First Black Family Celebration

By: Malik Jaliwa

The sun was shining on another beautiful day for another beautiful event that brought together men, women and children of all ages. At Van Ness Park, the First Black Family Celebration was underway, and the first thing you notice once you enter the park are the smiling faces of volunteers and patrons. The Los Angeles Galaxy and the Kings were represented and gave the children a chance to show off their athletic skills at both stations. Children were able to shoot a puck and kick a soccer ball. There was even a raffle for tickets to a Los Angeles Galaxy Soccer game at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, and plenty of other give-aways at both stations. Inside the gymnasium there was a basketball game set up for the toddlers that were in attendance as well.

    The adults were able to attend a CPR training course and have their blood pressure checked by students from Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. I was one of the adults who participated in this portion of the event, and am proud to say that my blood pressure (115/65) is right where it needs to be.

     93.5 and 102.3 fm radio stations were both in attendance as well providing the guest with plenty of music. There was a special performance from Bala Dugu Khan from the Los Angeles African Dance and Drum community as well.

     Recently elected State Assembly Woman Holly Mitchell and Superintendent Mark Ridley Thomas were both in attendance and presented a congratulatory certificate to Shannon Lawrence for his efforts in creating the event.

But in the mist of all the celebratory activities the main focus of this event was to create awareness of some of the health issues that run rampant in the African-American Communities such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure just to name a few. There were many representatives from the American Heart Association to answer any health questions that the patrons had to ask.