CHL Founder and Board Chair Debra Fraser-Howze Honored with “2025 Modern Day Historian” Lifetime Achievement Award
The award came from the African American Clergy and Elected Officials (AACEO), and reflects a lifetime of groundbreaking work in public health and social justice.
On Friday, February 7th, at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, we had the honor of celebrating Debra Fraser-Howze, our Founder and Board Chair. Debra was awarded the prestigious "2025 Modern Day Historian" lifetime achievement award by the African American Clergy and Elected Officials (AACEO). This honor recognizes her amazing contributions to advancing public health and social justice.
For decades, Debra has dedicated her life to addressing the critical challenges faced by underserved communities. She founded the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA), a pioneering organization that brought attention to the HIV/AIDS crisis in Black communities. She also co-authored the groundbreaking Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI), a pivotal policy that secured funding to combat HIV/AIDS in Black and Hispanic communities. Debra also served on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, influencing national strategies to create a more equitable healthcare landscape.
Most recently, Debra founded Choose Healthy Life (CHL). Built on the foundation of faith, trust, and evidence-based solutions, CHL’s faith-based approach trains Health Navigators within Black churches to bring essential health services to underserved communities. Under Debra’s visionary leadership, CHL has transformed lives, promoting wellness and improved health outcomes where it’s needed most.
We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dee Bailey, Chief of Operations at AACEO, and Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman, AACEO President and a CHL Pastor. Their continued support and partnership mean so much to our work and mission.
The lifetime achievement award from AACEO is a celebration of Debra’s relentless dedication. Her work has saved countless lives, empowered communities, and reshaped the way we approach public health challenges across the nation.
