• Social Action
• Mental Health Corner
• Health and Wellness
• September Awareness Campaigns
Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington
By: Brother Ray Woddrick
August 26, 2023 – Generations of men and women gathered at the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate the March on Washington, re-energize social justice and remind us that the fight for equal rights in America continues 60 years later
Thousands convened, and multiple leaders spoke about the current issues and events that our people face daily These issues and topics included book banning, voter suppression, gerrymandering, and the assault on our democracy by those who claim they are doing it for the collective people. Still, in actuality, these benefit only a select few.
Participants had the pleasure of hearing from our very own International President, The Honorable Chris V Rey The Honorable Brother Rey gave a testament to those who came before us – from A Philip Randolph engineering the original March on Washington to John Lewis, the youngest speaker at the original March on Washington With the very essence of those great platform speakers who came before him, the Honorable Brother Rey spoke a powerful and inspirational message that created a groundswell of energy from the crowd who roared the battle cry, “No Justice, No Peace.”
“The March on Washington is not the climax of our struggle, but a new beginning not only for the Negro but for all Americans who thirst for freedom and a better life”.
- A. Philip Randolph
The commemoration was breathtaking Participants from all walks of life, ages, cultural and religious backgrounds and from various geographical locations peacefully assembled. The solidarity of equal rights rang loud as everyone walked side by side, understanding the struggle is not a climax of a new beginning but of the continuation of the battle
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc was founded on the principles of Culture for Service and Service to Humanity So, whether it be six years from today or 60 years, the conscious Sigma man will continue to march, protest, and as a Brotherhood - raise our voices in the name of peace, justice and equality.
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MENTAL
HEALTH CORNER
Mental Health Committee Update
By: Brother Brandon R. Brown, Chair
Submit your ideas for the Mental Health
Corner or express an interest in serving on the committee by emailing: pbsmentalhealth.sa1914@gmail.com
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
• September 11, 8 p.m. EST | 988 Workshop
REMINDERS:
• The overarching goal of the International Mental Health Committee is to create awareness about mental health concerns and help normalize conversations amongst Sigma men about mental health.
• The axiom of the Committee is: Black men do not always equate to mental illness and sometimes live with it privately or quietly. But being a black man reserves our right to breathe and be heard.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Texas, will provide an overview of the nationally available dialing code, 988, to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• September 25, 8 p.m. EST | “Mental Health & College Campuses” Workshop
Recent research points to an increase for the need of mental health awareness and services on college campuses, specifically for people of color This workshop will explore reasons for the condition and share tips and strategies for college students.
• October 3, 11: 30 a.m. EST | Prayer Call: National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness
Join your Sigma Brothers in prayer for all who are impacted by a mental illness.
Black Health Matters (BHM) blackhealthmatters.com | BHM has been supporting the committee by providing information and resources about health and well-being.
Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) nami.org | NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
To recommend a resource/community partner, email pbsmentalhealth.sa1914@gmail.com
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
3 Motivating Factors for Fitness: Did You Know?
By: Brother LeVar Curry
1. For every hour of daily exercise, your life is extended by three hours. Create consistency in your routine so that your personal health becomes a natural motivating factor in your life Eight hours of exercise in a week can extend your life another day!
2. Allow your family to be motivation for improving and exercising on a regular basis. Remember: there are many benefits to improving your well-being, being a more physically fit life partner, protector and active partner and father You can even include your family in some of your workout routines!
3. Your personal performance and quality of life should be your biggest motivation for maintaining a regular fitness routine. Multiple studies show higher performance results in education, career and daily life from being fit. Additionally, regular physical activity can improve your mental wellness, increase self esteem and reduce stress/ anxiety.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Preparations for the Fall and Winter Fight Against Respiratory Viruses
By: Brother Vernon A. Rayford, MD, PharmD
o Seasonal Flu Vaccine - For anyone age 6 months or older
o RSV Vaccines - For adults age 60 and older and women during pregnancy
o The updated COVID-19 Booster will be available in September/October.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the fall and winter in most regions of the United States (US) were impacted by high transmission of respiratory viruses like RSV and the seasonal flu Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the combined impact of seasonal flu, COVID 19 and RSV has tested the foundations of the US healthcare system, leading to full hospitals, medication shortages, and missed school and work days
Today, we can prepare for the upcoming virus season through vaccinations and the essential precautions to combat COVID-19 infections (i e , masks for high-risk individuals, physical distancing and adequate ventilation) With the approval and availability of the RSV vaccine for adults and women during pregnancy, there are now vaccines against the three most common respiratory viruses that cause surges of illness, hospitalizations, and deaths during the fall and winter
Let's use these resources, vaccines and basic precautions to protect the most vulnerable and reduce infections, hospitalizations and deaths this fall and winter
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
September is Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month
By: Brother Vernon A. Rayford, MD, PharmD
Sickle Cell Disease is a common inherited blood disorder that causes early sickness, disability and death in patients in the US and around the world. In the US, Sickle Cell Disease is diagnosed in 1 out of every 365 African American and 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic babies born each year. The presence of the Sickle Cell Disease trait is even more common in the African American community with a prevalence of 1 out of every 13 babies born with the Sickle Cell trait.
This is very important as the risk of Sickle Cell Disease increases significantly if both parents have inherited the Sickle Cell Disease trait which could cause some mild but clinically significant symptoms. Patients with Sickle Cell Disease are at risk for stroke, infections, severe anemia, and crises where the shape of the red blood cell changes which cause damage and severe pain. Patients with Sickle Cell Disease have higher risks of dying and there are very few Sickle Cell Disease specialists in the US. There is a significant need for increased advocacy as patients with Sickle Cell Disease experience
SEPTEMBER AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS
− World Suicide Prevention Day (9/10)
− Celiac Awareness Day (9/13)
World Alzheimer’s Day (9/21)
− Hunger Awareness Month
− Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month
− Baby Safety Month
− Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month
Healthy Aging Month
− Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Month
− National Alopecia Areata Awareness Month
−
National Recovery Month
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
− National Cholesterol Education Month
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
− National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
− Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
World Alzheimer’s Month
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