By Cheryl Smith
Surely we know we are still living through a pandemic. There are challenges, obstacles and roadblocks that will cause us to face, overcome and pivot.
We also know that in spite of what is going on in life, we must continue to live until we take that last breath.
You’ve heard people say before, “I don’t know how I can live without _.”
Well, guess what, although there are painful days ahead and some are tough, we still manage to live on; until it is our time to transition.
We have definitely had some tough times over the past two years and in order to navigate through all the drama, we have to do the time and not let the time do us!
Which brings me to my truth.
Prior to COVID -19, the Don’t Believe the Hype foundation, along with other sponsors, began hosting the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo. Initially held in December and featuring the incomparable Dick Gregory as the headliner, the event was moved to Dr. Martin Luther King Day and partnered with the annual parade commemorating the Drum Major for Justice’s life!
This year presenting sponsor, Comerica Bank, along with WAITT (We Are In This Together) is joining with the Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation, in conjunction with I Messenger Media LLC (Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger), African American Museum, the city of Dallas, MOCCA Cosmetics, Heroes House and others, to host the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo — because together we want to build stronger communities.
The 6th Annual Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo is scheduled for Monday, January 16, 2022, at the African American Museum in beautiful Sunny South Dallas. This family-oriented, fun and message-filled event is a wonderful way to pay homage to the man who worked to make this world a better place.
Dr. King had a dream and he wanted a better world. In order to live in a better world, we must be healthy in a number of ways: mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, socially and holistically.
Through the Healthy Living Expo, we will be addressing all of those areas. We will have vendors, speakers and programming geared toward building stronger families and communities. There will be community activists, educators, advisors, and just like in the past, we will also have entertainment, screenings and opportunities to assist attendees in bettering their lives. There will be college representatives, insurance and financial planning advisors, voter registration and education booths and much more.
According to Dr. King, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
He also said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.”
The Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation and other partners will be filling a void on January 16th. Thousands and thousands come out annually for the Parade. Meanwhile people want to get out and experience some form of normalcy, whatever that is.
Many are looking for places to eat and something else to do on this national holiday and we’re providing the venue, the information, food, entertainment and programming that will engage the masses.
In previous years, the Expo featured inside and outside vendors, the MAVS MAANIACS, health screenings, giveaways and fun and excitement for the entire family. The food vendors served everything from gumbo and fried fish to monkey bread and vegan dishes. There were several workshops dealing with health, finance, social issues and more. To top it off, several attendees won DNA kits!
Then there were the cooking competitions for best sweet potato pies and macaroni and cheese.
Now because of COVID-19, we have a different cooking competition, amongst businesses — we’re looking for the best cobbler!
Also, please know that there will be plenty of safety measures in place and this is important because we still remember when Dr. Phil Huang, Director of Dallas County Health and Human Services addressed Dallas City Councilman Casey Thomas II and members of the Black COVID Task Force and discussed the importance of getting vaccinated, wearing masks and keeping safe distances.
Just last weekend I received reports of new cases of COVID.
And while we know that there are still those who are concerned about whether they should take the vaccine, Dr. Huang pointed out that 100s of millions of doses have been administered.
Yes, people are concerned and so, in addition to financial literacy, food deserts, employment opportunities, healthy eating, CBD and more; the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo will provide answers, support and opportunities.
Plan to join us!
WHAT: Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo
WHEN: Monday, January 16, 2023 – 10am-5pm
WHERE: African American Museum in Fair Park
Admission: LOVE
Log on to www.healthylivingexpo.com or call 214-941-0110.
