Conversations with KD Hall" Continues Vital Health Equity Series with "Breaking the Silence on Sickle Cell: Part 2
SEATTLE, WA — On Sunday, December 28, at 9:00 AM, Conversations with KD Hall returns to KING 5, KING 5+, and YouTube with the highly anticipated Part 2 of the critical health equity series, Breaking the Silence on Sickle Cell.
Building on the foundation of the series premiere aired in November, this second chapter moves the conversation from awareness to action. The episode explores the deep resilience of the Sickle Cell community, the legacy of the Black Panther Party in healthcare history, and the systemic changes needed to support patients.
While Part 1 initiated a necessary dialogue about the existence of the condition, Part 2 dives deeper into the lived reality of patients and the power of community advocacy. Hosted by KD Hall, this installment features emotional testimonies, historical context regarding the Black Panther Party's role in healthcare, and a moving keynote address by Dr. Ben Danielson.
From Diagnosis to "Hope Farming"
Shifting the narrative from deficit to strength, Dr. Ben Danielson introduces the concept of "Hope Farmers," reframing the Sickle Cell community not as victims of a diagnosis, but as active cultivators of resilience.
"The community that best knows Sickle Cell Disease may have been my best teachers about the most important medicine I have come to know, which is called hope," Danielson shares in the episode. He emphasizes that despite the pain and systemic racism often encountered in emergency rooms, the community remains "celebratory and unapologetically Black".
Unearthing History and Healing
Part 2 also provides a critical history lesson, connecting modern advocacy to the Black Panther Party’s pioneering work in the 1970s. The episode highlights how the Panthers launched the first Sickle Cell screening programs and free clinics, a legacy that survives today at Seattle’s Carolyn Downs Family Medical Center.
The conversation then turns to the future of care with the team from Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic. Moving beyond standard pain management, the episode explores holistic approaches, including the role of nutritionists, social workers, and alternative therapies like Watsu (water therapy) to treat the whole person.
Honoring Legends and Local Heroes
This special broadcast also pays tribute to local heroes, including the late Sandy Williams, a fierce advocate who fought to bring visibility to Sickle Cell in Spokane, where the disease was often treated as "taboo". Additionally, NBA legend Lenny Wilkins joins the program to celebrate the KD Hall Foundation's 10-year anniversary and its commitment to empowering the next generation.
Tune In
Join us for the conclusion of this two-part special event as we continue to break the silence and amplify the voices of the Sickle Cell community.
Series: Conversations with KD Hall presents "Breaking the Silence on Sickle Cell: Part 2"
When: Sunday, December 28, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM PST
Where: KING 5, KING 5+, and the Conversations with KD Hall YouTube Channel
About KD Hall Foundation: The KD Hall Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to workforce development, youth mentorship, and shifting the narrative for women and girls. Through conferences, media, and leadership programs, the Foundation empowers the next generation of leaders to find their voice and impact their communities.
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Media Contact:
KD Hall
206-966-2198