(Milwaukee, Wisconsin – June 10, 2014) Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin (BHCW) held their 11th Annual African American Walk for Quality of Health on Saturday, June 7th with over 200 participants. Mayor Tom Barrett is shown in the above photo leading the walkers on the 2.3 mile event. The Mayor recently announced his Walk 100 Miles With the Mayor campaign, which promotes a healthier Milwaukee through increasing physical activity. During the program at the end of the Walk, the Mayor noted how he was able to log 5,600 steps on his pedometer as result of walking the entire event route. Co-chairs for the Walk were Health Commissioner Bevan K. Baker (seen in photo on the left with blue shirt and holding banner) and Dr. Earnestine Willis of the Medical College of Wisconsin; the theme was Women’s Health.
Also in the photo holding the banner from left to right is Christal West, Gregory Fanning – BHCW Board Chair, Janette Herrera and Jessie McSwain – BHCW Board Member. BHCW holds the African American Walk for Quality Health each year to engage the community in a meaningful healthy activity and to bring attention to the health disparities that plague the African American community. This event goes a long way in sending a positive message that African Americans indeed do care about their health as the event route is directly in the community that is adversely impacted by health disparities the most, the route started at the Milwaukee Urban League and ended at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society & Museum. The program at the end at the event included performances by the Jazzy Jewels and the African drum group Ajagun Arts, as well as a tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou. (Photo by Clarene Mitchell)