Blitz the Barriers ATL: Iconic Voices Unite to Save Black Men’s Lives

Live virtual event • Monday, September 8, 2025 • 7 PM ET • Streaming on BlackDoctor.org

Black men in Atlanta—and across the country—are being diagnosed with and dying from prostate cancer at higher rates than other men. During National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, BlackDoctor.org is joining ZERO Prostate Cancer, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Novartis to launch Blitz the Barriers ATL—a powerful, solutions-driven conversation that puts culture, community, and evidence-based screening front and center.

Why This Conversation Matters

Black men are at greater risk. Prostate cancer is more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage and to be more aggressive in Black men. Early detection through PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening can be life-saving.
Local focus, national impact. Atlanta is home to world-class healthcare and HBCU medical leadership—and still, too many brothers are falling through the cracks. This event tackles the real-world barriers: access, mistrust, cost, stigma, and lack of timely screening.
A bold goal. ZERO Prostate Cancer has set an ambitious target to save 100,000 lives by 2035—with action plans that include better screening, community navigation, and support for families.
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The Lineup: Culture Meets Advocacy

A powerhouse group of voices will bring this message with honesty, expertise, and heart.

Moderator: Ernie Johnson, Jr. – An eight-time Sports Emmy Award-winning sportscaster, Ernie Johnson is best known as the host of TNT’s Inside the NBA. He has also served as a play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball and the PGA Championship, and co-hosts The Steam Room podcast. Beyond the broadcast booth, Johnson has been honored with the John Wooden Keys to Life Award and inducted into both the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, cementing his place as one of the most trusted and respected figures in sports media.
Edgar Fields – Former NFL Player; labor and community advocate
Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1977, Fields was part of the legendary “Gritz Blitz” defense before finishing his NFL career with the Detroit Lions. Guided by civil rights icon James Orange, he transitioned from football to lifelong advocacy for civil, human, and workers’ rights. Today, Fields serves through the NFLPA Former Players Metro Atlanta Chapter, supports healthcare initiatives in underserved communities, and helps lead Atlanta’s annual MLK March Committee.
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Montell Jordan – R&B Legend and men’s health advocate
A Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, Jordan gave the world the timeless anthem This Is How We Do It. Now a faith leader and advocate for men’s health, he co-founded the Marriage Masterpeace with his wife, providing spiritual coaching for couples. As a ZERO Global Ambassador and prostate cancer survivor, Jordan uses his story—documented in his project Sustain—to raise awareness about early detection. He will also deliver a special live performance alongside the NFL Players Choir.
Dr. Mathew Knowles – Music executive and prostate cancer survivor
An author, professor, lecturer, entrepreneur, and cancer survivor, Dr. Knowles is widely recognized for shaping the careers of Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé, Solange, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chaka Khan through his company Music World Entertainment. Beyond music, he is a philanthropist and educator, using his platform to inspire and drive change. His personal journey with prostate cancer makes him a passionate advocate for early detection and equitable care.
Phil McKinnely – Former NFL Player
McKinnely played offensive line for the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, and Chicago Bears from 1976 to 1982. After retiring, he became one of the NFL’s standout officials, serving as a head linesman from 2002 to 2019. Today, he continues to mentor aspiring referees and advocate for improved player health and safety initiatives, extending his legacy of leadership off the field.
Dr. Leanne Woods-Burnham – Researcher/health equity leader, Morehouse School of Medicine
As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine and Co-director of the Prostate Cancer Precision Prevention Program (PCP3), Dr. Woods-Burnham leverages community partnerships to deliver prostate cancer education and free PSA screenings in the Atlanta area. A member of ZERO’s Medical Advisory Board, she is nationally recognized for pioneering inclusive clinical trials and was recently named Innovator of the Year for Men’s Health by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Special Performance: Montell Jordan and the NFL Players Choir will lift up men’s health through music and unity.

What You’ll Learn (and why you should invite a friend)

1) What puts Black men at higher risk—and what you can control.
Genetics play a role, but so do stress, diet, chronic conditions, and missed checkups. You’ll hear practical, culturally relevant steps men can take right now.

2) PSA screening made simple.
Who needs it, when to start, how often to repeat, and what the numbers mean. We’ll walk through next steps if your PSA is high—without scare tactics or medical jargon.

3) How to talk to your doctor (and your family).
From knowing your family history to asking the right questions, we’ll share a quick script you can use at your next visit.

4) Real stories, real answers.
Athletes, artists, survivors, and scientists will share personal experiences—how they spotted symptoms, navigated care, and found support.

5) Where to get help in Atlanta.
Screening sites, patient navigation, and community resources—so you leave with names, numbers, and a plan.

Event Details

What: Blitz the Barriers ATL – Kickoff for National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
When: Monday, September 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM ET
Where: Watch live on BlackDoctor.org (free)
Partners: ZERO Prostate Cancer • BlackDoctor.org • Morehouse School of Medicine • Novartis (Lead Founding Partner)

Fast Facts: Prostate Cancer & Black men

Black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from it than white men.
Early detection saves lives. Many men have no symptoms in early stages.
Talk to your provider about PSA screening starting at age 40–45 if you’re Black or have a father, brother, or son who’s had prostate cancer.
Healthy habits—moving your body, eating balanced meals, managing blood pressure and diabetes, quitting smoking—support prostate health and overall longevity.

How To Watch & Share

Add it to your calendar: Monday, Sept 8, 7 PM ET.
Join the livestream on BlackDoctor.org.
Bring someone with you (virtually): text a brother, father, uncle, teammate, or church member to watch together.
Post a reminder: Use #BlitzTheBarriersATL and tag @BlackDoctorOrg and @ZEROCancer.

What You Should Do Today

Know your number: Ask your doctor for a PSA test and digital rectal exam (DRE) discussion, especially if you’re 40+ or have a family history.
Gather your family history: Prostate, breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers can be related.
Bring a buddy to appointments: Two sets of ears catch more details.
Get support: If you or a loved one is newly diagnosed, connect with a patient navigator or support group—don’t go it alone.

About The Partners

ZERO Prostate Cancer leads national initiatives to increase screening, expand access, and support patients and caregivers—with a goal of saving 100,000 lives by 2035.
BlackDoctor.org (BDO) is the leading digital health destination for Black families—bringing trusted experts, culturally relevant guidance, and community together to drive better outcomes.
Morehouse School of Medicine advances health equity through research, education, and community partnerships.
Novartis is the Lead Founding Partner of Blitz the Barriers ATL.