Philadelphia, PA– On April 21 the African People’s Education and Defense Fund (APEDF) celebrated our 7th Annual Uhuru Health Festival and 14th Season of Uhuru Flea Markets in Philadelphia.
With the theme of Family • Fitness • Freedom thousands of people attended a program that showed what African self-determination looks like. The community participated in activities including live entertainment, fitness workshops, health resources, the Children’s Circle, and over 100 flea market vendors!
The free all-day festival in West Philadelphia’s beautiful Clark Park featured activities for everyone. It included blood pressure and blood sugar testing, eye testing, free eyeglasses, sexual health, and behavioral health resources.
Our community practiced Kemetic yoga, had a push up challenge, Zumba, Soul Line Dance, and joined with our special guest Diakiessie Lungisani in his dynamic dance fitness revolution — Gettin’ Bodied.
Ramona Africa from the MOVE organization updated the community on the status of political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal and the MOVE 9.
Penny Hess, Chairwoman of the African People’s Solidarity Committee (APSC) spoke to the North American community about unity through Reparations to the African community.
Dr. Michelle Strongfields, IAMM Science founder and All African Peoples Development and Empowerment Project (AAPDEP) member spoke on African health and self-determination.
The program featured a full roster of new performers including musicians Jasmine Cassell, Jiliyah, Tsuagaido and longtime supporters Karen Smith & Friends, Rasheed Bey, and KiKi Hall.
The Children’s Circle provided health and educational activities, face-painting, balloon animals, and free giveaways.
This was APEDF’s best health festival, with a great community turnout, more participation from health partners, and an organized team of volunteers who made the festival happen under the leadership of Philly APEDF leader Tiffany Murphy.
The Uhuru Health Festivals and Flea Market is part of the brilliant vision and strategy of Chairman Omali Yeshitela and Deputy Chair Ona Zené Yeshitela to create African working class self-determination institutions and programs to reclaim power over our economic development and health. The profound support and participation from all of our partners, performers, and volunteers shows the importance of this political period and the significance of the work that the Uhuru Movement is leading for Africans and all oppressed people.
APEDF Oakland’s 4th Annual Health Festival Pulls Together Health Organizations and Resources
Oakland, CA– On April 28th, at Akwaaba Hall in the Uhuru House APEDF’s 4th annual Health Festival brought people from the local neighborhood and as far away as San Jose.
Luis from Puerto Rico performed on drums; and explained to the dancing audience the historic connection of Africa and Puerto Rico.
The Division Motor Group brought six of their best muscle cars, parked right outside for all to admire.
There were presentations from the stage as well as information tables on mental health, men’s colon health, low income access to healthcare, acupuncture, and black infant health. Organizations offered free massage, chiropractic adjustments, health coaching, blood screenings plus HIV and Hepatitus C testing in a mobile health van.
The Health Festival featured interactive fitness and yoga workshops. The kids loved the Children’s Circle obstacle course, face-painting and balloons. Vendors sold jewelry and health products.
The program featured speakers from APEDF, event co-sponsor Black Star Industries, the African National Women’s Organization and APSC.
APEDF sponsors these programs to organize collective resistance against the terrible colonial health and economic conditions our community faces and show what it looks like when our lives are in our own hands! APEDF is leading the way for African community self-determination and self-reliance, and we call on everyone to participate.
Join the APEDF Volunteer Team Philadelphia meeting every other Wednesday. uhurufleamarket.blogspot.com. 267-875-3532
Join APEDF monthly meetings at Akwaaba Hall in Oakland CA. oakland@uhuruvolunteer.org 510-763-3342 ext 5
