This virtual education series introduces lupus through the lens of Black women’s lived experiences and clinical realities. “This Is Lupus: The Reality for Black Women” clarifies what lupus is, how it develops, how it presents in the body, and why Black women are disproportionately affected in severity, complications, and diagnostic delays.

Each session pairs a rheumatologist, dermatologist or nephrologist with a Black woman living with lupus to bridge clinical insight and lived testimony. Together, they explore lupus subtypes (including systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis), early warning signs, lab markers, organ involvement, treatment pathways, and what patients should expect throughout their medical journey.

Sessions address disparities directly — including earlier onset, more aggressive disease patterns, and higher rates of kidney involvement among Black women — while equipping participants with practical tools for symptom tracking, provider communication, and medical self-advocacy.

The sessions are as follows:

• September 30 at 6 p.m. ET:
‍Living Beyond the Diagnosis: Managing Lupus with Confidence With lupus patient advocate Dr. Charisma Atkins, rheumatologist Dr. Joy-Ann Tabano-Gayle, and dermatologist Dr. Patricia A. Oyetakin. Moderated by Zenovia Wright.

• October 7 at 6 p.m. ET:
Protecting Your Future: Kidney Health, Long-Term Wellness & Thriving with Lupus With lupus patient advocate Dr. Charisma Atkins and nephrologist Dr. Sharica Brookins. Moderated by Zenovia Wright.

NOTE: As a thank-you for your time, participants will also have the option to enter a drawing to receive a $40 Amazon gift card upon completing the survey.