Music, food, fun and health took center stage Saturday at the annual Black History Month Health and Wellness Fair at Tallahassee Community College after two years of not being able to have large gatherings due to the pandemic.
This year’s theme was “Black Health and Wellness,” and the fair was designed to match the theme, which focused on taking proper care of one’s health, whether it be physical, internal or mental. It coincided with the Cherry Hall Alexander Black History Month Calendar, which honored 12 community leaders and advocates who fit within the theme.
The event included a 3 kilometer walk/run. Health vendors like the Bond Community Medical Center provided hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and vaseline, all while promoting sexual health and awareness. Blissful Juicer provided natural pressed juices and smoothies with nutritional information on taking care of the gut. Pineappétit chef Sam Burgess offered sautéed chicken and cilantro lime rice served in a hollowed pineapple.
Bryan Hooper, TCC’s dean of social sciences, described the event as successful, saying it had a great community turnout in terms of the number of attendees.
“The African American population is usually disproportionately affected by almost every negative health state, so we really wanted to get the community — people who look like us — to help them understand that health and wellness is your wealth,” Hooper said.
Florida A&M University’s Institute of Public Health provided information on the pandemic, and self-awareness while in public. Multiple giveaways of free gym memberships and food gift cards to local food vendors with healthy food options were given, while music by FAMU student DJ Picasso kept the event lively. An announcement from Steve Beasley, a former honoree and CEO of the Martin Luther King Foundation, encouraged former honorees and the community to donate and reciprocate efforts to the annual calendar.
Brielle Crooms, an academic coordinator and executive assistant to the provost at TCC, says it was an honor to work with her team.
“Crafting this year’s calendar was more than a photo or video clip captured, it is a glimpse of their personalities and what drives them.” Crooms said. “The history made, the lives they have changed, and the health they have improved for others in this community is truly inspiring.”
To get a copy of this year’s calendar, stop by the TCC front office. For more information on upcoming events, you can go to TCC’s website.