Doing IT for Ourselves — Episode 2: Leading the Science of Health Equity, Together

In Episode 2 of Doing IT for Ourselves: Black Women, Salons & the Science of Health Equity, we follow the continuing impact of Black women who are shaping the future of community-engaged research, racial equity in science, and culturally grounded health innovation.

This conversation builds on the legacy of two powerhouse scholars who are friends of the show and leaders in the field: Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards, featured in Season 4’s No Health, No Wealth, and Dr. Nadine Barrett, featured in Season 2’s Advancing Accurate Representation in Research. Their influential paper — The 5Ws of Racial Equity in Research — continues to guide institutions nationwide in applying a racial equity lens across the entire research process.

Episode 2 brings that conversation forward with Dr. Schenita Randolph and Dr. Ragan Johnson of The HEEAT Lab at Duke University School of Nursing, two nurse scientists whose work embodies community trust, translational science, and real-world impact. Together, we explore why community-led research matters, how beauty salons and trusted social spaces serve as anchors of health equity, and what it takes to move research into practice in ways that honor culture, dignity, and lived experience.

If you're passionate about health equity, Black women in public health, community-engaged research, HIV prevention for Black women, racial equity in research, translational science, or trusted community partnerships, this episode continues a powerful lineage — and points clearly to where we are headed next.

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