OKLAHOMA CITY – Representative Ajay Pittman, D-Oklahoma City, Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus and a member of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee, will serve as a featured panelist during the 2025 National Medical Association (NMA) Region V Conference, scheduled for April 4–5 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Downtown Tulsa.

Rep. Pittman will join public health professionals, physicians, and policy advocates on a panel titled “Reimagining Access: Public Health Solutions and Policy Innovations for All Communities.” The session will focus on removing systemic barriers and improving health outcomes in historically underserved populations.

“As Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus and a member of the Health Appropriations and Budget Committee, I understand the urgent need to address systemic barriers in healthcare,” said Pittman. “I am honored to be part of this critical conversation that brings together experts, leaders, and advocates to reimagine how we deliver access and equity through innovative public health policies.”

Representative Ron Stewart, D-Tulsa, Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, expressed his pride in hosting the conference as a member of the Tulsa Community:

“As Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, Tulsa native, and the Representative of north Tulsa, I am honored to welcome the National Medical Association to Tulsa, right here on historic Black Wall Street," Stewart said. "Their presence is a powerful reminder of our resilience, our excellence, and our ongoing commitment to advancing Black health and equity. The legacy of Black Wall Street is one of innovation and success, and having the nation’s oldest and largest organization of Black physicians gather here continues that tradition of leadership. This is more than a conference—it’s a moment of healing, empowerment, and progress for our community.”

Dr. Nicole Washington, President of the AC Jackson Medical Society, shared her thoughts on the significance of the event.

“Addressing health disparities requires collective action," Dr. Washington said. "This conference offers a vital platform to exchange ideas and explore solutions that will empower our communities to thrive.”

Dr. Donald Peghee, Jr., Regional Chair of NMA Region V, emphasized the organization’s goals.

“Our goal is to equip healthcare professionals with actionable strategies to tackle the unique challenges faced by underserved populations," said Dr. Peghee Jr. "Together, we can advance health opportunities for all.”

Held in the Greenwood District, once known as Black Wall Street, the Region V Conference honors the resilience of Black communities while addressing today’s most pressing health challenges. 

“As the former Vice Chair of the House Committee on Tourism, I am especially proud that this organization has selected our great state—and the historic Greenwood District—to host their meeting. This gathering on Black Wall Street is a powerful symbol of our past, our progress, and our promise to continue advocating for health equity in every community,” said Pittman.

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