Black Health Commission

Our Founder and Executive Director, Rebecca Désir, MPH, and our Director of Programs, Cassandra Allen, MPH proudly attended this year’s American Public Health Association conference in Minneapolis as part of their respective full-time roles. While representing their employers, they also carried the spirit of the Black Health Commission (BHC), a fully volunteer-led organization. In addition to their full-time jobs, Rebecca and Cassandra dedicate themselves to advancing BHC’s mission of fostering community care and improving well-being within the Black diaspora. The conference provided an incredible opportunity to connect with public health professionals and gain valuable insights to amplify the impact of BHC’s work. We’re excited to continue growing and making a difference!

Recently, some of our team and board members gathered together for a fun night of billiards and bowling—not just to unwind, but to truly connect as people beyond our roles. With everything going on, it’s essential to make time for these moments of joy, and last night was a reminder of just how powerful they are. Thank you to each person who makes up our organization. Your commitment to our mission is inspiring, and we’re excited to see what the future holds, knowing we’re in it together.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the 4th annual BLK JOY Festival a success, especially our presenting sponsor, 26Health! With over 2,000 attendees, we celebrated community, resilience, and wellness together. This event is more than a festival—it's a powerful movement to address health inequities and build a stronger, healthier community. Your support helps us continue this vital work. Check out the official recap video below #BLKJOYFestival #HealthEquity #CommunityCare

Are you in the Orlando area? A huge thanks to Desmond Pickard of @Clear Channel Outdoor for providing us with three digital boards to help promote the 4th annual BLK JOY Festival! Two boards are back to back on Old Winter Garden and Kirkman, while the other board is located off I-4 heading from downtown Orlando before the Conroy Exit on the left hand side. Let us know if you see it during your travels!

Endless gratitude to the amazing partners who made the 4th Annual BLK JOY Festival a reality! Your support is the heartbeat of this celebration, and we’re beyond thankful to have you on this journey with us. Together, we’ve created something special, and we can’t wait to continue building a brighter future with you. Thank you for being part of the joy!

What an honor it is to welcome our special guest, Kleaver, who is the author behind The Black Joy Project! They are coming to Orlando to engage with our community with street interviews to discuss Black Joy and what does it mean to center it in our lives. Did you purchase this book? It’s available on all platforms that sell books. A huge thanks to Kleaver + we’re looking forward to seeing you next Saturday!

Get ready for a day full of joy, culture, and wellness at the BLK JOY Festival! ?? Check out the full agenda and join us for a lineup of inspiring sessions, creative activities, and community connections. From morning workouts to cooking demos, there’s something for everyone! Let’s celebrate our community, our resilience, and our joy. See you there! RSVP for your FREE ticket —> https://bit.ly/3SL0BGZ #BLKJOYFestival #CommunityWellness #CelebrateJoy

So blessed to have Cassandra Allen, MPH on our team as the Director of Programs. Did you have a chance to listen to the interview this past Sunday?

You're Invited to the BLK JOY Festival! Mark your calendars for August 24th and join us at Lake Lorna Doone for a day filled with celebration, connection, and pure joy! The BLK JOY Festival is more than just an event—it's vibrant art, music, food, and community that celebrates wellness, unity, and the beauty of Black excellence. Event Highlights: ??? Artistry: Immerse yourself in a showcase of creativity and talent from local artists. ?? Music: Groove to the beats of live performances that will uplift your spirit and move your soul. ??Food: Indulge in a delectable array of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body. ?? Community: Connect with like-minded individuals, organizations, and resources dedicated to promoting health equity and community well-being. Don't Miss Out! Secure your FREE ticket today to reserve your spot at this unforgettable event.? RSVP Link- https://lnkd.in/eDCmuDJc #CelebrateJoy, #PromoteWellness, #EmpowerCommunities? #BLKJOYFestival #CommunityWellness #CelebrateJoy #BlackExcellence #HealthEquity

We’re excited to share that the 4th BLK JOY Festival is now listed as one of the cultural highlights during Magical Dining, one of our favorite times of the year! ???? A huge thank you to Thali Sugisawa and the entire United Arts of Central Florida team for creating this amazing opportunity for organizations like the Black Health Commission. Join us on August 24th for a celebration of joy, wellness, and community! #BLKJOYFestival #MagicalDining #UnitedArts #CommunityCare Link- https://lnkd.in/eVN3D8DQ