The likelihood of African Americans to suffer from a stroke is about twice that of whites, according to studies conducted by the American Heart Association. And to that end, AHA together with the American Stroke Association, is sponsoring a national campaign to improve those numbers. The campaign theme: “The Power to End Stroke: You are the Power.”
The Gospel Tour & Health Fair, a national awareness campaign, kicked-off in Chicago last week at the Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester, which is pastored by Dr. Byron T. Brazier. The free event, which began with an educational two-hour community health fair, concluded with a rousing vocal performance by Grammy Award winner, Pastor Smokie Norful. Each guest was asked to sign a pledge card to become more aware and knowledgeable of his or her individual health issues
The program also featured a powerful and impassioned plea for stroke prevention/survival given by Damon T. Arnold, M.D., MPH, director of the Ill. Dept. of Public Health; a message by Brady Johnson, a stroke survivor; and musical performances by ACOG's Brotherhood Chorale, Shirley Bell, Dexter Walker and the Zion Movement, Pastor Hunter and Sons and Mys Michelle. WVON radio gospel host, Pam Morris, served as the emcee.
Following Chicago, the tour traveled on to St. Louis, Kansas City and New York, among other cities.
Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender.
