“The MLK Jr. Health Fair: An Event of Relevance and Inclusion” By Lavonne Bryan, Bellevue Alumnae Chapter
For nearly two decades, the Bellevue Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., chartered in 1989, has had an annual health fair. The
the outreach of the MLK Jr. Health
Mall (both in Bellevue, WA), and in
Fair with collaboration of marketing,
both 2021 and 2022 the MLK Health
extended programming, and service
Fair was virtual.
with this event.
In 2021, the chapter had to plan
health fair is held on the Dr. Martin
The services provided at the MLK
and execute the MLK Jr. Health
Luther King, Jr. Holiday. The decision
Jr. Health Fair over the years has
Fair in the most unpredictable
to hold the fair on the Dr. Martin
included presentations by licensed
of circumstances, the Covid 19
Luther King, Jr. observed holiday
health professionals, community
pandemic. While schools were
was to honor and commemorate
presentations that include youth,
closed or virtual, most businesses
his mission for equality while
adults, and older adults, music
closed, healthcare services limited
also addressing the needs of the
performances, community vendors,
to virtual or emergent, mental health
community through service in a
minority business vendors, interactive
unwellness at an all-time high, and
specific way. By focusing on the
health and wellness activities and
physical health care being delayed or
health of historically underserved
elected officials’ speakers. It has
overlooked, this Physical and Mental
communities and continuing the goal
always been important to the chapter
Health event seemed even more
of equality through presentations,
to build and maintain a relationship
important. The Sorors of the Bellevue
resources and information sharing,
with the community in which we
Alumnae Chapter worked diligently
the chapter has increased access
serve and that includes awareness
with the City of Bellevue, to ensure a
to health information and thusly
and understanding of the changing
virtual program not only happened
created opportunities for people
issues and relevant need of the times.
in 2021, but it would continue to
to make more informed health
Over the years, the MLK Jr. Health
address the needs of the community
choices. The Bellevue Alumnae
Fair has changed in both location and
and be on mission with the values of
Chapter has worked in partnership
focus. The location has moved from
the sorority. The program was mostly
with the City of Bellevue to expand
the Crossroads Mall to the Factoria
live, through the zoom platform, with
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