Orleans for ESSENCE Festival of Culture, two bold voices in health equity are being celebrated for rewriting the narrative around organ transplantation. Al B. Sure! and Rachel Noerdlinger, leaders of the Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition (HEiTC), are set to receive the Cultural Catalyst Award at the Future of Health Dinner, hosted by the Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF).

This prestigious honor, which will be presented Thursday, July 3rd at The Misi in the heart of the French Quarter, recognizes HEiTC’s groundbreaking advocacy in ensuring equity in transplant access for Black and Brown communities.

“We share this award not only with those who have walked the transplant journey but with the nearly 100,000 still waiting for that gift of life,” said Rachel Noerdlinger, HEiTC Co-Founder, alongside Al B. Sure!, Executive Chairman of the coalition. “This recognition fuels our mission to dismantle systemic barriers and champion lifesaving change.”

From the Stage to the Senate

Formed in November 2023, HEiTC’s impact has been swift and significant. From pushing federal policy reforms to state-level legislation, the coalition has become a galvanizing force for fairness in organ transplantation. In August 2024, after relentless advocacy, HEiTC succeeded in urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reinstate Medicare coverage for non-invasive blood tests that detect early organ rejection — a lifeline for transplant recipients.

Earlier this year, Al B. Sure! co-authored state legislation with Texas State Rep. Josey Garcia to incentivize employer support for living donors — a move that caught the attention of the Texas Black Legislative Caucus, which honored him as an Outstanding Texan for health equity efforts.

A Fireside Chat That Matters

On Friday, July 4th at 1 PM, the momentum continues with a powerful fireside chat at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center featuring Rev. Al Sharpton, Rachel Noerdlinger, and Al B. Sure!. The conversation will explore how grassroots activism, coalition-building, and advocacy intersect to change lives — particularly as the nation braces for proposed cuts exceeding $600 billion to Medicaid, potentially devastating access to care across the U.S.

The stakes are real, and the voices speaking up are fearless.

“This is about more than just transplantation. It’s about who gets to live, who gets to heal, and who gets to dream,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, Senior Advisor to HEiTC. “Health equity is the civil rights issue of our time.”

More Than a Moment — A Movement

As the ESSENCE Fest celebrates Black excellence in music, culture, and business, the Global Black Economic Forum ensures that health remains front and center in the conversation on justice and opportunity. Featured speakers at the Future of Health Summit include Maryland Governor Wes Moore, First Lady Dawn Moore, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and SEIU President April Verrett, among others.

“Standing together for our health — it’s about time,” Noerdlinger emphasized. “Because when we organize, we save lives.”

EVENT DETAILS

Future of Health Dinner
📅 Thursday, July 3, 2025 | 🕢 7:30 PM CST
📍 The Misi – 600 Decatur Street, Suite 350, New Orleans, LA
🎖️ Honoring Al B. Sure! and Rachel Noerdlinger

Standing Together for Our Health – Fireside Chat
📅 Friday, July 4, 2025 | 🕐 1:00 PM CST
📍 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center – 900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA
🗣️ Featuring Rev. Al Sharpton, Rachel Noerdlinger & Al B. Sure!

📲 Learn more about HEiTC and its life-changing mission at www.heitequity.org

🔗 Stay connected with the movement:

Instagram: @HEiTC_Official

Twitter/X: @HEiTC_Equity

LinkedIn: HEiTC