The Greater West Dayton Incubator is excited to share upcoming events and programs from our office and around our ecosystem. If you have any questions, please contact us at gwdi@udayton.edu .  Looking for business funding? The Greater West Dayton Incubator is proud to partner with Flyer Consulting and CityWide Development to offer microloans between $500-$15,000 for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Click this link to learn how to apply by October 18th! Have you ever wondered how to build authentic relationships in an era dominated by digital interactions? Join us for an evening dedicated to mastering the art of genuine connection-building with the Greater West Dayton Incubator and the National Black MBA Association on October 22, 2024 from 6-8 PM at 31 S. Main Street, Dayton, OH 45402 . Event Highlights: Innovative networking strategies and best practices shared Engaging fireside chats with successful entrepreneurs Dynamic panel discussion on creating lasting professional relationships Discover how personal relationships can fuel your entrepreneurial journey. Learn to cultivate a network that goes beyond likes and shares, opening doors to real opportunities and collaborations. Don't miss this chance to elevate your networking skills and build connections that truly matter. Reserve your spot now and take the first step towards a more connected future. Register for Network Reimagined!

WILBERFORCE, Ohio [Oct. 7, 2024]  — Central State University is gearing up for its highly anticipated Homecoming Week, running from Oct. 7-12. This year’s theme, the Maroon & Gold Experience, invites alumni, students, and community members to celebrate the Marauder spirit with a variety of engaging events.   Tuesday, Oct. 8   6-8 p.m., Student Government Association Inauguration , University Student Center Ballroom  Wednesday, Oct. 9   7 p.m., Central State University Chorus Concert  at 7 p.m., Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center  Thursday, Oct. 10   8 a.m.-4 p.m., Visiting Alumni Day , Central State University  11 a.m.-2 p.m.,  Jammin@Noon  sponsored by Fidelity Investments, University Student Center Game Room   2:30-3 p.m., Unveiling of the Marcella A. Sampson '74 Plaque , Office of Career Services, Second Floor, University Student Center   7-9 p.m.  Mister and Miss CSU Coronation , Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center  Friday, Oct. 11   10 a.m. shotgun start, Ron Cosey Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing , Locust Hills Golf Club  10 a.m.-midnight, Vendor Fair , Madison W. Beacom/Gaston F. Lewis Gymnasium parking lot  1-3 p.m., Athletic Hall of Fame Luncheon *, University Student Center Ballroom honoring inductees Chantel White-Lawrence, Jerry Parker, Bridgette Edwards and Aja Lewis  3-7 p.m., Marauder Athletics Homecoming Day Soiree *, University Student Center Ballroom  8-11 p.m., “Cenchella” Homecoming concert featuring: Kamry, K Stylist, Dreezy, Sada Baby and Skilla Baby, Beacom/Lewis Gymnasium   Saturday, Oct. 12   8 a.m., Annual CSU National Alumni Association Scholarship Breakfast  followed by the National Alumni Association Meeting , Norman E. Ward Center Ballroom   10 a.m.-midnight, Vendor Fair , Beacom/Gaston Gymnasium parking lot  11 a.m.-1:15 p.m., Homecoming parade , campus-wide  1-4 p.m.,  Football game against Clark Atlanta University *, William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium   7 p.m. Last Stomp Greek Step Show *, Beacom/Lewis Gymnasium   For a complete schedule of events and ticket information, visit the CSU Homecoming website at centralstate.edu/student-services/homecoming .   Join us as we celebrate unity, pride, and tradition during Central State University’s Homecoming 2024!  *Tickets are required for select events and may be purchased online at https://www.centralstate.edu/get-event-tickets . No cash will be accepted for ticketed events.   About Central State University : Central State University is a public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant Institution with an over 137-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service. The University fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a solid liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally.  EEO Statement:  Central State University, an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, offers its programs and activities to people of diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, race, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, marital or family status, military status, national origin, political beliefs, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University is an Equal Opportunity Institution. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or accessibility, please contact the Department of Human Resources at 937-376-6540.

Dayton Live and The Human Race Theatre Company are pleased to welcome the national tour of THE KITE RUNNER at the Victoria Theatre, May 28 - June 2, 2024. Interested in a cast interview or media tickets to opening night? Reach out to Kailey Yeakley at kailey.yeakley@daytonlive.org .   Show Synopsis: Based on Khaled Hosseini’s beloved, international best-selling novel, THE KITE RUNNER is a powerful new play adapted by Matthew Spangler that follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. Afghanistan is a divided country, and two childhood friends are about to be torn apart. It’s a beautiful afternoon in Kabul and the skies are full of the excitement and joy of a kite flying tournament. But neither of the boys can foresee the incident which will change their lives forever. Told across two decades and two continents, THE KITE RUNNER is an unforgettable journey of forgiveness, and shows us all that we can be good again. How to Get Tickets: Tickets are available online at daytonlive.org/kite-runner , by phone at 937-228-3630, or in person at the Dayton Live Box Office, located in the Wintergarden of the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. The Dayton Live Box Office and phone hours are regularly Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m.-4 p.m., and 90 minutes prior to every performance.   Performance Schedule: Tuesday, May 28 at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 31 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 2 at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, June 2 at 6:30 p.m.   Afghans of Dayton Exhibit Visit this special exhibit and learn more about Afghans in Dayton who live, work and contribute to our community. The exhibit will honor Afghan culture and include historical information, artifacts, and a short film about Afghanistan. Open during each performance of THE KITE RUNNER.   Afghan “Talk Back” With Company Members – Wednesday, May 29 After the show, company members (subject to change) will comment on the production and take questions from the audience. Those with a ticket for that night’s performance may attend free of charge. Dayton Live Chief Creative Officer Gary Minyard will moderate.   Afghan Community Celebration – Friday, May 31 Members of southwest Ohio’s Afghan community are invited to attend any performance, but especially this Friday performance to experience the Afghans in Dayton exhibit located in the reception room on the third floor/balcony level of the theatre.   Parent’s Day Out – Saturday, June 1 at 2 p.m. Can’t find a babysitter? Don’t let that keep you from the show! The Human Race Theatre Company is offering a free theatre activity workshop for kids 5-12 in The Human Race Theatre Company rehearsal room during the Saturday, June 1 performance at 2 p.m. of THE KITE RUNNER. Child drop-off is at 1:30 p.m. You must have tickets for that afternoon’s 2 p.m. performance of THE KITE RUNNER.   Age Recommendation THE KITE RUNNER is recommended for audiences ages 13 and up. The production includes scenes depicting violence and strong language. Dayton Live encourages you to do your research on specific titles and decide what is appropriate for you and your party before tickets are purchased. All audience members must have a ticket, regardless of age. For the consideration of all patrons, children on laps and/or babes in arms are not permitted at most Dayton Live presentations.

The Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter has announced the dates and locations for five local 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.   The schedule for Walks in the Miami Valley is:   Darke County, OH      Sat., Sept. 14 Greenville City Park, 108 Ave F Greenville, OH 45331   Miami County, OH      Sat., Sept 21 Courthouse Plaza 215 W. Main St. Troy, OH 45373   Shelby County, OH    Sat., Sept. 28 Sidney Courthouse Square 100 E. Court St . Sidney, OH 45365   Dayton OH                  Sat., Oct. 19 Day Air Ballpark 220 N. Patterson Blvd. Dayton, OH 45402-1567   Springfield/Urbana     Sat., Oct., 26 Wittenberg University   Throughout the Miami Valley service area, thousands walk in memory of mothers, fathers, grandparents and loved ones who are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S., more than breast and prostate cancers combined.   Miami Valley communities have a variety of reasons why they Walk: to support nearly 7 million individuals in the U.S. who are living with Alzheimer’s, and the 236,200 in Ohio; to support more than 414,000 unpaid caregivers in Ohio who tirelessly provide care and support; to help reach the first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease by finding a cure; to raise funds that help advance worldwide research that bring new treatment and diagnostics for dementia.   “As the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research, the Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support,” said Annemarie Barnett, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley and Greater Cincinnati Chapters. “Our research efforts are a catalyst and convener that unites the world’s leading researchers to drive scientific progress forward in finding a cure.”   “Every step forward strengthens the Alzheimer’s Association vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia,” said Terri McFarland, director of development at the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter. “Every stride forward brings us closer to achieving that goal. Together, we can raise awareness and the needed funds to enhance Alzheimer’s care and support, and advance critical research. Please register to walk with us at one of our 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.”   Registration for the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s is now open. To register a team, sign up as a Team Captain or register to walk as an individual, visit alz.org/walkmiamivalley .   There are 236,200 Ohioans 65 and older living with Alzheimer's disease according to the   Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures . A total of 414,000 Ohio caregivers provide 624 million hours of unpaid care each year, valued at $11.4 billion. To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free support and resources, visit  alz.org/dayton  or call the Miami Valley Chapter at 937.291.3332 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

Aug 26, 2024 Learn to Earn Dayton announces the official kick-off for My Voice. My City. My Future. , an initiative in partnership with Mayor Jeffrey Mims and the City of Dayton that gives our young leaders the power to write the plan for their future. The community kick-off event is Monday, September 16, at 4:00 pm at the downtown Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third Street. During this event, community members, students, families, and youth serving organizations will learn more about the initiative, hear student testimonials, participate in a mini data walk, and hear the results of a recent student survey that will be used to set priority focus areas for an action plan.   “Setting our youth up for productive and successful lives is the work of our entire community,” said Mayor Jeffrey Mims. “It’s key that we align our resources and center the voices of our young people in a shared plan for supporting their futures.”   After the kick-off, a series of listening sessions will take place this fall, with two public sessions to be held on October 2 at Thurgood Marshall High School and October 28 at Boys & Girls Club of Dayton. All teens who live or go to school in the city of Dayton are encouraged to attend one of the sessions to be part of the process in creating a stronger community for teens and by teens.   “The first step forward to create a community where teenagers have the opportunity to contribute to building their own future is for adults to step back, to listen and to acknowledge the expertise and brilliance of our young leaders,” said Stacy Schweikhart, CEO of Learn to Earn Dayton. “We are surrounded by greatness - just waiting for their opportunity to shine and to make our city brighter than we could ever imagine.” More information regarding Student Vision for Dayton can be found online at www.learntoearndayton.org/studentvision .   About Learn to Earn Dayton Learn to Earn Dayton is the regional cradle-to-career intermediary organization, leveraging data, policy, and partnerships to improve student outcomes along the educational continuum. Learn to Earn Dayton serves the community as a convener, collaborator, innovator, and incubator, centering youth voices and driving for solutions to improve our local communities.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, OH – Montgomery County ADAMHS has launched a new version of LocalHelpNow to help put mental health treatment, services, and support in the hands of those who need them. “We are so pleased to share this updated version of LocalHelpNow with our community. Resources for individuals seeking mental health support are now just a click away. LocalHelpNow is searchable by services and geographic locations, so it’s easy to find help close to home,” said Helen Jones-Kelley, Executive Director of ADAMHS. In addition to treatment providers for substance use or co-occurring mental health needs, LocalHelpNow also provides resources for food, legal services, and employment support. “It’s important we take a whole-person approach to improving mental health. When an individual is on a treatment journey, they often have other needs around social determinants of health. The new version of LocalHelpNow allows users to access resources through one web app, giving them the best opportunity to live a life of fulfillment,” said Jones-Kelley. ADAMHS partnered with Ascend Innovations to create LocalHelpNow, with input from treatment and prevention providers across Montgomery County. What was learned through this process will be shared with other ADAMHS Boards across Ohio should they choose to implement this technology in their communities. “Montgomery County ADAMHS is a leader in technology development and data-driven decision- making. Ascend Innovations is honored to bring LocalHelpNow to Montgomery County. We look forward to making a difference in other counties and improving lives in Ohio,” said Josh Gratsch, CEO of Ascend Innovations. To access LocalHelpNow, click here. Home | LocalHelpNow Montgomery County To schedule interviews or for more information, please contact Tina Rezash Rogal at trezash@mcadamhs.org.

Acknowledging mental health awareness is important for several reasons: 1. Destigmatization: Mental health awareness helps break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. By openly discussing mental health issues, people feel more comfortable seeking help and support without fear of judgment or discrimination. The stigma of mental health isn’t new to the Black community. Martin Luther King Jr. reportedly had severe depression during periods of his life and refused psychiatric treatment, even when urged to seek care by his staff. Unfortunately, that scenario continues to be common today, with African Americans not seeking mental health care because of stigma. 2. Education: Increased awareness promotes understanding of various mental health conditions, their symptoms, and their impact on individuals' lives. This knowledge enables people to recognize signs of mental distress in themselves and others and encourages them to seek appropriate help. 3. Support: Awareness campaigns provide resources and support for those struggling with mental health issues. They connect individuals with mental health services, hotlines, support groups, and other resources that can offer assistance and guidance. 4. Advocacy: Acknowledging mental health awareness helps advocate for better mental health care policies, funding, and research. It raises public awareness of the importance of mental health and encourages policymakers to prioritize mental health initiatives. 5. Prevention: Awareness efforts can also focus on prevention strategies, such as promoting healthy coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, and early intervention programs. By addressing mental health issues proactively, individuals can reduce the risk of developing more severe conditions. Overall, acknowledging mental health awareness is crucial for creating a society that prioritizes mental well-being, supports those in need, and works towards reducing the stigma and barriers associated with mental illness.

April is National Minority Health Month, a time to encourage awareness about the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minority communities and reducing health disparities. This month is also the perfect time to express appreciation to minority medical professionals who use their talents to serve a variety of ethnicities in our communities. One such practitioner is Gbeminiyi Samuel, MD, gastroenterologist, a member of the Premier Physician Network who practices with Premier Gastroenterology Specialists at Upper Valley Medical Center, Troy. Born and raised in Nigeria, West Africa, Dr. Samuel has been in the United States since 2010. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, College of Medicine in Lagos, Nigeria. His clinical and community health experiences influenced his decision to pursue a public health degree at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Samuel completed his residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC, and his gastroenterology fellowship at East Carolina University Hospital in Greenville, North Carolina. He is board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Samuel grew up in a family of four children with a mother who worked as a nurse. “My mother held doctors in high esteem and dreamed that one of her children might become a doctor,” he said.  He added that medicine seemed a natural fit for him because he loves to meet people and to help people. He considers himself a good listener which he believes is important in medicine. From a young age, Dr. Samuel has loved to play video games. His chosen medical field of gastroenterology gives him the opportunity to combine his affinity for people with clinical skills that come  naturally to him. He said the endoscopy skills used in gastroenterology are actually similar to those used playing video games. “This field gives me the opportunity to combine people and clinical skills to help patients,” he smiled. “It lets me do what I love.”         He added that the field of gastroenterology, because it involves so many of the body’s organs, offers a vast array of challenges which he finds interesting and stimulating. “Every time I come to work the challenges are different, and with such variety I never get bored,” he said.   Dr. Samuel’s wife also is a physician. Dr. Oluwaseun Samuel, MD, practices as a hospitalist at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. The busy couple has four children ages 10, 9, 6 and 3 years old. The family resides in Beavercreek. About Premier Health Based in Dayton, Ohio, Premier Health ( www.premierhealth.com ) has a mission to improve the health of the communities it serves. Home to the nation’s 31st largest hospital, the region’s only adult Level I trauma center and the largest locally-based clinical laboratory, Premier Health continues to build upon a more than 130-year legacy of providing clinical excellence and compassionate care to friends and neighbors across Southwest Ohio. The health system offers award-winning care at five hospital sites: Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton with additional inpatient sites at Miami Valley Hospital South in Centerville and Miami Valley Hospital North in Englewood; Atrium Medical Center in Middletown; and Upper Valley Medical Center in Miami County. In addition, Premier Health provides a comprehensive range of care choices at its seven emergency departments, eight Urgent Care locations, and more than 130 outpatient locations and affiliated primary care and specialty physician offices, as well as home health, mental health, and substance abuse services.

April marks Autism Acceptance Month. This month is meant to be a time for uplifting autistic voices and sharing in the community's joy. Its purpose is to affirm and promote the full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms for individuals with Autism, ensuring they are treated equally with others.    Autism is often misunderstood, misconstrued  and misinterpreted. While most people are aware of autism now and know autistic people exist, many people still fail to understand what it means to be autistic.  Autism is a neurological and developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, learning and how one experiences the world. It looks different for every single person who has it.   About one in 36 children have autism spectrum disorder, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states. This number is on the rise, especially as children of color receive more diagnoses after being largely overlooked throughout history. According to one of the largest U.S. studies to date  (National Library of Medicine) on the topic, Black children, on average, don’t get diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) until three years after their parents have initially voiced concerns to their pediatrician. This automatically places them behind the curve, as they miss out on the many positive effects of early intervention services. Black children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are diagnosed later than their White peers, are more likely to be misdiagnosed, and are less likely to receive early intervention services or a developmental evaluation by three years old.   Erica Fields discussed with us her personal journey. For Fields, the idea of creating inclusive communities is not a foreign concept. Fields served as the Executive Director of the City of Dayton Human Relations Council, advocating to ensure a culture of fair treatment, inclusion and equal access to opportunities for Dayton residents - regardless of race, disability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation. She now directs and oversees efforts to increase economic mobility and reduce disparities in student outcomes in focused geographies for regional non-profit Learn to Earn Dayton.  Today, her professional and personal lives have collided. Nathan, Fields’ son, was 15 months old when he was officially diagnosed with Autism. Fields shared how crucial it was to push for an early diagnosis. “As a mom, I knew I needed to. I had to be his greatest advocate. The stakes were too high. Nathan will be entering preschool in the fall and an accurate, and early, diagnosis was the key to unlocking the right services, and for children with autism spectrum disorder, early intervention is critical.”   Fields shared that this journey has given her an insight into how important it is for parents to leverage the strengths of their kids, to really get to know who they are; their interests and strengths and abilities and how to support them. “I view Nathan's autism as a superpower rather than a limitation and I am looking forward to experiencing the world from his perspective. I know I will learn a lot from him. Nathan's energy lights up every room he enters. We are blessed to have such an amazing spirit under our guardianship. I have accepted this assignment with open arms."  In celebration of Nathan and the communities and voices that support him, Fields is gathering a team to run in the  Dayton Autism Society’s 5k  on April 27.  Proceeds will go towards advocacy, support and education for families living with Autism. Every person with Autism is unique in their own way, and they’re free to identify in whatever way it feels best. The Autism community deserves support, respect, love and opportunities for advancement; and April 30 is not the expiration date.

Cortnee Kelly is a cardiology nurse practitioner with Middletown Cardiology Associates, part of the Premier Physician Network. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati and a doctorate in Nursing Practice from Northern Kentucky University. Q: What are the key cardiovascular health issues that disproportionately affect African Americans? C. Kelly: Hypertension, diabetes, and obesity disproportionately affect African Americans, increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and stroke. Despite internet and social media awareness efforts, older African American males, at highest risk of cardiovascular-related death, often mistrust the medical system, impeding preventive care seeking. Furthermore, people of color often face adverse social determinants of health, such as low socioeconomic status and inadequate health care infrastructure in their communities.   Q: How can African Americans actively participate in managing their cardiovascular health?  C. Kelly: Taking proactive steps, such as yearly check-ups with a primary care provider or cardiologist, consistent home blood pressure monitoring to detect hypertension, engaging in regular exercise like daily 30-minute walks, and adopting a diet abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables can greatly decrease the likelihood of cardiovascular disease in African Americans. Avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are also important for maintaining heart health. These primary prevention methods not only reduce health care expenses, but also enhance overall well-being. Monitoring blood pressure at home is one of the best early ways to detect hypertension, which is a condition that significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart attacks. I advise all my patients, especially those in high-risk groups like African Americans, to have their own blood pressure monitoring device and check it several times a week. Q: How does Premier Health engage with the African American community to promote cardiovascular health awareness? C. Kelly: Community outreach programs, such as the Barbershop Health initiative held at barbershops, is helping to lower hypertension rates among African Americans. Health fairs and mobile diagnostic centers providing screenings like mammograms and biometric tests enhance health awareness. Cultural competence and sensitivity are vital aspects we continue to uphold in these initiatives.

Celebrated every year in April, National Minority Health Month builds awareness about the disproportionate burden of premature death and illness in people from racial and ethnic minority groups and encourages action through health education, early detection, and control of disease complications. The origin of National Minority Health Month was the 1915 establishment of National Negro Health Week by Booker T. Washington. In 2002, National Minority Health Month received support from the U.S. Congress with a concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 388) that “a National Minority Health and Health Disparities Month should be established to promote educational efforts on the health problems currently facing minorities and other populations experiencing health disparities.” The resolution encouraged “all health organizations and Americans to conduct appropriate programs and activities to promote healthfulness in minority and other communities experiencing health disparities.” By shining a spotlight on minority health issues during this month-long observance, efforts can be made to advance health equity and promote the well-being of all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. While health needs can vary among individuals, there are several key areas that have been identified as particularly important for Black individuals to focus on due to disparities and higher rates of certain health conditions within this population. These areas include: 1. Chronic diseases:  Black individuals have higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and cardiovascular diseases compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Managing these conditions through regular medical check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices (such as diet and exercise), and medication adherence is crucial. 2. Mental health:  Black individuals may face unique stressors related to racism, discrimination, socioeconomic factors, and access to mental health services. Addressing mental health concerns, seeking therapy or counseling when needed, and building strong support networks can help promote emotional well-being. 3. Cancer:  Black individuals have higher cancer death rates and lower survival rates for certain types of cancer compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Regular screenings for cancers such as breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancer, along with early detection and treatment, are important for reducing mortality rates. 4. HIV/AIDS:  Black individuals continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS in the United States. Accessing HIV testing, prevention resources (such as pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP), and treatment is essential for reducing the spread of HIV and improving health outcomes for those living with the virus. 5. Maternal and infant health:  Black women experience higher rates of maternal mortality, preterm birth, and infant mortality compared to women of other racial and ethnic groups. Access to quality prenatal care, education about pregnancy and childbirth, and support during the postpartum period are critical for improving maternal and infant health outcomes. 6. Nutrition and obesity:  Black individuals may face challenges related to food insecurity, limited access to healthy foods, and cultural factors influencing dietary choices. Promoting access to nutritious foods, education about healthy eating habits, and opportunities for physical activity can help address obesity and related health issues. 7. Healthcare access and disparities:  Black individuals are more likely to experience barriers to healthcare access, including lack of health insurance, transportation issues, and cultural competency concerns. Advocating for policies that address healthcare disparities and increasing access to affordable, culturally competent care can help improve health outcomes. Addressing these important health areas requires a multifaceted approach that includes individual behaviors, community resources, healthcare systems, and policy changes aimed at reducing disparities and promoting health equity for Black individuals and communities.

Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop at THE NEON THE NEON is excited to host a special screening of the classic film BEAT STREET (1984) on the big screen along with a special lecture from producer, musician and Hip-Hop historian TL Cross. This one-time event is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6 at 7:30, and tickets are $12.50 each. Bringing this film along with TL Cross and his lecture was the brainchild of DJ Lu – who provided music on THE NEON’s patio over the summer for THE NEON’s Friday Patio Parties. Several groups have come on board to help sponsor the event including Sinclair Community College Diversity Office, University of Dayton Department of Music, and Wright State University College of Liberal Arts Motion Pictures. BEAT STREET is considered one of Hip-Hop's most important and influential movies. Produced by Harry Belafonte and directed by Stan Lathan (who has directed most of Dave Chappelle's comedy specials), this film arrived on the heels of BREAKIN' in the summer of 1984. "When rapper-DJ Kenny (Guy Davis) meets cultured jazz artist Tracy (Rae Dawn Chong), he is so inspired by her dedication that he vows to use his talents to escape the ghetto. But when his friend, a gifted graffiti artist, is killed in a tragic accident, Kenny comes face to face with the high price of artistic passion." (Orion Pictures) This "gritty, streetwise musical" (LA Herald-Examiner) features a who's who of the movement's early stars. TL Cross is a cultural historian, TV personality, musician, platinum songwriter and producer, narrator and educator. Growing up in the Jamaica section of Queens, New York, Cross has experienced a lot through-out his life and career. “Coming up in Queens was low-key like starring in your own Tribe Called Quest music video mixed with Run DMC and Nas elements,” Cross remarks. Although Cross has received numerous accolades, including an American Music Award and two ASCAP awards, he is widely known today for his work as a cultural historian. Through his online shows WOW, TL CROSS!, and CROSS IN A MINUTE as well as host of Bounce TV’s HIP HOP STATE OF MIND, Cross has established himself as one of music history's most innovative voices. Cross has worked with an impressive roster of heavy hitters like 50 Cent, Jazmine Sullivan, Musiq Soulchild, Ghost-face, Usher, P. Diddy, Jadakiss,112, Yolanda Adams, Mary J Blige, and more. To purchase tickets, visit THE NEON’s web-site at www.neonmovies.com or visit the box office at 130 E. 5th Street in downtown Dayton.