The Well being, Hope and Hip Hop Basis made historical past this February, internet hosting its first-ever “Hip Hope Ball: A Celebration to Ignite Change” on the ultimate day of Black Historical past Month. The star-studded occasion introduced collectively Hip-Hop legends and healthcare advocates with a unified mission: elevating consciousness about a number of myeloma and different cancers within the Black […]
The Well being, Hope and Hip Hop Basis made historical past this February, internet hosting its first-ever “Hip Hope Ball: A Celebration to Ignite Change” on the ultimate day of Black Historical past Month. The star-studded occasion introduced collectively Hip-Hop legends and healthcare advocates with a unified mission: elevating consciousness about a number of myeloma and different cancers within the Black group.
Based by Oya Gilbert, who was recognized with a number of myeloma in December 2017 after experiencing signs for 2 years, the muse has turn into a robust voice for consciousness. Gilbert’s journey from analysis to advocacy has positioned him uniquely to leverage Hip-Hop tradition for vital well being training.
Gilbert’s affect has not simply been as a well being advocate but in addition as a MC. Beneath the moniker Grand G, Gilbert laid groundwork that might affect a few of Hip-Hop’s most vital architects, making a ripple impact all through the tradition that many stars unknowingly profit from at this time.
“He made it potential for all of us to imagine and to dream,” Younger Guru, ROC Nation’s acclaimed engineer and producer, mentioned talking on to Gilbert throughout an emotional second on the gala. “No matter you want, I’m there for you. why? Since you influenced my life and put me on a path that might lead me to one thing nice.”
In a revealing private anecdote, Younger Guru shared how Gilbert, recognized then by his rap moniker Grand G, had been an early inspiration.
“Once I was 15 years outdated, I noticed someone that appeared like me on the quilt of an album,” Younger Guru defined, referencing a compilation referred to as Venture X. The longer term Grammy winner recalled begging to go to the studio with Gilbert and his colleagues, an expertise that might finally form his legendary profession.
The night’s performances elevated the celebration to a different stage.
Philadelphia’s personal Freeway took the stage to thunderous applause, performing whereas additionally sharing his private well being journey as a kidney transplant recipient. His look was notably poignant following his personal medical challenges and the tragic losses of his son Jihad in 2020 and daughter Concord in 2021.
The spotlight of the night time got here when Hip-Hop icon Slick Rick “The Ruler” delivered an electrifying efficiency that reworked the fundraiser into what attendees referred to as “a celebration with a goal.”
Younger Guru, who launched the legend and revealed he’s engaged on Slick Rick’s upcoming mission, helped bridge Hip-Hop’s previous and future via the lens of well being advocacy.
The occasion was sponsored by pharmaceutical giants together with Pfizer (Platinum sponsor), together with the Worldwide Myeloma Basis (Gold), Sanofi, and Kite: A Gilead Firm. Notable attendees included Delaware Hip-Hop giants and AllHipHop.com founders Chuck Creekmur and Grouchy Greg Watkins, Dr. Joseph Mikhael of the IMF, Rob Ruckman from Pfizer and Briana McCloud of Johnson and Johnson.
The muse introduced its “Posture of a Pearl” award to Shea Robinson, whereas Dr. Robert Winn delivered a robust keynote speech in regards to the significance of addressing well being disparities in communities of colour.
A number of myeloma, a blood most cancers affecting plasma cells, disproportionately impacts Black Individuals, who’re twice as prone to develop the illness. Rapper Guru from Gang Star and Roots bass participant Leonard “Hubb” Hubbard each succumbed to the sickness.
Via Gilbert’s management, the Well being, Hope & Hip Hop Basis is creating a brand new mannequin for well being advocacy that speaks on to communities utilizing cultural connections and genuine voices from inside Hip-Hop.
Because the inaugural ball concluded, it was clear Gilbert’s imaginative and prescient of uniting Hip-Hop’s affect with well being training had efficiently launched a motion that guarantees to avoid wasting lives via elevated consciousness, early detection and continued analysis.
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