HEY, I’M AZURE ANTOINETTE!

I have Multiple Sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis does not have me. I can’t beat it, but I can learn to live with it and support my fellow MS Warriors. 

As a black, female, entrepreneur, creative, acclaimed diversity, equity, and inclusion thought leader, advocate, and person living with MS, I refuse to be defined by any one thing, and certainly not by my MS. Everything I do and strive for is about making people feel welcome, beautiful, and comfortable as they are. 

I am one of YOU and we deserve to BE SEEN, REPRESENTED, & HEARD.

MY MISSION MY MISSION MY MISSION MY MISSION

THIS IS MY STORY

In my early 20s, I sensed something awry during a Black-and-White photography class. Numb fingertips led me to drop the course. Initially attributing fatigue to a hectic lifestyle, I persisted through strange symptoms. In 2009, after numerous ER visits, the diagnosis was clear: Multiple Sclerosis (MS). While it brought relief, it also thrust me into navigating life with an "invisible disability."

Despite occasional shame, I've learned the art of forgiveness and grace.

This journey triggered bouts of depression and denial, compounded by the challenge of conceding to rest due to MS fatigue. Despite occasional shame, I've learned the art of forgiveness and grace. MS has been a stern teacher, compelling me to recognize when to rest and when to seek help.

Support from colleagues and my wife has been indispensable. They adapt seamlessly, without unnecessary drama, serving as a constant support system. While MS remains unpredictable, having such a supportive community is a game-changer. I firmly believe in the power of representation and support, which is why I am committed to contributing to the MS community, with a specific focus on providing a voice and a safe space for Black women living with MS.

Managing life with a chronic condition means staying true to oneself.

Approaching 38, MS hasn't claimed victory. I've chosen to coexist with it, scripting my narrative. Managing life with a chronic condition means staying true to oneself. Every day isn't perfect, yet I persist, refusing to be confined by the label of MS. My mission remains centered on creating an environment of welcome, beauty, and comfort for everyone. As humans, despite our adversities, we possess the capacity to find praise and beauty in our perfectly imperfect existence.

“MS can feel incredibly isolating, but when people are represented, they are seen. When people are seen, they’re heard. When they’re heard, they’re great. That’s what we need.”

WHAT CAN WE DO TOGETHER?

  • AMPLIFY

    Amplify the voices of those that are living with MS and give them access to agency, a platform, and resources.

  • COLLABORATE

    To shed light on the inequality in the healthcare system as it pertains to African Americans living with both diagnosed and undiagnosed MS.

  • UNCOVER

    Uncover some of the myths, dispel some of the rumors, and EDUCATE on the facts of MS.

Become A Sponsor

GET INVOLVED

The EMMS™ Network endeavors to engage the undiagnosed, diagnosed, friends, family, general public, and medical industry about living and surviving Multiple Sclerosis as an African American.

We aim to host in-person media events where participants can engage in conversation, learn from medical experts, and meet peers either suffering from MS or their caretakers that assist those with MS.

READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Together, we can bridge the MS healthcare gap and make a meaningful impact.

  • Share our mission and stories with your friends, family, and network. Let's raise awareness together!

  • Learn more about the realities of MS in the black community. Knowledge is power, and we're in this together.

  • Share your story, connect with others, and be a part of our supportive MS community.