Another successful Harlem in the 'Ham...
On Saturday, September 29rd, The Harbert Center was transformed into a 1920’s casino with good food & cocktails, great entertainment, gaming fun, and chances to win great prizes as the UAB Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center (MHRC) Young Professionals Board presented Harlem in the ‘Ham. "We are excited to bring a fun, casino night event to Birmingham with an awesome purpose, to help children be healthier and prevent childhood obesity” said YP Board president, Prince Cleveland.
A highlight this year was the Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack VIP Lounge, where Jack Daniels flowed freely all night for very special guests. Everyone enjoyed games of chance and skill such as poker, Blackjack, roulette and craps. And they were encouraged by Diamond Dealers Abra Barnes, Barnes & Associates, Realtors; Armika Berkley, Director, Cooper Green Mercy Health Services; Arlillian Kate Bushelon, Bushelon Funeral Home; Danny Carr, District Attorney, Jefferson County; Courtney French, Attorney, Fuston, Petway, French; John Hall, Chef & Owner, Post Office Pies; Gabriel Henderson, Realtor, Keller Williams; Jermaine "FunnyMaine" Johnson, Writer, Comedian, Actor; Kre Johnson, DO, Brownstone Family Medicine; UAB Medicine; Chuck Price, Judge, and Ronnie Rice, Alexander Shunnarah Personal Injury Attorneys.
Proceeds from Harlem in the ‘Ham benefit Healthy Happy Kids, the MHRC’s childhood obesity intervention. Since the first Casino Royale in 2009, more than 3,000 young professionals, business and community leaders have raised more than $350,00 to help children learn healthy living skills.
"In the United States, obesity occurs at higher rates in racial and ethnic minority populations. Also, cultural factors influence dietary and exercise behaviors, and research has shown these play a major role in the development of excess weight in minority groups," said Mona Fouad, MD, MPH, Director of the UAB Division of Preventive Medicine and Director of the MHRC. "We focus on these groups of children for this program to help them learn how to lead a healthy lifestyle."
"Without community support, we couldn’t provide the resources needed to help children learn to live a healthy life,” said Fouad. Over 1,400 students from 21 Birmingham City afterschool programs and summer camps have learned healthy living lessons and taking them home. “Each year we are moved by how much these children learn and are able to teach their families and community members,” she said.
Cleveland added, “The outpouring of community support is phenomenal,” he said. Primary sponsors included Hot 107.7, AL.com, Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack, Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Wetumpka, UAB School of Medicine, Alabama Power, DermLab, Dr. Dee Jimmeh, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Mineral District Medical Society, and UAB Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, among many other local businesses.