#USA #Atlanta #Black Women #Autoimmune Diseases #We Are ILL

We Are ILL Concludes Its Sixth Annual Wellness Week(end) in Atlanta

The annual Wellness Week(end) organized by We Are ILL came to a close in Atlanta, marking its sixth successful year. This national nonprofit focuses on enhancing the healthcare experiences of Black women impacted by autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and lupus. From November 7-9, 2025, the event celebrated resilience and community, bringing together women from various backgrounds to share their experiences and learn from each other.

A Gathering Rooted in Support and Empowerment

The theme of this year’s event was "In Pursuit of Joy," which encapsulated the goals of We Are ILL: to help women navigate the challenges of chronic illness while reclaiming a sense of wellness, identity, and community. Hosted at the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel, the event featured a mix of educational sessions and restorative activities, fostering a unique atmosphere for connection and healing.

Victoria Reese Brathwaite, the Founder and President of We Are ILL, emphasized the importance of the gathering saying, “Black women living with MS, lupus, and NMOSD carry heavy medical, financial, and emotional burdens, often overlooked in mainstream healthcare. Wellness Week(end) equips us with tools, community, and permission to feel good again.”

The weekend's activities included insightful panel discussions about the realities of living with chronic illness, intimate support groups, adaptive fitness sessions, and a joyous happy hour for connection among attendees. Notable speakers included Aisha Howard, an Emmy Award-winning anchor, who opened the weekend with motivating remarks.

A Curriculum Culturally Grounded in Experience

In her address, Reese Brathwaite underlined that this event is much more than an occasion; it serves as an essential lifeline for the participants. "Wellness Week(end) is proof that we deserve environments tailored to our joy and wellbeing. The depth of understanding offered in our discussions is transformative," she noted.

Panelist Dr. Jakai Nolan McEwen, a board-certified neurologist, added, “The education that occurs at this event is inherently different because it resonates with our lived experiences, discussing what it means to rise and cope in our bodies daily. Our learning is affirming and actionable.”

Participants had the opportunity to engage with experts who contributed valuable insights into the complexity of autoimmunity and its effects on representation, healthcare access, and lived experiences.

The Importance of Representation and Community

This year’s Wellness Week(end) also welcomed an array of speakers and specialists, highlighting the event’s focus on culturally relevant health education. Speakers such as Joy D. Calloway, Dr. Annette Okai, Dr. Nicole Garner Scott, and Goody Howard added depth to the experience with their expertise.

Gold sponsors such as Biogen, EMD Serono, and Novartis supported the event, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance awareness and advocate for the health needs of Black women living with autoimmune diseases.

A Movement for Change

We Are ILL remains committed to creating long-lasting change within healthcare systems, ensuring that women are seen, understood, and empowered to take charge of their health journeys. With plans to continue expanding its offerings, this weekend served as a solid foundation for future initiatives.

The conclusion of this year’s Wellness Week(end) marked not just an end but also a beginning for many, as attendees left energized, connected, and equipped to embrace their wellness journeys with newfound confidence.

For more information about We Are ILL and their upcoming projects, visit weareillms.com.