “Reliving Single” podcast, also hosted the gala in 2024, so the evening is in warm, funny, familiar hands. The night begins with a red carpet at 5:30 PM, a reception at 6 PM, and dinner and awards at 7 PM.
The honors are the heart of the night. The Lifetime Achievement Award goes to ABWP’s own founding president, Jessie L. Sherrod, MD, MPH, presented by the Honorable Mablean Ephriam. Humanitarian of the Year honors go to Toluwalasé “Lasé” A. Ajayi, MD, chair of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees, and Brandi K. Freeman, MD, the 127th president of the National Medical Association. The Special Visionary Award goes to Judith Joseph, MD, MBA, named to the 2026 Time 100 Creators List.
ABWP President Dr. Anastasia Williams has spoken about how representation in medicine changes health outcomes for entire communities — and this organization lives that mission year-round, including its Sister-to-Sister mentorship program pairing established physicians with women coming up behind them. President-Elect Dr. Dominique Woods helps lead the work forward. Entertainment for the evening comes from Live Jazz LA and THE (ICYOLA) Jazz Ensemble of the Inner-City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles — young musicians performing for the doctors who paved the way.
The gala is supported by sponsors including the Cooperative of American Physicians, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, and Dr. Carl Truesdale.
Get to know the organization in ABWP’s own overview video:
Forty-five years of sisterhood, service, and scholarships — that’s a legacy worth dressing up for. Tickets and information are available at blackwomenphysicians.org/45th-annual-abwp-gala.
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