By Carri Helman
Hip-hop is an undeniable cultural juggernaut. Born from the streets, it’s always been a platform for expression, empowerment, and resilience. It speaks the language of the marginalized and amplifies voices that often go unheard. The Health, Hope, & Hip-Hop Foundation harnesses the energy of the Hip-Hop culture to address the health issues weighing on our communities of color.
When it comes to illness and disease, the Black community bears the crushing weight of some staggering health statistics. Many environmental and behavioral factors can contribute to health disparities in any group of individuals including genetics, tobacco use, and diet or eating habits.
However, deeply rooted familial, financial, and emotional elements also influence health outcomes in these populations.
Did you know that people of color are 60% more likely to develop diabetes? BIPOC men and women are also more likely to suffer from high blood pressure than their Caucasian peers. And even though they report less tobacco use, Black men are 50% more likely to develop lung cancer than white men. In fact, 40% more Black men are diagnosed with cancer overall than white men.
When seeking much-needed and deserved medical care, communities of color also often face socioeconomic barriers such as financial toxicity as well as delayed diagnoses and treatment plans. Often, there is a lack of access to adequate healthcare options in these communities and fewer opportunities to participate in clinical trials. Statistically speaking, only 8% of cancer clinical trial participants are Black, even though Black men and women are facing increasing cancer rates overall.
Historical and societal issues have also created obstacles that hinder Black Communities from advancing research and treatment options in the healthcare space. In 2020, systemic racism was declared an actual public health crisis by the American Public Health Association. And events like the Tuskegee experiment in 1932 – which blatantly deceived almost 400 Black men for 40 years and ultimately required a $10 Million payout to its victims – have deeply embedded a justifiable level of mistrust in their culture, impacting generations of Black Americans.
None of this is acceptable.
But these circumstances can be confronted with actionable change.
The Health, Hope, 𝄞 Hip-Hop Foundation was founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to health education and resources, regardless of their ethnicity, economic status, or cultural background. Our mission is to mix the beats of hip-hop culture with the melody of health literacy to raise awareness, spark real change, and empower Black and Brown Americans to take control of their health and well-being.
Founded by Oya Gilbert (or “Grand G” as he’s known in the Delaware Hip-Hop community), the Health, Hope, & Hip-Hop Foundation is very much a labor of love. Oya was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (the #1 blood cancer among Black Americans) on December 26, 2017, and personally experienced many of these biases first-hand. Finding himself at a crossroads, he created a powerful platform for change, supported by these 3 powerful pillars.
At the heart of the foundation’s mission is the premise that health encompasses more than just the physical – it’s mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual. By infusing hip-hop into health equity and education, the Health, Hope, & Hip-Hop Foundation creates a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s about meeting them where they are, speaking their language, and inspiring them to be active in their own healthcare advocacy, ultimately leading to longer and healthier lives.
Through initiatives like health-themed urban block parties and a podcast addressing real health issues from within the communities of color, Health, Hope, & Hip-Hop fosters a culture of wellness, rooted in the principles of community. Our creative strategy engages and empowers individuals at all stages of their health journey while culturally and financially rejuvenating the community.
The impact of the Health, Hope, & Hip-Hop Foundation extends far beyond individualistic healthcare gaps. By addressing systemic health inequities and advocating for policy changes, the foundation is working to create lasting transformations at the grassroots level. It’s about building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their zip code, credit score, or cultural background.
Organizations like the Health, Hope, & Hip-Hop Foundation are symbolic of the power of community, creativity, and collaboration. By harnessing the genuine energy of hip-hop and the pure spirit of resilience, we’re doing more than changing lives – we’re transforming communities from the inside out.
Together, we can create a healthier, more hopeful future for our communities of color. Find out how the Health, Hope, & Hip-Hop Foundation can make a difference in your area. Get educated, get empowered, and get involved!
Carri Helman is a freelance copywriter and the Creative Director of the Health, Hope, & Hip-Hop Foundation.
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