Join Us for the

3rd Annual Pennsylvania Black Health Matters Conference: 

Living Her Best Life

conference line up

Four-Day Free Event- Open to the Public

In recognition of National Minority Health Month, we are hosting the third annual Pennsylvania Black Health Matters Conference. This event is free to the community and its goal is to provide actionable, accurate information with a focus on topics that are germane to the Black community. Research shows that Black women have shorter life expectancies, higher maternal mortality rates, and are disproportionately burdened by chronic conditions (1). In response to this health crisis, this year’s conference theme is “Living Her Best Life” to lift up the solutions, actions, and policies that can combat this crisis.

Join us for our 3rd Annual PA Black Health Matters Conference.  This year’s theme is “Living Her Best Life.” You won’t want to miss this four-day hybrid event!  We start off in Philly and end up online by day four.  Register for the online forum today.   Early bird prize will be granted to a lucky person who registers by March 15, 2023.  

Events

Schedule

DAY 1

RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST
NEW DATE- SATURDAY, May 13, 2023
Vernon Park, 5800 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA

 

Note:  The Barber Shop Talk will still take place on 4/15/2023 on our Facebook page at 3pm.

Health in Action Festival

In-person event, open to the public.  There will be live entertainment throughout the day, DJ, food, line dancings, giveways, raffle,  chair massages, face-painting,  a 360 Photo Booth, health demos, blood pressure checks, glucose checks, vaccines and boosters, eye exams, and more.

Kids ZONE

This year’s kids Zone has incorporated the playground at Vernon Park and a fun bouncy house for kids to burn off some energy.  The magic show with clown is sure to be a hit! Be sure to check out the sidewalk chalk drawing area which is a creative outlet for kiddos.  Activities are rounded out by the African drummer ensemble that will provide short lessons throughout the day which is a unique opportunity for kids to learn about music and culture. Overall, the kids zone is a great place for families to spend time together and enjoy the event.

 

Barber Shop Talk-will still take place on april 15 at 3pm

Real Talk on the Ave:  A Barbershop Talk Between the Community and Community Leaders About Next Steps for Reclaiming our Streets

A community barber shop talk will be hosted by Donnell Drinks, Executive Director of GROWN, and Black Voter Matter’s Pennsylvania Director, Kallel Edwards.  This discussion will focus on reducing violence in our community and improving accountability on all sides.  During our conversation, we’ll explore how we can hold our elected officials accountable for creating policies that increase resources that support our youth, reduce violence, and empower and strengthen our communities.   Also, there will be a heightened focus on community accountability that will uplift and empower our youth.

Building the Bloc Block party- Featuring the voting empowerment hub

We have brought together a cohort of diverse civic organizations to share information about voting rights, dates, and other important information.  Step right up to one of our kiosks to check your voting registration kiosks to check your status or register to vote on the spot.  Paper registration and mail-in-ballot applications will also be available.  Fun civic engagement games will capture the attention for all. 

All of Philadelphia’s mayoral candidates have been invited to attend the festival to get the opportunity to engage community members.

  • National Organization for  Women
  • Black Voters Matter
  • Cheltenham Area Branch NAACP
  • Community Hero Action Group
  • Community Hero Impact Alliance
  • League of Women Voters
  • Philadelphia NAACP

Civic Engagement Talk

Philadelphia Commissioner Omar Sabir and Black Voter Matters PA State Director Kaleel Edwards, who will join us for a non-partisan short talk regarding on eof the most powerful ways to actively participate in our community to ensure that our community’s interests are presented. 

Farmer's Market

The farmers market hosted by the Black Church Food Security Network and Soul II Sanctuary will not only provide an opportunity to support Black farmers from the eastern US, but it will also provide valuable information and tips on seeds and cultivation. Additionally, the giveaway of seeds from the seedbank will encourage attendees to start their own gardens and the role they can play in their local food production. This event promotes food security and sustainability while also highlighting the contributions of Black farmers to the community. It is a great way to connect with others who share an interest in healthy and sustainable food systems, and to learn from experts in the field.

GENERAL ATTENDEE ACTIVITIES Stilt Walkers | Henna Painter | DJ | Free Food and Water Ice

We are thrilled to announce that our festival will feature a variety of fun activities and entertainment for all attendees including:

  • Stilt walkers: watch in awe as our talented performers navigate the festival grounds on stilts, showcasing their incredible balance and agility.
  • Henna painters: add a touch of artistry to your festival experience with beautiful henna designs created by our skilled artists.
  • DJ: dance the day away to the hottest beats and latest tunes spun by our talented DJ.
  • Stilt Walker will defying the heights and mesmerizing all attendees.
  • Free food and water ice: enjoy a delicious variety of free food and refreshing water ice to keep you energized and cool throughout the day.

We believe that festivals are about bringing people together and celebrating the diversity and creativity of our community. With so many activities and entertainment options, we hope to create an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Hero (Health) Clinic

The Hero Health Clinic will be providing valuable services like blood pressure and glucose checks from trusted names, as well as information and resources from various organizations like PCOM, Giant Pharmacy, Salus Eye Institute, and others. These services can help individuals take better care of their health and prevent or manage health problems.

Regular blood pressure and glucose checks can help individuals monitor their risk for conditions like hypertension and diabetes, and take steps to manage these conditions if necessary. Getting booster shots can also help protect against infectious diseases, while information and resources from organizations like Salus Eye Institute can help individuals take better care of their vision and eye health.

Overall, it’s important for healthcare providers and organizations to work together to provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare services, and it’s great to see Hero Health Clinic doing just that.

Live Entertainment

We are excited to announce that our festival features e a variety of live entertainment, showcasing some of Philadelphia’s most talented performers. Our lineup includes:

  • Key Arts Productions: a multi-media production company that combines thought-provoking commentary with stunning graphics to tell captivating stories. Their performances are sure to inspire and engage audiences of all ages.
  • Temple University dance teams: featuring some of the city’s most talented young dancers, the Temple University dance teams will bring energy and excitement to the stage with their dynamic and captivating performances.
  • African drummers: experience the rhythmic beats and soulful melodies of traditional African drumming, brought to life by a talented group of local musicians.
  • Singers: from soulful ballads to upbeat pop hits, our lineup of singers will showcase a diverse range of musical styles and talents.
  • Spoken word artists: witness the power of the spoken word as our talented performers share their stories, thoughts, and emotions through poetry and prose.

With such a diverse and talented lineup, our festival promises to be a celebration of art, culture, and community.

    Special Invite from Radio Show Host, Dr. Safiyya Shabazz, MD, "Her Health Matters"

    Hello everyone, I’m Safiyya Shabazz, the host of “Her Health Matters”. Today, I’m excited to be here at this four-day conference and to introduce a special series of videos that will be aired on Monday, entitled “My Sister’s Stories.”

    During this series, I will be talking to female attendees about their health journeys. I believe that sharing our personal stories can be a powerful way to inspire and support each other. We all have unique experiences with our health, and by sharing these stories, we can learn from each other, find comfort in knowing we’re not alone, and even discover new resources and approaches that we may not have considered before.

    So, if you’re attending this conference and have a story to share, be sure to visit the taping area.  I would love to hear from you. Let’s come together to support and uplift each other on our journeys toward better health.

    Thank you.

    Medicaid Enrollment Clinic

    The federal government will soon end a “continuous enrollment” policy that has kept states from kicking people off Medicaid for three years and stop sending extra monthly payments from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.   The department estimates that roughly 618,000 people will lose their Medicaid coverage because they no longer qualify for the program. It is keeping a separate list of 598,000 Medicaid recipients who haven’t resubmitted their annual paperwork over the past three years and are considered to be at higher risk of losing benefits due to logistical issues, even if they still qualify.

    (Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN) is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to individuals seeking healthcare coverage, including Medicaid. They may be able to provide guidance and support to individuals who have questions or concerns about Medicaid re-enrollment.

    Yoga with Jen Freedom

     

    We are excited to announce that Jen Freedom will be joining us to provide basic yoga instruction and a guided lesson for all those interested. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, this is a great opportunity to stretch, relax, and rejuvenate your body and mind.

    We will have yoga mats but feel free to bring your own and wear comfortable clothing.  Jen will guide you through a gentle yoga practice designed to promote flexibility, strength, and balance, while also providing stress relief and relaxation.

    Yoga is a wonderful way to connect with your body and find peace in a busy world. We invite you to join us for this special session and discover the many benefits of this ancient practice.

    MORE ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR OF THE DAY

     

    JEN FREEDOM  CEO of  JUST ZEN YOGA  

    EDUCATION

    YOGA ALLIANCE 

    250HR – RYT CERTIFIED 

    Practice Areas: Power Vinyasa, Vinyasa, Yon & Ashtanga

    ABOUT Freedom

    My journey began over a decade ago while searching for more depth in my current fitness routine. I discovered yoga while randomly searching for free work out activities online and immediately became intrigued by the approach and intensity of the practice. Although my physical abilities weren’t quite aligned to my aggressive mental desires, my instructor was amazing! HE helped me to understand the key to all life is to “Start wherever you are, with whatever you have”. 

    These words would be the motivation I needed not only to improve my practice but to also pursue the full eight-fold path of yoga study and become a trainer. As a I navigate the culture of yoga, I make it my personal goal to make yoga accessible to ALL. 

    The healing and health benefits are tremendous, and everyone should have the opportunity to experience the life altering effects of consistent practice. Yoga is not about how much you can bend or how long you can hold a pose. It’s about YOU and your personal wellness journey. 

    I found freedom and acceptance on my journey. Freedom from illness, anxiety, regret… and acceptance of humanity with all of its beautiful flaws.

    I welcome the opportunity to become a part of your yoga journey! 

    Xtreme Hip Hop Fitness

    Grab your water bottle and your tennis shoes for Xtreme Hip Hop sessions.  15-minute sessions will be provided throughout the day to give attendees a chance to try something new and get a quick workout in and gain a memorably, fun experience.

    day 2

    SUNDAY, April 16, 2023  2:00pm
    Online Forum and Free Promo Code for CPR Training

    Protect Her Heart Day

    Many women have died because their loved ones did not know how to administer CPR.  In response, we are providing this free on-demand video below. Share one thing you learned on our Facebook page and receive a voucher for a free CPR class.   Vouchers will be provide to the first ten responses between now an the last day of the conference, April 18.  

    day 3

    MONDAY, April 17, 2023  All Day
    Online  Facebook & Youtube @communityheropa

    My Sister’s Stories

    You can listen to the journeys, stories, and lessons of Black women throughout the day on social media.  Excerpts from previous years’ conferences will also be played.

    DAY 4

    TUESAY, April 18, 2023  All Day
    Online

    Virtual Forums

    The day starts off with yoga and meditation as we head into a diverse array of topics all-day long.  Stay around for all of them or pop in and out during the day.  Listen to doctors, clinicians, and other subject matter experts talk about the topics that you are interested in.  Safe space will be created to ask questions and also trusted resources will be provided.  

    Featured Speakers

    Meet Our Event Speakers

    We have speakers from across the Commonwealth who will be sharing trusted information, insights, and lived experiences regarding women’s health and wellness so everyone can “Live Her Best Life.” 

    Dr. Safiyya Shabazz speaking at Community Hero Action Group Event

    dR. SAFIYYA SHABAZZ, MD

    Medical Doctor, Fountain Medical Associates

    Donna Bullock PA State Representative

    DONNA BULLOCK

    Pennsylvania State Representative 195th District 

    William Haines

    Sandra Thompson, Esq

    NAACP PA State Conference President

    Saif Guerra

    STACY WOODLAND

    Executive Director

    YWCA Tri-County Area

    Axel Farrow

    jESSICA bROOKS WOODS, mpm,phr

    Healthcare Thought Leader

    we want you!

    Register for Divi 2022 Today!

    Trending topics ranging from implants potential cancer causing ingredients in our perm to health policy. There are topics for everyone. Tune in to watch the online forums throughout the day.   Registration is necessary to watch them. Please note that all forums are available immediately after the presentations in the online lobby.  We look forward to seeing you there.

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