November 2025 | News Updates | | | | |
A big welcome to our new Community Engagement Coordinator, Anissa!
Anissa is a recently graduated student who developed a passion for supporting public health initiatives and research during her time at University of California, Davis. While double majoring in Political Science-Public Service and African & African American studies, she discovered the importance of policy change as a crucial form of advocacy, especially regarding public health. She began her research journey focusing on health policy relating to undocumented populations and Medi-Cal access in 2024 and published her work via a student repository for exemplary work.
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Simultaneously, she began interning with the SOL Project where her enthusiasm for learning about community based approaches to public health came about! Anissa returned to SOL later that year for another internship opportunity where she continued to work with SOL’s Empowering Local Communities project and attended community events, worked on the fight for smoke free Multi Unit Housing, and aided in social media campaigns addressing questions the community had about smoking. Through a course at UCD, she even developed a research project focused on understanding youth perceptions of tobacco and marijuana use to form best practices for community based approaches to cessation.
By 2025, her profound dedication to community building and public health was impenetrable. A desire to explore and unpack the deep rooted disparities that the Black Community face in relation to health equity and smoking prevalence manifested into a Senior Honors Thesis. Here, she explored not only the history of targeted tobacco marketing to the Black community and the health disparities still faced in the community as a result, but related this to similarities to the contemporary cannabis industry and its illusive marketing methods. She is also a TRDRP Cornelius Hopper award supplement recipient. With this supplement she is continuing to engage in research related to priority tobacco populations.
As the newest Community Engagement Coordinator, Anissa will assist in building and maintaining community partnerships, developing research focus groups, creating social media material, and engage community members for SOL’s Projects–Advancing Momentum and Tobacco Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) African American Maternal Smoking Cessation Intervention Project. Ultimately, she hopes to aid in the creation of further culturally tailored cessation services and an end to the harms of smoking for good.
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Honoring Legacy, Serving Community: Bethune Heights Recognition Luncheon
The SOL Project was proudly recognized as a Lifetime Legacy Member during the Northern California Coalition National Council of Negro Women’s (NCNW) Bethune-Height Recognition Program, held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Emmanuel Baptist Church. This event celebrates the enduring legacy of NCNW and its mission to empower women of African descent through health, education, economic empowerment, and leadership.
In addition, Evangelist Sandra Green, Jacqueline Dyson, Cheryl Hughes, Adeaner Mincey, and Donna Wood were honored for their lifetime membership, commitment, and exemplary service as part of the Sacramento Valley Section (SVS) NCNW.
SOL Project has been working closely with the NCNW Sacramento Valley Section on a landmark tobacco prevention resolution. The resolution affirms NCNW’s commitment—aligned with its 4th pillar of Social Justice—to advance tobacco education, prevention, and public health policies that will help end California’s tobacco epidemic in every community.
Guest speaker Minister Katrina Barnes delivered an inspiring message, recognizing the historic strength of NCNW’s members and urging attendees to take action: Protect your peace, pursue your purpose, and pour into your people—lift as you climb.
SOL Project is deeply honored by this recognition and remains committed to supporting NCNW’s mission of building healthier, stronger communities for generations to come.
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Maternal Health in Motion: SOL Team Joins 500 Leaders at California Birth Equity Summit
The SOL Project team gained invaluable knowledge and connections at the 2025 California Black Birth Equity Summit on Oct 20-21, where more than 500 residents that included: doulas, midwives, legislators, mothers, doctors, nurses, and community activists from across California — including Los Angeles, Fresno, the Bay Area, and Sacramento — came together for a powerful two-day convening at the DoubleTree Hotel.
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Representing The SOL Project’s Maternal Smoking Cessation Research Initiative, Pleshette Robertson and Kimberly Bankston-Lee engaged with statewide partners dedicated to advancing health equity for Black mothers and birthing people. We also had the opportunity to meet one of our newest Community Advisory Board (CAB) members, Dr. Brittany Chambers Butcher (in photo with Pleshette and Kimberly) who is currently working to better operationalize racism, Dr. Chambers Butcher is partnering with Black women and birthing people to re-conceptualize racism, to identify novel ways to measure structural racism. We will be announcing all of the members of the CAB on The SOL Project website in December.
The summit offered new perspectives, data, and partnerships that will directly inform SOL’s ongoing work to reduce maternal and infant health disparities through culturally grounded education, policy advocacy, and cessation support.
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EWOC 2025 Spotlight: Honoring The SOL Project’s Executive Director
This fall, The SOL Project’s Executive Director was honored with the 2025 Exceptional Woman of Color (EWOC) Excellence Award at the 17th Annual Exceptional Women of Color Awards & Expo, hosted by the Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation on September 23, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento.
This distinguished recognition celebrated her 30 years of leadership in public health, advocacy, and community empowerment—acknowledging her lifelong commitment to improving the health and well-being of African American families in Sacramento and beyond. The award also follows her recent recognition by The Sacramento Bee as one of the Top 20 Black Change Makers of 2025, marking a milestone year of both achievement and service.
In her acceptance remarks, she shared a message that reflected the heart of her work and purpose, “I just do what I do. For me, that means showing up for my community—whether it’s advocating for stronger smoke and tobacco free public health policies, creating opportunities for healthier neighborhoods, or helping families find a place they can truly call home as a Realtor®. I don’t do this work for recognition; I do it because I believe in justice, in equity, in home ownership, and in building spaces where we can all thrive.” She closed with words of gratitude and encouragement that deeply resonated with the audience, “Tonight, I accept this award with gratitude, not just for myself but for every woman who keeps showing up, doing what she does, and making a difference. Congratulations to all honorees this evening. God is good.”
Kimberly's recognition at EWOC 2025 stands as a powerful testament to her dedication, compassion, and unwavering leadership—continuing to inspire others to serve and uplift their communities through The SOL Project and beyond.
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SAVE THE DATE! 3rd Annual Faith In Health Collaborative Summit
Now in its 3rd year, The SOL Project continues working with faith leaders to protect our communities from tobacco-related harm and expand smoke-free housing and cessation resources. The 3rd Annual Faith In Health Collaborative Summit takes place on Thurs-Feb 26, 2026 from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at Sierra Health Foundation in Sacramento. The Summit will dive into what Black health will look like in 2026 amid healthcare cuts, rising chronic disease rates, and ongoing disparities—while offering practical tools, solutions, and mini-grant opportunities to help congregations build healthier, smoke-free futures.
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Are you ready to make a difference while building your resume?
Join The SOL Project as a Public Health Intern in Sacramento and gain real-world experience in:
✨ Community Mobilization
✨ Social Marketing & Evaluation
✨ Policy Advocacy
✨ Public Health Leadership
Be part of a movement that uplifts communities and tackles the harmful impacts of tobacco, cannabis use, and environmental injustice. If you're passionate about equity and wellness, this is the internship for YOU!
✅ Now accepting applications – apply here: https://bit.ly/Apply-SOL-Internship
📍 Location: Sacramento | 💼 Flexible | 🌱 Paid Opportunities Available
Let’s build a healthier future—together!
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Art Meets Advocacy: “What Would They Say?” Inspires at NCTOH 2025
During the National Conference on Tobacco or Health (NCTOH) 2025, The SOL Project team was blown away by their first viewing of the powerful spoken word performance, “What Would They Say?” — a piece that left the audience both speechless and inspired.
In this moving work, spoken word artist Ryon Everidge and Eric Batch, National Vice President of Advocacy Outreach and Partnerships for the American Heart Association, explore how art fuels advocacy and strengthens the fight against Big Tobacco. Through thought-provoking pieces like “What Would They Say?” and “How Long Will You Target Me,” they challenge the industry’s tactics and elevate community voices demanding change.
The performance served as a vivid reminder that creative expression is one of the most powerful tools for raising public health awareness and inspiring policy action—a message that resonated deeply with The SOL Project’s ongoing mission to empower and protect Black communities.
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🥗 Need Food Assistance? Local Resources Are Here to Help
Food insecurity affects many families across our region — but help is available. 🌱 A network of local food banks and pantries provides free groceries, fresh produce, and essential support with dignity and care.
👉🏽 Call 211 or visit our website for a full list of food resources in Sacramento, Stockton, and surrounding counties.
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Build a Healthier, Smoke & Tobacco Free Future with The SOL Team!
Does your organization, school, or group need support creating a smoke and tobacco free environment?
The SOL Team is here to help — for FREE!
We offer:
✅ Tobacco Policy Recommendations
✅ Education Materials
✅ Quit Smoking Resources
✅ Volunteer Opportunities
✅ Expert Trainings
| | This fall, protect your loved ones from smoking, vaping, and secondhand smoke. Children are especially vulnerable — secondhand smoke can cause serious health problems. Visit KickItCA.org for free support to help you or someone you love #QuitSmoking or #QuitVaping. |
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Are you familiar with BYLP and the powerful support they provide across the Greater Sacramento Valley Region?
The Black Youth Leadership Project (BYLP) offers several community support networks designed to uplift, empower, and connect Black youth and families. These safe, culturally grounded spaces help individuals share experiences, build confidence, and access resources through the following but not limit to these networks:
- BBSN – Black Boys Support Network
- BGSN – Black Girls Support Network
- BPSN – Black Parents Support Network
- BYLP Minis
Each network meets unique community needs—from youth and parents to educators and families navigating exceptional needs.
Learn more and get connected: [insert link]
| | Calling all teens and young adults! Join SacBreathe on November 21 for a free Media Creation Workshop Night to prepare for their PSA Video Competition. Learn what judges look for, explore how to craft powerful messages, and start developing your own entry. Enjoy free pizza, snacks, and prizes! | | The Center at Sierra Health Foundation and the RAACD Steering Committee invite CBOs in Rancho Cordova serving African American families to apply as the 8th Community Incubator Lead under the Black Child Legacy Campaign. One organization will receive up to $100,000 for a 6-month project (Jan–Jun 2026). Applications are due by Monday, Dec 1, 2025 at 1 PM (PT). Learn more at SHFCenter.org. | | 🎨 Small Organization Sustainability Fund – Grants up to $5,000 for small arts & cultural groups in Sacramento County. Apply by Dec 5, 2025 | | The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is now accepting applications for two separate grant programs, one state and one federal, that each help nonprofits bolster their safety and security. Applications for the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP) are due December 12, 2025. Proposals for the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) are due November 21, 2025. | | |
SAVING OUR LEGACY: African Americans for Smoke-Free Safe Places
www.thesolproject.com | 888-774-7685, x300
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