Whether you’re chasing the kids, the spotlight, or just trying to keep up with life, staying active is your secret weapon; getting your sweat on is essential for keeping your mind sharp, your energy on 100, and your swag on point.
🎤 From the Block to the Boardroom: A Full Circle Moment 🎤
When Young Guru took the stage at the Hip Hope Ball, he shared a story that hit home. Growing up in Wilmington, DE, he was mentored by Jay, Joey, and Shant Money, three DJs who inspired his love for music. At 15, seeing someone who looked like him on an album cover gave him the confidence to dream big.
Now, Guru serves on the advisory board of the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation, dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities in Black communities. It’s about community, culture, and representation.
Guru also reflected on the influence of our founder, Oya Gilbert. Oya’s impact went beyond money—it was about support, vision, and changing lives. As Guru said, “When Oya called, I was down before he even said anything.”
Let’s continue pushing forward, bridging hip-hop and healthcare, and ensuring every community has the resources and representation it needs to thrive. 🌍✨
#HealthHopeHipHop #CommunityEmpowerment #HipHopForHealth #RepresentationMatters #YoungGuru #OyaGilbert #HipHopeBall25
🎤 From the Block to the Boardroom: A Full Circle Moment 🎤
When Young Guru took the stage at the Hip Hope Ball, he shared a story that hit home. Growing up in Wilmington, DE, he was mentored by Jay, Joey, and Shant Money, three DJs who inspired his love for music. At 15, seeing someone who looked like him on an album cover gave him the confidence to dream big.
Now, Guru serves on the advisory board of the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation, dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities in Black communities. It’s about community, culture, and representation.
Guru also reflected on the influence of our founder, Oya Gilbert. Oya’s impact went beyond money—it was about support, vision, and changing lives. As Guru said, “When Oya called, I was down before he even said anything.”
Let’s continue pushing forward, bridging hip-hop and healthcare, and ensuring every community has the resources and representation it needs to thrive. 🌍✨
#HealthHopeHipHop #CommunityEmpowerment #HipHopForHealth #RepresentationMatters #YoungGuru #OyaGilbert #HipHopeBall25
🎉 We are thrilled to share that April Johnson from @detvch placed the winning bid on the incredible DMX portrait painted by the talented Kwamel Dean, aka Melly Mel, during our silent auction at the Hip Hope Ball! 🎨 This artwork not only celebrates the life and legacy of our beloved hip-hop icon, DMX (Earl Simmons), who was born on December 18, 1970, and passed away on April 9, 2021, but also showcases the amazing creative talent within our community. 🕊️
DMX’s life and music were deeply intertwined with his struggles with mental health and addiction. He openly discussed his battle with bipolar disorder and the challenges he faced with addiction, issues that began when he was introduced to crack cocaine at the age of 14. His candor about these struggles brought much-needed awareness to mental health issues within the hip-hop community and helped to normalize conversations around them. 💪🏽
We had the honor of having Kwamel present the piece personally to April, marking a truly special moment. Thank you, April, for your support! 🙏🏽
But that’s not all—starting this Friday, we will be auctioning off the last two stunning portraits! Stay tuned for more details on how you can participate and support our mission to honor those we’ve lost too soon to health-related issues while promoting art and hope. 🌟
Let’s keep the momentum going! 💙
#HipHopeBall25 #HipHopeHooray #HealthHopeHiphop #DMX #MentalHealthAwareness
🎉 We are thrilled to share that April Johnson from @detvch placed the winning bid on the incredible DMX portrait painted by the talented Kwamel Dean, aka Melly Mel, during our silent auction at the Hip Hope Ball! 🎨 This artwork not only celebrates the life and legacy of our beloved hip-hop icon, DMX (Earl Simmons), who was born on December 18, 1970, and passed away on April 9, 2021, but also showcases the amazing creative talent within our community. 🕊️
DMX’s life and music were deeply intertwined with his struggles with mental health and addiction. He openly discussed his battle with bipolar disorder and the challenges he faced with addiction, issues that began when he was introduced to crack cocaine at the age of 14. His candor about these struggles brought much-needed awareness to mental health issues within the hip-hop community and helped to normalize conversations around them. 💪🏽
We had the honor of having Kwamel present the piece personally to April, marking a truly special moment. Thank you, April, for your support! 🙏🏽
But that’s not all—starting this Friday, we will be auctioning off the last two stunning portraits! Stay tuned for more details on how you can participate and support our mission to honor those we’ve lost too soon to health-related issues while promoting art and hope. 🌟
Let’s keep the momentum going! 💙
#HipHopeBall25 #HipHopeHooray #HealthHopeHiphop #DMX #MentalHealthAwareness
Yo, big shoutout to @cabernetcandles for blessing our Hip Hope Ball Gift Bags with over 120 of their amazing candles! 🕯️ Their spot in New Castle, DE, is all about crafting unique scents and experiences. From candle-making to perfume curation, they`ve got it all. The fragrances they provided lit up our event in more ways than one. Thanks for helping us spread those good vibes! 🌟
To everyone who received a gift bag, we`d love to hear from you! Drop a comment or share your candle experience – which fragrance did you get, and how is it lighting up your space? 🔥 Let’s keep the love going!
#HipHopeBall #CabernetCandles #HipHopeBallGiftBag #HipHopeBall25 #PurposePrAgency
Yo, big shoutout to @cabernetcandles for blessing our Hip Hope Ball Gift Bags with over 120 of their amazing candles! 🕯️ Their spot in New Castle, DE, is all about crafting unique scents and experiences. From candle-making to perfume curation, they`ve got it all. The fragrances they provided lit up our event in more ways than one. Thanks for helping us spread those good vibes! 🌟
To everyone who received a gift bag, we`d love to hear from you! Drop a comment or share your candle experience – which fragrance did you get, and how is it lighting up your space? 🔥 Let’s keep the love going!
#HipHopeBall #CabernetCandles #HipHopeBallGiftBag #HipHopeBall25 #PurposePrAgency
We’re still riding high from the unforgettable energy of the Hip Hope Ball: A Celebration to Ignite Change — and we couldn’t let this moment pass without giving a special shoutout to someone who understood the assignment from head to toe!
🎤 A huge THANK YOU to Dr. @jrmikhael of the @imfmyeloma for not only delivering a truly motivating and heartfelt speech… but also for stepping onto the stage with style that matched the message. 🙌🏽💥
Even more special was having the incredible @sylvia.b.dsouza and @katieives in the building, representing the IMF with such love, purpose, and energy. Your presence helped make the night unforgettable — and your ongoing support means the world to us. 💜
After Dr. Mikhael’s powerful words lit up the room, there was a legendary moment caught backstage — Dr. Mikhael, @therulernyc @mandyaragones , @youngguru763, and our very own Oya aka @grand_geee Gilbert in one frame. Talk about health literacy meets hip-hop history.
We were beyond honored (and honestly, hyped) to have him — and the entire IMF crew — join us. Because when medicine and music move in harmony, that’s when change hits the right note.
For more highlights visit:
www.healthhopehiphop.org
#HipHopeBall25 #HealthHopeHipHop #MyelomaActionMonth #SlickRick #HipHopCulture #HealthEquity #HipHopeHooray #HipHopeBall #purposepragency
We’re still riding high from the unforgettable energy of the Hip Hope Ball: A Celebration to Ignite Change — and we couldn’t let this moment pass without giving a special shoutout to someone who understood the assignment from head to toe!
🎤 A huge THANK YOU to Dr. @jrmikhael of the @imfmyeloma for not only delivering a truly motivating and heartfelt speech… but also for stepping onto the stage with style that matched the message. 🙌🏽💥
Even more special was having the incredible @sylvia.b.dsouza and @katieives in the building, representing the IMF with such love, purpose, and energy. Your presence helped make the night unforgettable — and your ongoing support means the world to us. 💜
After Dr. Mikhael’s powerful words lit up the room, there was a legendary moment caught backstage — Dr. Mikhael, @therulernyc @mandyaragones , @youngguru763, and our very own Oya aka @grand_geee Gilbert in one frame. Talk about health literacy meets hip-hop history.
We were beyond honored (and honestly, hyped) to have him — and the entire IMF crew — join us. Because when medicine and music move in harmony, that’s when change hits the right note.
For more highlights visit:
www.healthhopehiphop.org
#HipHopeBall25 #HealthHopeHipHop #MyelomaActionMonth #SlickRick #HipHopCulture #HealthEquity #HipHopeHooray #HipHopeBall #purposepragency
We’re excited and grateful for the opportunity to announce that Oya Gilbert, Founder and CEO of the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation, will be speaking at the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC) event on April 29th at the National Minority Quality Forum 2025 Leadership Summit! 🙌🏽
Oya will join community leaders like Robert Long, Stephen Thomas, Tiffany Scott, and George Kerr, III for the panel "The Power of Community: Engaging Gatekeepers for Rare Disease Advocacy," moderated by Deanna Darlington. This full-day event will cover various aspects of the Rare Disease community, and Oya is excited to contribute to these critical conversations.
We look forward to the powerful discussions and advocacy that will take place! 🌍✨
#RareDisease #HealthEquity #Advocacy #RareDiseaseDiversity #HealthHopeHipHop #CommunityEngagement #HealthLiteracy #OyaGilbert #RDDC2025 #LeadershipSummit
We’re excited and grateful for the opportunity to announce that Oya Gilbert, Founder and CEO of the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation, will be speaking at the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC) event on April 29th at the National Minority Quality Forum 2025 Leadership Summit! 🙌🏽
Oya will join community leaders like Robert Long, Stephen Thomas, Tiffany Scott, and George Kerr, III for the panel "The Power of Community: Engaging Gatekeepers for Rare Disease Advocacy," moderated by Deanna Darlington. This full-day event will cover various aspects of the Rare Disease community, and Oya is excited to contribute to these critical conversations.
We look forward to the powerful discussions and advocacy that will take place! 🌍✨
#RareDisease #HealthEquity #Advocacy #RareDiseaseDiversity #HealthHopeHipHop #CommunityEngagement #HealthLiteracy #OyaGilbert #RDDC2025 #LeadershipSummit
🌍 The Power of Hip-Hop—Revolutionizing Planetary Health and Well-Being 🌍
We are honored to be invited to present this groundbreaking abstract at the IUHPE 2025 World Conference in just 51 days! May 13-16, join us in exploring how hip-hop culture can drive health promotion and address global health challenges like climate change, pandemics, and social equity.
Interested in supporting this transformative initiative? Become a sponsor today and help us bring this important conversation to the global stage.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.healthhopehiphop.org or reach out to Angela at [email protected].
#HipHopHealth #PlanetaryHealth #HealthPromotion #SocialEquity #SponsorTheChange #IUHPE2025
🌍 The Power of Hip-Hop—Revolutionizing Planetary Health and Well-Being 🌍
We are honored to be invited to present this groundbreaking abstract at the IUHPE 2025 World Conference in just 51 days! May 13-16, join us in exploring how hip-hop culture can drive health promotion and address global health challenges like climate change, pandemics, and social equity.
Interested in supporting this transformative initiative? Become a sponsor today and help us bring this important conversation to the global stage.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.healthhopehiphop.org or reach out to Angela at [email protected].
#HipHopHealth #PlanetaryHealth #HealthPromotion #SocialEquity #SponsorTheChange #IUHPE2025
🌟✨ At the Hip Hope Ball: A Celebration to Ignite Change, we witnessed an iconic moment that truly embodies the spirit of our mission! 🙌🏼💖 Our founder, Oya Gilbert (aka Grand G), shared a powerful moment with board member Young Guru and the legendary Philly Freeway during the VIP meet and greet.
It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of community, creativity, and collaboration in driving change. Together, we can uplift voices, spark inspiration, and make a lasting impact. 💪🏾🎤
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating and supporting this important cause. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to ignite change! 🔥
#HipHopeBall #HipHopeBall25 #IgniteChange #OyaGilbert #YoungGuru #PhillyFreeway #Community #TogetherWeRise #Inspiration #ChangeMakers #purposepragency
🌟✨ At the Hip Hope Ball: A Celebration to Ignite Change, we witnessed an iconic moment that truly embodies the spirit of our mission! 🙌🏼💖 Our founder, Oya Gilbert (aka Grand G), shared a powerful moment with board member Young Guru and the legendary Philly Freeway during the VIP meet and greet.
It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of community, creativity, and collaboration in driving change. Together, we can uplift voices, spark inspiration, and make a lasting impact. 💪🏾🎤
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating and supporting this important cause. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to ignite change! 🔥
#HipHopeBall #HipHopeBall25 #IgniteChange #OyaGilbert #YoungGuru #PhillyFreeway #Community #TogetherWeRise #Inspiration #ChangeMakers #purposepragency
🎵 HEALTH MEETS HIP-HOP ON THE WORLD STAGE! 🎵
We`re thrilled to announce that our Health, Hope, & Hip-Hop Foundation has been invited to the 25th International Union for Health Promotion and Education conference in Abu Dhabi!
Oya Gilbert will be representing us, sharing how we`re transforming health education for Black and Brown communities through the power of hip-hop. From chronic disease education to mental health awareness, we`re making healthcare accessible, relatable, and actionable.
Additionally, we`re proud to share that our foundation`s abstract on using hip-hop to teach health literacy was accepted for presentation at the IUHPE conference! Angela Valentine, our Chief Impact & Advocacy Officer, co-authored this groundbreaking work.
Our mission continues with your support! Donate today to help us expand our reach and impact. Keep an eye out for a special opportunity to support our IUHPE workshop coming soon!
💪🏽 Together, we`re proving that music isn`t just entertainment—it`s a powerful tool for health equity worldwide.
Visit the link in bio to learn more and donate!
#HealthHopeHipHop #HealthEquity #CommunityHealth #HipHopHeals #PublicHealth #IUHPE #purposepragency
🎵 HEALTH MEETS HIP-HOP ON THE WORLD STAGE! 🎵
We`re thrilled to announce that our Health, Hope, & Hip-Hop Foundation has been invited to the 25th International Union for Health Promotion and Education conference in Abu Dhabi!
Oya Gilbert will be representing us, sharing how we`re transforming health education for Black and Brown communities through the power of hip-hop. From chronic disease education to mental health awareness, we`re making healthcare accessible, relatable, and actionable.
Additionally, we`re proud to share that our foundation`s abstract on using hip-hop to teach health literacy was accepted for presentation at the IUHPE conference! Angela Valentine, our Chief Impact & Advocacy Officer, co-authored this groundbreaking work.
Our mission continues with your support! Donate today to help us expand our reach and impact. Keep an eye out for a special opportunity to support our IUHPE workshop coming soon!
💪🏽 Together, we`re proving that music isn`t just entertainment—it`s a powerful tool for health equity worldwide.
Visit the link in bio to learn more and donate!
#HealthHopeHipHop #HealthEquity #CommunityHealth #HipHopHeals #PublicHealth #IUHPE #purposepragency
I had the opportunity to sit down with Chris Boerner, CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, at their Global Health Equity Forum. Alongside other leaders, I was able to share my story and the foundation’s vision to their employees worldwide. It was a HUGE milestone for the foundation!
#HealthHopeHipHop #hiphopeball25 #hiphopehooray #healthgamechangers
I had the opportunity to sit down with Chris Boerner, CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, at their Global Health Equity Forum. Alongside other leaders, I was able to share my story and the foundation’s vision to their employees worldwide. It was a HUGE milestone for the foundation!
#HealthHopeHipHop #hiphopeball25 #hiphopehooray #healthgamechangers
The Hip Hope Ball: A Celebration to Ignite Change was an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration, powerful hip-hop performances, and meaningful conversations. 🎤 We were honored to hear from Dr. Joseph Mikhael and Dr. Robert Winn, whose speeches moved everyone in the room.
Philadelphia Freeway join the stage sharing his heartfelt kidney diease journey and family tragedies, then gave us BARS! Earrrrrrly
We also celebrated the incredible work of Shea Robinson breast cancer survivor and founder of Posture of a Pearl
The evening closed with an electrifying performance from Slick Rick
A special thank you to our sponsors, especially @pfizerinc, our top sponsor, as well as @sanofi, @dartfirststateofficial, @aveloair, @sonestahotels, @cabernetcandles and the @imfmyeloma for making this event possible.
We need your support to continue our work in raising awareness and advocating for communities who need it most. Please consider donating to help us drive change and improve health equity.
#HipHopeBall25 #HealthAdvocacy #HealthEquity #HealthHopeHipHop #purposepragency
The Hip Hope Ball: A Celebration to Ignite Change was an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration, powerful hip-hop performances, and meaningful conversations. 🎤 We were honored to hear from Dr. Joseph Mikhael and Dr. Robert Winn, whose speeches moved everyone in the room.
Philadelphia Freeway join the stage sharing his heartfelt kidney diease journey and family tragedies, then gave us BARS! Earrrrrrly
We also celebrated the incredible work of Shea Robinson breast cancer survivor and founder of Posture of a Pearl
The evening closed with an electrifying performance from Slick Rick
A special thank you to our sponsors, especially @pfizerinc, our top sponsor, as well as @sanofi, @dartfirststateofficial, @aveloair, @sonestahotels, @cabernetcandles and the @imfmyeloma for making this event possible.
We need your support to continue our work in raising awareness and advocating for communities who need it most. Please consider donating to help us drive change and improve health equity.
#HipHopeBall25 #HealthAdvocacy #HealthEquity #HealthHopeHipHop #purposepragency
What an incredible night at the Hip Hope Ball in Wilmington, DE! 🎤✨
We united hip-hop icons, community, government and healthcare giants, all driven by a shared mission: to harness the power of hip-hop culture to elevate health literacy and advocate for underrepresented communities.💪🏾❤️
Stay tuned for the full recap dropping on 03.06.2025!
Together, we’re not just making music; we’re making a movement. 🎶✊🏾
#HipHopeBall25 #HealthLiteracy #UnityInCommunity
What an incredible night at the Hip Hope Ball in Wilmington, DE! 🎤✨
We united hip-hop icons, community, government and healthcare giants, all driven by a shared mission: to harness the power of hip-hop culture to elevate health literacy and advocate for underrepresented communities.💪🏾❤️
Stay tuned for the full recap dropping on 03.06.2025!
Together, we’re not just making music; we’re making a movement. 🎶✊🏾
#HipHopeBall25 #HealthLiteracy #UnityInCommunity
We are thrilled to announce that DeSean Jackson, head coach of Delaware State University`s football team, will be joining us at the inaugural Hip Hope Ball on Friday, February 28, 2025, at The Queen in Wilmington, Delaware.
Coach Jackson`s commitment to excellence and community aligns perfectly with our mission to address healthcare disparities through the transformative power of hip-hop. His presence underscores the importance of unity and action in fostering positive change. We extend a warm welcome to Coach Jackson and look forward to his impactful contribution to this special evening.
Join us✊🏾
Tickets are still available here:
www.healthhopehiphop.org
Let’s come together to dance, celebrate, and advocate for a cause that touches our hearts and lives. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey! 🙌🏾❤️
#HipHopeBallWilmingtonDE #HealthAdvocacy #Community #MultipleMyeloma #HipHopForHealth
We are thrilled to announce that DeSean Jackson, head coach of Delaware State University`s football team, will be joining us at the inaugural Hip Hope Ball on Friday, February 28, 2025, at The Queen in Wilmington, Delaware.
Coach Jackson`s commitment to excellence and community aligns perfectly with our mission to address healthcare disparities through the transformative power of hip-hop. His presence underscores the importance of unity and action in fostering positive change. We extend a warm welcome to Coach Jackson and look forward to his impactful contribution to this special evening.
Join us✊🏾
Tickets are still available here:
www.healthhopehiphop.org
Let’s come together to dance, celebrate, and advocate for a cause that touches our hearts and lives. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey! 🙌🏾❤️
#HipHopeBallWilmingtonDE #HealthAdvocacy #Community #MultipleMyeloma #HipHopForHealth
