HOUSTON — In a powerful celebration of history and health, the As One Foundation, in partnership with the Sickle Cell Community Consortium and the Black Heritage Society, is proud to announce the Sickle Cell Therapeutics Summit & Health Fair in observance of World Sickle Cell Day and Juneteenth.
Happening on Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center (located at 4014 Market St., Houston, Texas 77020), this event is an intentional leaning into the fact that both Juneteenth and World Sickle Cell Day share the annual June 19th date, where the Black community is the focal point of both. Interested participants can register for this significant event by using this link: https://tinyurl.com/as1scsummit.
Celebrating Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day and named for the combination of “June” and “nineteenth,” marking the date in 1865, commemorates the pivotal moment in American history – the emancipation of enslaved Blacks in the United States when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to declare the end of slavery a full two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. This day is celebrated annually to honor freedom and acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of Blacks in America in their pursuit of equality.
Raising Awareness on World Sickle Cell Day
World Sickle Cell Day, observed on June 19th since it was established in 2008 by the United Nations General Assembly and first celebrated in 2009, is dedicated to raising awareness and recognizing the challenges of sickle cell disease—a genetic blood disorder predominantly affecting people of African descent. This day serves as a time to highlight the medical and social challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell disease and to advocate for improved treatments and care.
Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to become misshapen and can lead to severe pain, infections, and complications such as stroke and organ damage. Despite medical advancements, many individuals with sickle cell disease still face significant barriers to adequate health care. By focusing on these issues, World Sickle Cell Day aims to foster understanding, support, and change within the healthcare community and beyond.
A Unified Celebration
The convergence of Juneteenth and World Sickle Cell Day underscores the interconnectedness of these observances and highlights the importance of addressing health disparities while celebrating the resilience of the Black community. This year’s Sickle Cell Therapeutics Summit & Health Fair will feature a vibrant Juneteenth Jubilee Booth Expo atmosphere, complete with free food, door prizes, and a kid zone. Educational sessions about sickle cell therapeutics will be a central feature, providing valuable information and resources for those affected by sickle cell disease and trait.
Community Engagement and Support
The event is free and open to the community, particularly those living with sickle cell disease or caring for someone with the condition. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with education, celebration, and community support. Prizes will be awarded to registered participants who are present at the event, adding an exciting incentive for attendees to engage fully with the day’s activities. This event is not only a celebration of freedom and resilience but also a call to action to continue the fight for equity in health care. The list of community partners, in addition to the Sickle Cell Community Consortium and the Black Heritage Society, include the Houston Health Department, Houston Sickle Cell Collaborative, Chris “CJ” Johnson Foundation, Potters Smile, Supporting Our Sickle Cell Survivors (SOS) Parent & Guardian Support Group and Sickle Cell Research & Support Foundation.
Join the Celebration
To join this important gathering and contribute to a cause that impacts countless lives, mark your calendar for Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center (4014 Market St., Houston, Texas 77020) and register to attend this free and open-to-the-public event at this link: https://tinyurl.com/as1scsummit.
Visit www.AsOneFoundation.org to learn more about the As One Foundation.
