“If you are silent about your pain, they’ll kill you and say you enjoyed it.”
Endo Black, Inc. is a Black-women-led nonprofit organization advocating for and educating Black women living with and impacted by endometriosis.
Our philosophy is to engage, educate, and encourage endo sisters.
Endo Black, Incorporated, located in the DC Metropolitan Area, provides Black women with a safe space. Endo Black, Incorporated has connected thousands of Black women. Endo Black, Incorporated offers opportunities for discussions on health equity and women's reproductive health. We also provide sessions on in-depth endometriosis, support groups within the community, provide resources such as our bi-monthly newsletter, resource list, and more. Endo Black, Inc. also provides opportunities for enriching programs and events, conferences, award galas, and community outreach efforts.
The goals of ENDO Black:
To create an atmosphere of support through a safe space.
To create endo-sisterly love, genuine bonds, and friendships.
To create opportunities for education on women’s reproductive health in the Black community.
To create a dialogue around what policies, laws, and regulations need to be changed to meet the needs of women affected by endometriosis.
The Challenge that Black Women Face
We're failing our women in the Black community. There's a lack of awareness surrounding Black women affected by endometriosis. According to the Black Women's Health Imperative, this is due to providers thinking pain is caused by something else and not having access to proper health care and resources to get help. SAGE Journal reports that private patients admitted for major gynecological surgery indicated that the prevalence of endometriosis was similar in Black women (6.9%) and white women (7.7%). A study conducted in September of 2007 reported that for Black women in the USA, endometriosis is one of the common indications for major gynecological surgery and hysterectomy and is associated with lengthy hospitalization and high hospital charges.
Black womenare constantly misdiagnosed, have limited resources, and have little research for Black women.
Misdiagnosed: Being misdiagnosed is harmful because women can't get the proper care if they don't have the correct diagnoses. If doctors cannot give an accurate diagnosis, it may weigh on the mental health of those affected.
Limited resources: There are limited resources provided to Black women, which can cause even more hardship for women leaving them to suffer in silence. Once women are properly diagnosed, there should be resources on hand that will assist with the guidance of the patient. Many women are diagnosed and left with no answers or knowing where to turn next.
Little research: Years of little research have caused medical professionals to believe that only "white women" can be diagnosed with endometriosis. Little research leads to confusion for both medical professionals and patients. Medical research must be expanded to be more inclusive to Black women. More research will allow more data to get a precise diagnosis and proper resources for those living this endo journey.
CONTACT US
If you’d like to become an Endo Black Ambassador, email us at Ambassador@endoblack.org TODAY!
Interested in hosting your own fundraiser event or donating? You may contact us at info@endoblack.org.
We are also excited to work with many organizations to make our mission possible. If you would like to partner, please connect with us by email at info@endoblack.org.
MEET LAUREN
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lauren R. Kornegay was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in Oxon Hill, MD. She graduated from Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD, where she received her B.A. in Speech Communications. While at Morgan State University, she experienced a series of events that led her to a gynecologist in Baltimore, MD. In meeting her new gynecologist, she would be introduced to a disorder that was unfamiliar to her at the time —endometriosis.
Diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 20, Lauren experienced the pain, struggles, exhaustion, and confusion that accompany the disorder. This led her on a search to find someone that looked like her, who was also dealing with endometriosis.
Having previously searched social media, websites, and other avenues, she knew something had to change. Her mother always told her, “If there’s a void, fill it, and if you want something done, do it yourself.” Lauren believes in “creating a space where there is no space.”
So in October of 2015, Lauren established Endo Black, Inc., a platform designed to connect Black women living with endometriosis.
Meet the
ENDO BLACK BOARD
“Endo Black is a realm that all of us women of color need when dealing with endometriosis. We all share the same story and defeats but can help uplift each other - this group does that. From the helpful articles, events, and merchandise to help boost confidence, Black Women with Endo makes it easier to rant to your fellow warriors. They don’t judge, just help!”
Program Overview
The Endo Black Program Targets includes four program targets tailored to advance the mission of Endo Black, Incorporated, with four (4) commitments to sustainable service.
The four program targets are:
Changing the Narrative (Risk Factors & Pain Management)
Ambassador Program
Health Equity and Racial Injustice
African American & Endo Workshop
Mini Talk Series
Women's Health & Wellness
Social Impact
Period Care Initiative
Providing Items Now to Kids (P.I.N.K.)