About Us —
OUR PURPOSE
"The Black Heart Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving cardiovascular health outcomes for all people, with a focused commitment to communities where heart disease has gone unaddressed and undetected for generations. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and its burden falls heaviest on those with the least access to prevention, screening, and care. Our mission is to close that gap through advocacy, education, and direct community engagement."
"Black Americans are nearly twice as likely to die from heart disease as white Americans, and face disproportionately high rates of Lp(a) elevation — a genetic cardiovascular risk factor that remains critically underscreened in the communities we serve. That disparity is not inevitable. It is preventable. That is why we exist.
We promote healthy hearts by advocating for those most at risk. Through our work, we help individuals of all backgrounds understand the causes, effects, and symptoms of heart disease — and take meaningful action to prevent it, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.
On March 9, 2019, Stephen Jordan, Sr. (Tara’s brother) passed away after suffering a hypertensive heart attack in the presence of his two youngest children. At the time, his oldest was preparing to graduate college, his middle child was entering her senior year of high school, and his youngest was starting his freshman year. This unexpected loss deeply impacted their entire family ecosystem. Stephen's story drives our passion for educating others about the impact, risks, and importance of protecting against heart disease. We aim to equip everyone with the knowledge to prevent being blindsided by heart disease, as we were.
Visit Our Memorial Page to add your loved one's story and make a difference in someone else's life. Together, we can create a lasting impact and honor the memories of those we hold dear.
our founders
Tara Robinson, CEO & Co-Founder
After experiencing three heart attacks within a week, narrowly escaping death on the last occasion, Tara Robinson realized she was in a life-or-death struggle. Recognizing that the black community was also silently battling heart disease, she resolved to take action. Together with her husband, Fredrick, Tara founded the Black Heart Association (BHA) from their own survival story, dedicated to advocating for thousands of minority individuals who face the devastating impact of heart disease and stroke each year. "She is uniquely positioned to engage and empower communities where heart disease has taken too many lives too soon. As CEO and Co-Founder, she leads an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between underserved communities and the heart health resources they deserve."
Mrs. Robinson holds a master’s in Counseling Psychology from Lamar University.
Fredrick Robinson, Co-founder & Director of Operations
Fredrick Robinson serves as Co-founder and Director of Operations at the Black Heart Association, dedicating his efforts to enhancing outreach and community engagement. With over a decade of experience in public service, Fredrick has always had a deep passion and commitment to service.
After witnessing his wife Tara endure three heart attacks, Fredrick and Tara united in a mission to eliminate heart health disparities in communities of color. Mr. Robinson holds a master’s in public relations and a bachelor's in communications from Southern University and A&M College.
Meet the BOARD
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![Jemel Jones, Sr., COO at Phoenix American Hospitality, serves as the BHA Board Chair.]()
JEMEL JONES, SR.
CHAIR
Jemel Jones, Sr. is an executive with over 35 years in hotel operations and real estate, focusing on profitability and strategic growth. He holds degrees from Southern University, Troy State University, and the University of New Orleans. Currently, as COO and President of Operations at Phoenix American Hospitality, LLC, Jones leverages his extensive expertise to enhance operational excellence and maximize returns for investors in the hospitality sector.
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![Andrea Tubbs serves as a BHA Board Member focused on advocating for heart health access in Black communities.]()
ANDREA TUBBS
MEMBER
Andrea Tubbs, a Black Heart Association board member, brings 20 years of business and federal contracting expertise. Driven by her husband’s heart-related passing, she is dedicated to heart health advocacy in underserved Black communities. Andrea’s three advanced degrees strengthen her role in advancing healthcare initiatives. A mother of five, she enjoys travel, culinary exploration, and reading, making her a passionate advocate for heart health awareness.
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![Ashley Hickson, whose research focuses on health equity, serves as a BHA Board Member.]()
ASHLEY HICKSON
MEMBER
Ashley Hickson is a public health practitioner and researcher focused on racial justice, health equity, and reducing disparities through community-driven interventions. With over a decade of experience, she serves as Senior Health Equity Advisor at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, building capacity for health equity and developing strategies with community and academic partners. Ashley holds a DrPH in Health Equity and Social Justice from Johns Hopkins and contributes to national health equity projects.
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![Janet Hicks, RN, serves as a BHA Board Member. Her dedication to BHA is seen in her focus on culturally competent healthcare.]()
JANET HICKS
MEMBER
Janet Hicks, a Professional Registered Nurse at Texas Health Resources and JPS Health Network, also serves as adjunct faculty for Tarrant County College’s Nursing Program. She holds a BSN from UT Arlington and an MSN in Education from Walden University. Active in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Black Nurses Society, Janet is certified in Pediatric Nursing and Lean Six Sigma. Her focus on patient and nursing education drives her commitment to culturally competent healthcare and quality outcomes.
our Medical Advisor
Carl Middleton, M.D., MPH
Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and has practiced exclusively in the DFW Metroplex. He has worked in two of the largest hospital systems in North Texas where he was nominated for Teaching Faculty of the Year in one system and Attending of the Year in the other.
Dr. Middleton has a passion for people, medicine, and teaching. Additionally, he has an in-depth understanding of all areas of internal medicine and has a particular interest in coronary artery disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol), kidney diseases, obesity, diabetes, respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, congestive heart failure as well as palliative care.
Dr. Middleton attended Howard University in Washington, DC where he graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Allied Health Sciences. After his undergraduate studies, Dr. Middleton completed a Masters of Public Health with a focus on Health Planning and Administration at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Middleton returned to Howard University to complete his medical degree. After medical school, he moved to Baltimore, MD and completed his internship and residency at Franklin Square Hospital Center, a University of Maryland, College of Medicine program.