MISSION DRIVEN
Our Why
Black Americans carry a disproportionate cancer burden, including the highest mortality rates from most cancers, and slowest time to diagnosis of any other race.
Not only are Black Americans 41% more likely to die from cancer, they top the charts in heart disease, diabetes, and obesity too.ย ย
Low health literacy is a big part of the problem.
We're bringing health literacy to the streets
Black Americans need to be empowered with effective health literacy so they can seek the healthcare access and timely intervention they need and deserve.
We aim to educate people in their local communities, with voices they know and trust.
We're eliminating road blocks and barriers to success
Healthcare disparities like lack of insurance, limited access, historical injustices, and implicit racial bias keep many People of Color from seeking essential or even basic medical care.
We're fostering prevention and self-advocacy
We must engage Communities of Color at the grass roots level, and establish collaborative partnerships that will drive health literacy and create lasting change.
THE SOLUTION
Hit the Streets
We’re gearing up to launch a series of block parties in some of America’s largest urban communities and harness the power of hip-hop music and its culture to empowerย people toย seekย andย receiveย the healthcare they need and deserve.
Together with community partners, the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation is creating a model to educate and inspire Black Americans in their neighborhoods with a goal of creating measurable and lasting change.
OUR PROGRAMS
Powered by Hip-Hop
LOCAL BLOCK PARTIES
Urban street parties in underserved communities that combine hip-hop culture with trusted experts to empower health literacy
PODCAST SERIES
A series for survivors featuring Grand G and special guests, who've all been touched by serious illness and perservered
PRODUCTION COMPANY
A vehicle to produce and distribute hip-hop collaborations featuring legends and up-and-coming local artists
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Join the Party
GIVE
Donate Now
Help us to bring essential health literacy programs and resources to communities in need.
VOLUNTEER
Get Involved
Join a Block Party Planning team in your community and make a difference in your own backyard.
FUND
Partner with Us
Fund our initiatives by providing a grant or sponsoring a program that aligns with your company’s goals.
VIDEOS
Spittin' Rhymes
Playlist
We are grateful to our homies for supporting our mission and vision
The Dangers of High Blood Pressure
In September of 2020, Phillip Davis was working and had just wrapped up a routine workday that was marked by an excruciating headache that would not go away. It was so bad that he went to the ER and was admitted to Chestnut Hill Hospital, where he quickly learned that his blood pressure sky high; a troubling 287/92. He was immediately transported to ICU where he spent the next few days being accessed to figure out the cause.
After several negative tests, Phillip received shocking news from a Nephrologist about his kidneys; they were in danger of failure and the problem had reached the acute stage. To stay alive, Phillip had to begin dialysis treatment immediately. But after several weeks on dialysis, his condition worsened and Phillip was officially diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Disease also known as Renal Failure. The only remedy for the condition is a kidney transplant or long-term, life-sustaining dialysis.
At just 34 years of age, that was some heavy news. So I sat down with Phillip to hear how he managed to cope with his diagnosis, navigate his treatment journey, and become an advocate for kidney health in the Black and Brown communities.
His story is inspiring. Check it out.
Hip, Hope, Hooray! Black Men Talking Health
#hiphopehooray #blackhealth #IMF
#kidneydisease #highbloodpressure
S1:E3 - The Dangers of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, aka hypertension, can quietly mess up the body for years before symptoms appear. Not surprisingly, many of the black communityโs top killers are caused by high blood pressure, including heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure and even kidney disease. Thatโs why itโs so important to have your blood pressure checked; and why you need to keep it in check through diet, exercise, and even medication.
My man Phillip Davis is a prime example. In September of 2020, Phillip was working as a School Administrator for Mastery Charter School. He had just wrapped up a routine workday that was marked by an excruciating headache that would not go away. It was so bad that he went to the ER and was admitted to Chestnut Hill Hospital, where he quickly learned that his blood pressure sky high; a troubling 287/92. He was immediately transported to ICU where he spent the next few days being accessed to figure out the cause.
After several negative tests, Phillip received shocking news from a Nephrologist about his kidneys; they were in danger of failure and the problem had reached the acute stage. To stay alive, Phillip had to begin dialysis treatment immediately. But after several weeks on dialysis, his condition worsened and Phillip was officially diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Disease also known as Renal Failure. The only remedy for the condition is a kidney transplant or long-term, life-sustaining dialysis.
At just 34 years of age, that was some heavy news. So I sat down with Phillip to hear how he managed to cope with his diagnosis, navigate his treatment journey, and become an advocate for kidney health in the Black and Brown communities.
Today he is a global ambassador for The Gift of Life, where he educates men and women about the causes, early signs of high blood pressure, and kidney failure.
His story is inspiring. Check it out.
These underserved communities represent real people with real lives, dreams, and families. These disparities are a constant reminder of the systemic injustices and inequalities that exist in our healthcare system, disproportionately affecting those who are already marginalized and vulnerable.
Behind every statistic is a human being`s story of struggle, resilience, and hope for a better and healthier future. Let`s stop talking and do something!
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#multiplemyeloma #bloodcancer #cancersurvivor #healthliteracy #lowhealthliteracy #healthcaredisparities #africanamerican #blackamerican #underservedcommunities #healthhopehiphop #hiphope #hiphopehooray #IMF #InternationalMyelomaFoundation #hiphop #hiphopmusic #hiphopculture #grandg #cancersupportgroup #hope #myelomaawareness #patientadvocacy
๐ค๐พTHIS GUY๐ค๐พ
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Dr. Robert Winn at the AACR Cancer Disparity Progress Report 2024 opening dinner ceremony. Didn`t know a lot about him until this evening. Our 1:1 conversation was filled with great ideas and plenty of hip-hop.
Learned a lot MC Winn-Winn!๐ช๐พ
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#healthdisparities #multiplemyeloma #bloodcancer #cancersurvivor #healthliteracy #lowhealthliteracy #healthcaredisparities #africanamerican #blackamerican #underservedcommunities #healthhopehiphop #hiphope #hiphopehooray #IMF #InternationalMyelomaFoundation #hiphop #hiphopmusic #hiphopculture #grandg #cancersupportgroup #hope #myelomaawareness #patientadvocacy
When sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity intersect with Black folks and healthcare, it can result in devastating consequences, including higher rates of chronic illnesses, lower life expectancies, and increased mortality rates.
Addressing these issues requires a commitment to education, awareness, and advocacy to dismantle systemic barriers and biases that hinder Black peoples` access to equitable and quality healthcare.
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#multiplemyeloma #bloodcancer #cancersurvivor #healthliteracy #lowhealthliteracy #healthcaredisparities #africanamerican #blackamerican #underservedcommunities #healthhopehiphop #hiphope #hiphopehooray #IMF #InternationalMyelomaFoundation #hiphop #hiphopmusic #hiphopculture #grandg #cancersupportgroup #hope #myelomaawareness #patientadvocacy
๐ขNew Episode Out Now๐ข
Multiple Myeloma ain`t no joke, Black folks!
A cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells, Myeloma is called โmultipleโ because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone marrow where it grows. It affects black and brown people 2:1 more than whites.
In this episode, four men (three black and one white) come together to discuss the challenges they faced with delayed diagnosis of multiple myeloma and the impact it had on their treatment. They delve into the disparities in healthcare access and quality that often impact the black community, leading to -- you guessed it -- delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes for black patients with multiple myeloma.
Our guests get personal and share their individual experiences navigating the healthcare system, including encounters with healthcare providers who dismissed their symptoms or failed to recognize the signs of multiple myeloma. They also discuss the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking second opinions when faced with a potential misdiagnosis.
Join us for this enlightening discussion on the impact of delayed diagnosis and disparities in healthcare on the black community.
GUEST LIST:
Michael A. Riotto - Dx: 7/2011
Thomas Goode - Dx: 11/2005
Arthur Marsh - Dx: 1/2024
With your Emcee Oya Gilbert - Dx: 12/2017
LINKS
Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation:
www.healthhopehiphop.org
For more about Multiple Myeloma visit the sites below.
International Myeloma Foundation:
https://www.myeloma.org/
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Myeloma Link:
https://lnkd.in/gDqHnnq
#hiphopehooray #myeloma #healthhopehiphop
#blackhealth #bloodcancer
Information don`t have a color; it transcends all boundaries and barriers, including race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
It sounds simple... access to vital healthcare information and services should not be determined by the color of one`s skin or their background.
Unfortunately health disparities and inequalities are for real. `Lots of people are trying to fix that. We`re working to improve health literacy in cities across the US to ensure that everyone has equal access to information and resources that`s gonna save their life.
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#multiplemyeloma #bloodcancer #cancersurvivor #healthliteracy #lowhealthliteracy #healthcaredisparities #africanamerican #blackamerican #underservedcommunities #healthhopehiphop #hiphope #hiphopehooray #IMF #InternationalMyelomaFoundation #hiphop #hiphopmusic #hiphopculture #grandg #cancersupportgroup #hope #myelomaawareness #patientadvocacy
From the 19th of June to the break of dawn, we celebrate Juneteenth, the day our ancestors finally cross the finish line of that freedom marathon.๐๐พโโ๏ธ๐๐พโโ๏ธ
Let`s raise our fistโ๐พ to freedom, liberation, and unity - because on this day, we stand tall and proud as a community.
#juneteenth2024 #myeloma #hiphopehooray
#healthhopehiphop #freedomday
Multiple Myeloma ain`t no joke, Black folks!
A cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells, Myeloma is called โmultipleโ because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone marrow where it grows. It affects black and brown people 2:1 more than whites.
In this episode, four men (three black and one white) come together to discuss the challenges they faced with delayed diagnosis of multiple myeloma and the impact it had on their treatment. They delve into the disparities in healthcare access and quality that often impact the black community, leading to -- you guessed it -- delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes for black patients with multiple myeloma.
Our guests get personal and share their individual experiences navigating the healthcare system, including encounters with healthcare providers who dismissed their symptoms or failed to recognize the signs of multiple myeloma. They also discuss the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking second opinions when faced with a potential misdiagnosis.
Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, these men shed light on the systemic barriers that contribute to delayed diagnoses and disparities in treatment for black patients with multiple myeloma. They also provide insights and advice for others facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of being proactive in seeking proper medical care and advocating for one`s health. Join us for this enlightening discussion on the impact of delayed diagnosis and disparities in healthcare on the black community.
GUEST LIST:
Michael A. Riotto - Dx: 7/2011
Thomas Goode - Dx: 11/2005
Arthur Marsh - Dx: 1/2024
With your Emcee Oya Gilbert - Dx: 12/2017
For more about Multiple Myeloma visit the sites below.
Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation
International Myeloma Foundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Myeloma Link
#hiphopehooray #myeloma #healthhopehiphop
#blackhealth #bloodcancer
The AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report 2024 opening dinner ceremony was fly. This was the first time I saw Dr. Robert Winn speak -- and it was a doozie! ๐๐พ๐๐พ
I got an opportunity to meet the eight other Disparity Progress Report advocates for the first time. Any advocate there was invited to share a few words, and Katrece Nolen & my man Todd Gates got up and totally blew me away; their message was so powerful. ย
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#CancerDisparitiesReport
#multiplemyeloma #bloodcancer #cancersurvivor #healthliteracy #lowhealthliteracy #healthcaredisparities #africanamerican #blackamerican #underservedcommunities #healthhopehiphop #hiphope #hiphopehooray #IMF #InternationalMyelomaFoundation #hiphop #hiphopmusic #hiphopculture #grandg #cancersupportgroup #hope #myelomaawareness #patientadvocacy
AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report 2024 Congressional Session
I hung out with Amy Lacey & Katherine Tossas. These two women are not just researchers working in the field of cancer, they are warriors fighting against one of the most devastating diseases of our time. Their work is not just a job, it is a calling; a mission to bring hope and healing to those who need it most.
๐๏ธShout Outs๐๏ธ
Rev Rachel Pierce
Rev Dr Tyron Williams
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#CancerDisparitiesReport #multiplemyeloma #bloodcancer #cancersurvivor #healthliteracy #lowhealthliteracy #healthcaredisparities #africanamerican #blackamerican #underservedcommunities #healthhopehiphop #hiphope #hiphopehooray #IMF #InternationalMyelomaFoundation #hiphop #hiphopmusic #hiphopculture #grandg #cancersupportgroup #hope #myelomaawareness #patientadvocacy
We want to wish men across the world who are Fathers or Father-Figures a blessed and Happy Fatherโs Day. #multiplemyeloma #FathersDay2024 #healthhopehiphop #hiphope #hiphopehooray #IMF #InternationalMyelomaFoundation
๐ Drops Monday Jun 3rd ๐Hip, Hope, Hooray: Black Men Talking Health. In our season premiere episode on June 3rd, we tackle the question: Why donโt black men go to the doctors? We explore the cultural, historical, and societal factors that contribute to the reluctance of black men to seek medical care. Available on all major podcast platforms. Letโs start the conversation and break the stigma surrounding healthcare for black men. #HipHopeHooray #BlackMenTalkingHealth #healthhopehiphop #HealthcareAwareness ๐ง๐
On this Memorial Day, weโre giving mad respect to all the men and women whoโve laid down their lives for our freedom. ๐๏ธ
We donโt always have to agree with the politics, but we here at #HealthHopeHipHop will always remember their sacrifices and honor their courage.๐ช
BIG LOVE to all the military families and veterans out there - your strength and resilience inspires us every single day. ๐๐ฟ
Stay safe, stay blessed, and letโs continue to keep their legacies alive, not just on calendar holidays. โ๐พ
#MemorialDay2024 #NeverForget #RespectTheFallen #HonorAndRemember #HipHopPatriots
I am honored and grateful for having the opportunity to be a speaker at the AACR Cancer Disparity Progress Report 2024 Congressional Hearing. It was truly a privilege to share my story and insights on such an important issue that affects so many individuals and communities.
I want to express my appreciation to the American Association for Cancer Research for organizing this crucial event and for providing a platform to address the disparities in cancer care, research and outcomes. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and advocates, we are able to work towards finding solutions and making meaningful progress in the fight against cancer disparities.
Thank you to everyone who attended the hearing and to the other 8 advocates who participated in this moment!
#CancerDisparitiesReport #hiphopehooray #healthhopehiphop #myeloma
๐๏ธ Exciting news! Introducing our new podcast, Hip, Hope, Hooray: Black Men Talking Health. Join us as we delve into important conversations about healthcare from the perspective of African-American men.
In our season premiere episode on June 3rd, we tackle the question: Why don`t black men go to the doctors? We explore the cultural, historical, and societal factors that contribute to the reluctance of black men to seek medical care. Our guests share their personal experiences and insights, shedding light on this important issue.
Tune in to Hip, Hope, Hooray: Black Men Talking Health to hear authentic and informative discussions that will inspire and empower our community to prioritize their health and well-being. Don`t miss out on this eye-opening and thought-provoking episode!
Available on all major podcast platforms. Let`s start the conversation and break the stigma surrounding healthcare for black men.
#HipHopeHooray #BlackMenTalkingHealth #HealthcareAwareness ๐ง๐
