At its core, the Health Griots program is about putting lived experiences to work, empowering African American (AA) prostate cancer survivors to lead conversations about screening, care, and life after care. What began as a small, intentional effort has grown into a powerful, community-driven model that is changing how men talk about prostate cancer, when they seek care, and who they trust along the way.“African American men face higher rates of prostate cancer and poorer outcomes, often driven by late diagnosis and medical mistrust,” said Ambrose Wilson-Brown, Community Outreach & Engagement Program Coordinator for Men’s Health. “The Health Griots help bridge this gap by meeting men where they are—in community spaces and everyday conversations—building trust and reframing screening as an act of strength, responsibility, and care for family.”
The program builds on the foundation of Men Moving Forward (MMF), a 16-week survivorship program launched in 2019, and its early success made one thing clear: the need was greater than the original cohort could meet alone. In 2025, the Health Griots program expanded, welcoming seven new men and significantly increasing its reach across the community. With more voices, more lived experience, and deeper community connections, the program is now creating even greater impact, turning awareness into action and ensuring more men have access to timely information, support, and care.
New Voices, Growing Impact: Meet the Health Griots
The Health Griots program was built by its original three members, whose leadership helped establish a model rooted in trust, lived experience, and action. That early success fueled the program’s expansion in 2025, welcoming seven new men into the brotherhood: John Baxter, J. Sanford Bethea, Virgil Brown, Vincent Butler, Wille D. Ellis, Michael Harper, and Ronald Hayes. Together, they are extending the program’s reach and strengthening its connection to the community.Below are the stories of two of the newest Health Griots and how they are carrying this work forward.
J. Sanford Bethea — “We Call Each Other Brothers”
For years, J. Sanford Bethea knew his PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level was elevated but without health insurance, he couldn’t pursue further testing. A PSA level above 4 ng/mL is considered abnormal. By the time Bethea was able to seek care, his PSA had skyrocketed to 18.Having already lost his parents and two brothers to cancer, the diagnosis was terrifying. “I’m the last survivor,” Bethea said. “When I got my diagnosis, I was afraid to even sleep.”
With support from his pastor—who he later learned also had prostate cancer—Bethea received successful treatment and joined MMF, where he learned about the importance of exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness. He later became part of another circle of support: the Health Griots.
“It’s really important to find a support system because it’s a little bit trying on your heart and brain getting through it,” said Bethea.
The Griots visit places that they know AA men naturally gather, like churches and barbershops, to explain PSA testing and encourage screening. There, Bethea is candid about the side effects of prostate surgery, even when the topic feels uncomfortable.
For these men at a higher risk for prostate cancer, Bethea shares a simple equation: one plus one equals two. One change—adding the PSA test to your yearly physical—plus one charge—taking responsibility for your health—adds up to greater control and better outcomes.
Virgil Brown — Encouraging Men to Get Selfish About Their Health
Virgil Brown has heard every excuse for why men put their health last, and he’s tired of it. A third-generation prostate cancer survivor, Brown knows that a diagnosis does not equal a death sentence. As a Health Griot, he encourages men to “get selfish” about their health by making time for doctor visits and PSA screening.
“One out of six Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. I know men don’t like to talk, but we must stop the silence,” Brown said. “You can live a productive life with a good quality of life, even with this disease.”
Brown points to his own family as proof. His grandfather and father were both diagnosed with prostate cancer and lived to 102 and 87. When Brown received his diagnosis in 2009, he was devastated but determined to keep living.
Now, he’s motivated to share his experience with newly diagnosed men and elevate prostate cancer awareness nationally, similar to what he’s seen for breast cancer.
One of his most memorable experiences as a Griot came during the inaugural Audaxity ride. This year, he plans to ride 25 miles—up from six miles last year.
“What a great experience to be among one thousand team members, all together to find a cure for cancer. I was shouting for joy to see all the people and the enthusiasm,” Brown said.
Learn more about the Health Griots program.