IT’S PERSONAL
Our Team
Founded by Oya Gilbert in 2024 and inspired by his personal Multiple Myeloma journey, the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation is powered by a small and passionate team — and growing bigger every day.
Meet Oya Gilbert
Oya is a podcaster, a father of three, and a notable artist in the Delaware hip-hop community. Known as “Grand G,” he came up hard, spittin’ rhymes in the streets of Wilmington, which led to a record deal and numerous song releases.
In 2017 he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. Since his stem cell transplant in 2018, he continues learning to live with the ever-changing reminders of the cancer and subsequent daily dose of chemo.
But he’s also turned his pain into power. Thanks to the invaluable support he’s received from the staff and patients in his stem cell support group, Oya was moved to take things a step further. By partnering with the International Myeloma Foundation, he’s leading a new Multiple Myeloma support group in Hagerstown, MD.
His group welcomes patients and their caregivers in southern PA, northern MD, and northern WV. He’s also partnered with well-known names like Pfizer and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help spread awareness in the black and brown communities and educate those living in underserved and undereducated areas.
Angela Valentine
SENIOR HEALTHCARE DATA ANALYST
Angela brings 25 years of advanced knowledge of healthcare and revenue cycles. Her healthcare career began as a phlebotomist, and then working in family practice.
Angela advanced to high dollar commercial insurance follow-up and became a Revenue Cycle Analyst for one of the largest Women’s Health organization in Oregon and then Revenue Cycle Director for the largest non-profit sexual and reproductive rights organizations in Oregon & SW Washington before starting her own Healthcare Consultancy in 2022.
Our Board of Directors
Our Homies
💬 “We went to therapy and it came out… she resented that I was still alive. We planned for me to die — not to live this long.” — Michael Riotto
In Ride or Die: The Care Partner Chronicles, Michael Riotto shares how his myeloma diagnosis didn’t just affect his health — it changed everything. From the balance of love to the burden of survival, this clip is a raw look at how relationships evolve through illness and healing. ❤️
Host Oya Glbert leads a powerful conversation with Thomas Goode, Tony Newberne, and Michael Riotto on finding purpose, peace, and understanding in the hardest moments.
🎧 Listen FREE (and subscribe!) → hiphopehooray.podbean.com/e/rideordie/
📺 Watch the full episode → https://youtu.be/xdiWlzKAkzc
Follow ➡️ @healthhopehiphop
Sponsored by:
🔹 Johnson & Johnson / Legend Biotech (Top)
🔹 Pfizer
💭 Question for you: Can love survive when everything else changes? 💔
💬 Tell us below — your words might reach someone who needs to hear them.
#hiphopehooray #healthhopehiphop #mentalkinhealth
💬 “We went to therapy and it came out… she resented that I was still alive. We planned for me to die — not to live this long.” — Michael Riotto
In Ride or Die: The Care Partner Chronicles, Michael Riotto shares how his myeloma diagnosis didn’t just affect his health — it changed everything. From the balance of love to the burden of survival, this clip is a raw look at how relationships evolve through illness and healing. ❤️
Host Oya Glbert leads a powerful conversation with Thomas Goode, Tony Newberne, and Michael Riotto on finding purpose, peace, and understanding in the hardest moments.
🎧 Listen FREE (and subscribe!) → hiphopehooray.podbean.com/e/rideordie/
📺 Watch the full episode → https://youtu.be/xdiWlzKAkzc
Follow ➡️ @healthhopehiphop
Sponsored by:
🔹 Johnson & Johnson / Legend Biotech (Top)
🔹 Pfizer
💭 Question for you: Can love survive when everything else changes? 💔
💬 Tell us below — your words might reach someone who needs to hear them.
#hiphopehooray #healthhopehiphop #mentalkinhealth
🎥 Dock to the Block Recap!
From the sponsor karaoke showdown (with wild guest substitutions!) 🎤🔥 to the food, the vibe, the history of the Kalmar Nyckel, and watching everyone raise the sails — this cruise was everything. 🚢✨
We toured the ship, celebrated on deck, and kicked off the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Block Party Weekend in true HH&HH style.
Thank you to all who joined, and to those who couldn’t—you were missed. 💛
Sponsors:
@pfizerinc - Top
@dartfirststateofficial
@kitepharma
🎥 & 📸 @photographybysamwilson
#docktotheblock #healthhopehiphop #hhhhblockpartyde25 #kalmarnyckel #blockpartyvibes #hiphopforhealth
🎥 Dock to the Block Recap!
From the sponsor karaoke showdown (with wild guest substitutions!) 🎤🔥 to the food, the vibe, the history of the Kalmar Nyckel, and watching everyone raise the sails — this cruise was everything. 🚢✨
We toured the ship, celebrated on deck, and kicked off the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Block Party Weekend in true HH&HH style.
Thank you to all who joined, and to those who couldn’t—you were missed. 💛
Sponsors:
@pfizerinc - Top
@dartfirststateofficial
@kitepharma
🎥 & 📸 @photographybysamwilson
#docktotheblock #healthhopehiphop #hhhhblockpartyde25 #kalmarnyckel #blockpartyvibes #hiphopforhealth
💬 “It wasn’t invisibility… it was the diagnosis itself — the cancer, the change of life, the change of everything.” — Thomas Goode @846627_gud
In this moving clip from Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health, Thomas Goode shares how his myeloma diagnosis changed not only his health but his entire life.
Host Oya Gilbert @grand_geee reminds us: you can’t always see what care partners carry — and that makes compassion essential. ❤️
🎧 Listen FREE (and subscribe!) → hiphopehooray.podbean.com/e/rideordie/
📺 Watch the full episode → https://youtu.be/xdiWlzKAkzc
Follow ➡️ @healthhopehiphop
Sponsored by:
🔹 @jnj (Top)
🔹 @pfizerinc
#hiphopehooray #healthhopehiphop #mentalkinhealth
💬 “It wasn’t invisibility… it was the diagnosis itself — the cancer, the change of life, the change of everything.” — Thomas Goode @846627_gud
In this moving clip from Hip. Hope. Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health, Thomas Goode shares how his myeloma diagnosis changed not only his health but his entire life.
Host Oya Gilbert @grand_geee reminds us: you can’t always see what care partners carry — and that makes compassion essential. ❤️
🎧 Listen FREE (and subscribe!) → hiphopehooray.podbean.com/e/rideordie/
📺 Watch the full episode → https://youtu.be/xdiWlzKAkzc
Follow ➡️ @healthhopehiphop
Sponsored by:
🔹 @jnj (Top)
🔹 @pfizerinc
#hiphopehooray #healthhopehiphop #mentalkinhealth
💥 “Ride or Die: The Care Partner Chronicles” 💥
This one’s for the real ones — the care partners who show up, stay strong, and love hard through it all. ❤️
Host Oya Gilbert brings together myeloma survivors Thomas Goode, Tony Newberne, and Michael Riotto for an open, honest talk about relationships, purpose, and the power of peace.
From heartbreak to healing, this episode honors the ones who keep us grounded — because care partners need care too.
🎧 Listen FREE (but don’t forget to subscribe!): hiphopehooray.podbean.com/e/rideordie/
📺 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xdiWlzKAkzc
Follow, share, and tag someone who’s been your rock 👉🏾@healthhopehiphop
#hiphopehooray #healthhopehiphop #mentalkinhealth
💥 “Ride or Die: The Care Partner Chronicles” 💥
This one’s for the real ones — the care partners who show up, stay strong, and love hard through it all. ❤️
Host Oya Gilbert brings together myeloma survivors Thomas Goode, Tony Newberne, and Michael Riotto for an open, honest talk about relationships, purpose, and the power of peace.
From heartbreak to healing, this episode honors the ones who keep us grounded — because care partners need care too.
🎧 Listen FREE (but don’t forget to subscribe!): hiphopehooray.podbean.com/e/rideordie/
📺 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xdiWlzKAkzc
Follow, share, and tag someone who’s been your rock 👉🏾@healthhopehiphop
#hiphopehooray #healthhopehiphop #mentalkinhealth
The energy. The love. The purpose. 💪🏾🎶❤️
The Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Block Party brought Wilmington together like never before — with live performances, free health screenings, youth showcases, and community unity at its best! 🙌🏾
🎥 This is the recap video — capturing every beat, smile, and moment of hope.
We celebrated health, culture, and connection — proving that hip-hop can heal and inspire change. 💥
Because impact sounds better…when we make it together!
Thank you to everyone who came out and made history with us!
Mad love to our Emcee - India Sage @indiasagethebrand
Thank you to our board members and planning committee!
Sponsors:
@pfizerinc - Top
@bloodcancerunited
@dartfirststateofficial
@christianacare
@kitepharma
#HHHHBlockPartyDE25 #HealthHopeHipHop #HipHopForChange #WellnessInCulture #CommunityStrong
The energy. The love. The purpose. 💪🏾🎶❤️
The Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Block Party brought Wilmington together like never before — with live performances, free health screenings, youth showcases, and community unity at its best! 🙌🏾
🎥 This is the recap video — capturing every beat, smile, and moment of hope.
We celebrated health, culture, and connection — proving that hip-hop can heal and inspire change. 💥
Because impact sounds better…when we make it together!
Thank you to everyone who came out and made history with us!
Mad love to our Emcee - India Sage @indiasagethebrand
Thank you to our board members and planning committee!
Sponsors:
@pfizerinc - Top
@bloodcancerunited
@dartfirststateofficial
@christianacare
@kitepharma
#HHHHBlockPartyDE25 #HealthHopeHipHop #HipHopForChange #WellnessInCulture #CommunityStrong
⚓️ Dock to the Block Welcome Cruise = Vibes.
Sunset skies, the Christiana River breeze, and the energy was unmatched as we kicked off the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Block Party Weekend aboard the Kalmar Nyckel.
From sponsor shoutouts to the karaoke battle that turned into a full-on variety show — this was a night of joy, unity, and celebration.
Thank you to every sponsor, supporter, and the amazing crew of the Kalmar Nyckel for helping us sail into this weekend with style, laughter, and purpose. 🌅💛
Sponsors:
@pfizerinc
@dartfirststateofficial
@kitepharma
#docktotheblock #healthhopehiphop #hhhhblockpartyde25
⚓️ Dock to the Block Welcome Cruise = Vibes.
Sunset skies, the Christiana River breeze, and the energy was unmatched as we kicked off the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Block Party Weekend aboard the Kalmar Nyckel.
From sponsor shoutouts to the karaoke battle that turned into a full-on variety show — this was a night of joy, unity, and celebration.
Thank you to every sponsor, supporter, and the amazing crew of the Kalmar Nyckel for helping us sail into this weekend with style, laughter, and purpose. 🌅💛
Sponsors:
@pfizerinc
@dartfirststateofficial
@kitepharma
#docktotheblock #healthhopehiphop #hhhhblockpartyde25
Dres of Black Sheep will be in the building! Thank you fam!!!
#healthhopehiphop #hhhhblockpartyde25
Dres of Black Sheep will be in the building! Thank you fam!!!
#healthhopehiphop #hhhhblockpartyde25
We’ve got BIG news! 🎉
The amazing India Sage will be emceeing the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Block Party 2025! 🎤💯
India, thank you for accepting this role—we’re excited to have your voice and energy leading the day. 🙏
The Block Party is more than just music—it’s about celebrating culture, promoting better health, and building stronger communities. From performances to health resources, it’s a movement you’ll want to be part of.
📅 October 4, 2025
📍 Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington, DE
➡️ Register now at www.healthhopehiphop.org
#hhhhblockpartyde25 #healthhopehiphop #IndiaSage
We’ve got BIG news! 🎉
The amazing India Sage will be emceeing the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Block Party 2025! 🎤💯
India, thank you for accepting this role—we’re excited to have your voice and energy leading the day. 🙏
The Block Party is more than just music—it’s about celebrating culture, promoting better health, and building stronger communities. From performances to health resources, it’s a movement you’ll want to be part of.
📅 October 4, 2025
📍 Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington, DE
➡️ Register now at www.healthhopehiphop.org
#hhhhblockpartyde25 #healthhopehiphop #IndiaSage
📢 Wilmington, Are You Ready?
The Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Block Party is about to take over the Riverfront 🎤💃🏾✨
🗓 October 4, 2025 | 1 PM – 6 PM
📍 Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park
Opening prayer: Bishop Ray Taylor
🔥 What’s in store:
🌟 Keynotes: Adrian Carn, Thomas Goode, Phillip Davis
🎶 Dres of Black Sheep | Richard Raw & the Word Warriors | P.Dot57
🥁 Boombox Drumline + Hip-Hop Youth Ensemble (Christina Cultural Arts Center)
🎧 Respect the DJ Battle (AllHipHop + partners)
🩺 Free health screenings w/ ChristianaCare
💃 Closing “Boots on the Ground” dance activation
✨ This isn’t just a block party — it’s a movement for health, hope & change.
👉 Link in bio for details & registration!
#HealthHopeHipHop #HHHHBlockPartyDE25 #IgniteChange
📢 Wilmington, Are You Ready?
The Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Block Party is about to take over the Riverfront 🎤💃🏾✨
🗓 October 4, 2025 | 1 PM – 6 PM
📍 Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park
Opening prayer: Bishop Ray Taylor
🔥 What’s in store:
🌟 Keynotes: Adrian Carn, Thomas Goode, Phillip Davis
🎶 Dres of Black Sheep | Richard Raw & the Word Warriors | P.Dot57
🥁 Boombox Drumline + Hip-Hop Youth Ensemble (Christina Cultural Arts Center)
🎧 Respect the DJ Battle (AllHipHop + partners)
🩺 Free health screenings w/ ChristianaCare
💃 Closing “Boots on the Ground” dance activation
✨ This isn’t just a block party — it’s a movement for health, hope & change.
👉 Link in bio for details & registration!
#HealthHopeHipHop #HHHHBlockPartyDE25 #IgniteChange
I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of the IMF inaugural Fly-In at Capitol Hill last week. The three days were truly inspiring, spent alongside some old friends and new voices united in advocating for critical initiatives—from advancing telehealth access to ensuring continued coverage of oral medications. This collective effort to engage our state representatives reinforces how powerful our voices are in shaping healthcare policy.
This video captures a vital message: though multiple myeloma is living with us, it does not define our passion, purpose, or personalities.
#imfadvocacy #knowmyeloma #healthhopehiphop
I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of the IMF inaugural Fly-In at Capitol Hill last week. The three days were truly inspiring, spent alongside some old friends and new voices united in advocating for critical initiatives—from advancing telehealth access to ensuring continued coverage of oral medications. This collective effort to engage our state representatives reinforces how powerful our voices are in shaping healthcare policy.
This video captures a vital message: though multiple myeloma is living with us, it does not define our passion, purpose, or personalities.
#imfadvocacy #knowmyeloma #healthhopehiphop
Street banger!!! 🔥
Register today at www.healthhopehiphop.org
#healthhopehiphop #hhhhblockpartyde25
Street banger!!! 🔥
Register today at www.healthhopehiphop.org
#healthhopehiphop #hhhhblockpartyde25
This is how we do Blood Cancer Awareness Month🩸
Later that afternoon!🔥
The attendees arrived and the panel took the stage! This was part of the @blkhlth conversations series to bring awareness to multiple myeloma. With That’s My Word “My Myeloma Promise” as the backdrop, we got it crackin’
#Thatsmywordmm #bloodcancerawarenessmonth #sponsored
This is how we do Blood Cancer Awareness Month🩸
Later that afternoon!🔥
The attendees arrived and the panel took the stage! This was part of the @blkhlth conversations series to bring awareness to multiple myeloma. With That’s My Word “My Myeloma Promise” as the backdrop, we got it crackin’
#Thatsmywordmm #bloodcancerawarenessmonth #sponsored