Meridian Hill Pictures recently produced a compelling short documentary about the state of health surrounding Marvin Gaye Park in NE DC. For most of us, the issues discussed come as no surprise. But after watching the short, I kept thinking, "now what?" Who is now responsible for taking the reigns and leading the charge to improve the community's health? What do we expect and demand from our politicians, the business community, schools, taxpayers, families and most importantly ourselves?
We all know about the problems. We even have some solutions backed by statistics and shiny reports. And lately, we are beginning to see more organizations step up and implement these ideas. But improving health East of the River truly rests somewhere between politics and personal responsibility. Beyond farmer's markets and exercise classes, access to fresh food, and health education, change must also come from the individual. At what point can we look beyond institutional racism, classicism, and structural inequities to make personal incremental changes for our health?
Meridian Hill Pictures is an innovative company dedicated to producing, teaching and sharing documentary films that inspire, educate and build stronger communities.
These people aren't running for office, they aren't asking for your soul and they certainly aren't doing it for the fame. They are my 2012 Health Heroes Next Door!
They spend their Saturdays selling organic produce. They make sure your river and parks are safe. They give your kids jobs in environmental sustainability and they do it all in the name of community, health and environment.
1. Autumn Saxton Ross, Washington Parks and Green Spaces
Dr. Autumn Saxton Ross organized a massive campaign to get people back to using Marvin Gaye Park in NE. Before Autumn, the park had a reputation as hang out for heroin addicts and alcoholics. Autumn used the same passion and energy to create a new organization called Green Spaces. Green Spaces will work to highlight the role of park spaces in public health policy and community development.
Autumn Saxton Ross, Co Founder Green Spaces DC
autumn.saxton-ross@dc.gov
2. Chris Bradshaw, Dreaming Out Loud
Chris is the new face of social entrepreneurship and has no shame in making personal sacrifices to ensure the fulfillment of his dream, healthy access to fresh organic food East of the River. The Howard University alum created the organization aptly named Dreaming Out Loud to offer up healthy alternatives to the cornerstore clutter that pollutes most urban low income neighborhoods.
His Ghanian-inspired Aya Community Market fuses traditional West African principles with a modern pragmatic implementation through dietary consciousness and wellness.
3. Brent Bolin, Anacostia Watershed Society
Brent Bolin is the Director of Advocacy for the Anacostia Watershed Society. Since 1989, Brent has worked to clean up the Anacostia River and address toxins that affect neighborhoods along the river. Brent keeps the community informed through social media and by holding federal and local entities accountable. Bolin argues that "if we want adequate community input, then we need to start talking to the community."
4. Dennis Chestnut, Center for Green Urbanism
The Godfather of the River East Green Movement, Dennis Chestnut, helped launch Groundwork Anacostia. Mr. Chestnut's work and commitment employs youth, empowers communities and builds a legacy based on nature. He is instrumental in the creation of the Center for Green Urbanism in NE and was recently honored for his work on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail.
Dennis Chestnut, Executive Director
3938 Benning Road NE
Washington, DC 20019
tele: 202-506-3867
Meridian Hill Pictures is a full-service production and media education company dedicated to producing original documentaries and facilitating educational projects that inspire, educate and transform communitie
I spent four amusing days stumbling through the crowded streets of the Vegas Strip. I had to push through whimsical weddings, sad gamblers, rich folks who waste money and poor folks who want money. After losing all my money in the casinos, luck found its way back to me through Rainbow's End, the only vegan spot in downtown Las Vegas.
This is what happens to Vegans in Vegas!
Rainbow's End is a 30 year old vegan organic produce store/cafe perched on the corner of a strip mall on Sahara Avenue (parallel to Las Vegas Blvd).
The environment is laid back and friendly featuring local art, produce from local organic farms and local products.
Cozy corner to check out artwork, surf the net and enjoy your meal.
Local products from vendors.
"Mama Africa"
Local Nevada farms supply fresh fruit and veggies.
I ordered a yummy sunshine burger (not made of soy) the Green Machine smoothie and a kale salad. The burger was flavorful, kale fresh and the smoothie filling.
The atmosphere in Rainbow's End is a refreshing change from the All You Can Eat culture in Las Vegas and offers some relief from the indulgence of Sin City. The next time you are in Las Vegas, cleanse your body from all the toxins and libations and check out Rainbow's End.
Ask for the librarian Petra!
Rainbow's End 1100 E Sahara Ave Ste 101 Las Vegas, NV89104 Downtown Las Vegas
(702) 737-1338
Join dancer, pilates, and yoga instructor Misia Denea for "Full Moon-Full Figured" Yoga this Friday, November 11, 2011 at Stroga in Adams Morgan. The workshop will feature a live performance by cellist Monica McIyntyre! Don't miss this one of a kind event designed to teach yoga sequences that celebrate the thick, full-figured, and curvy body.
Imagine, for every beauty supply selling hair grease, hair gel and skin lightening cream, we also have a yoga class, dance studio, gym or health store. Instead of stores selling body glitter and plastic jewelry, they sell natural body soaps, freshly squeezed juices and veggie wraps. What if we replaced the hair and nail salons with health studios and fitness centers?
Would you rather spend $50 on a weave or a workout?
How much money do you spend on hair, nails, wigs, and weaves? How much money do you spend working out?
What good is a great hairstyle if your health isn't in order?
Do we like short-term solutions to change?
Changing a hairstyle takes a couple of hours, money and time.Changing a lifestyle requires discipline, commitment and self-accountability. I am not promoting that anyone go around looking like a Woolly Mammoth, but I am calling on us to build a healthy and balanced lifestyle.A fresh perm or a tight weave will not prevent diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity.
Spending $100-$200 on a lacefront is no different than spending $35-$100 on a fitness membership, healthy groceries or healthy cooking workshop. The three hours spent sitting in a hair salon pales in comparison to the 1 hour spent power walking, running or practicing yoga.
Black hair care has always been a major measurement of beauty and self identity. Millionaire Madam CJ Walker cornered the hair care industry by selling the dream of a perfect hairstyle to thousands of black women. Now it is about time we take our vanity to the next level.
Businesswoman Madam CJ Walker's first hair growth serum for 50 cents.
Black women have increasingly gained access and control to disposable income. We can shift how we think of ourselves, our money and our bodies. We can now collectively transform the health of our neighborhoods and our families!
Governor Mayor O'Malley, DC Mayor Vincent Gray and other President Obama White House Officials will celebrate the Anacostia River Walk Trail today in Bladensburg, Maryland.
When completed, the fullAnacostia River Water Trailwill cover up to 16 miles of cycling, walking, canoeing and wildlife.
The Trail will encircle both sides of the Anacostia River. Photo from http://www.asla.org
This event is a monumental and a major indicator that Federal and local governments are committed to improving the Anacostia River. But it can't stop here, the Anacostia River still needs a comprehensive clean up effort to make it swimmable and fishable.
For more details on what you can do to keep the vision on track and access the trail, donate to the Anacostia Watershed Society or browse the trail guide here.
