The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF)
Brings 2005-2006 Collective Power Tour to Philadelphia
Rep. Chaka Fattah and Mayor John Street among featured speakers fighting obesity

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) continues the 2005-2006 Collective Power Tour with its second stop in Philadelphia, PA, on Saturday December 3, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Ruffin Nichols AME Church, 626 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123. The kick off event was held in Baltimore, MD in October.

The focus of this event is the Black Health Empowerment Project. The Black Health Empowerment Project (BHEP), funded by AstraZeneca, is a local community-based obesity education and health promotion initiative designed to educate African Americans about the relationship between obesity and chronic health conditions. This Tour will bring together leading local experts on health and nutrition in an interactive format in hopes that the information will empower families to take charge of their health and embrace preventative measures to sustain their health.

Rep. Chaka Fattah, Congressman from Pennsylvania's 2nd District, will serve as lead host of this event. He will be joined by Don Tharpe, President and CEO of CBCF, and an extraordinary list of experts such as: Dr. Ro, Ms. Gwen Foster, Dr. Ian Smith and Ms. Kimberly Garrison. The event is free and open to the public, though registration is required at www.cbcfinc.org.

"Out of the many things CBCF does, getting out into communities around the country at the grassroots level to educate them on issues important to them is the most rewarding," said Dr. Tharpe. "CBCF has structured a very interactive format that families and seniors will enjoy while they're learning to live healthy lifestyles."

The interactive format of the health fair will include complimentary nutritious foods, cooking demonstrations, exercise and fitness segments, and fun activities for kids. A host of exhibitors will provide free health screenings and vital information to attendees on topics such as, HIV/AIDS, high cholesterol, and hypertension. The event will build on the work Mayor John F. Street has effectively begun, he has lead the effort to raise awareness on how to prevent chronic health conditions that consistently affect Philadelphia residents. Discussions on nutrition, disease prevention, and fitness will also be held. Participants are encouraged to wear active gear.

In addition to Baltimore and Philadelphia, the Collective Power Tour is expected to make its next stops in Miami and Los Angeles. Additional information about this event and additional tour dates is available by calling 202-263-2800 or visiting the CBCF website at www.cbcfinc.org. Registration is available online or by calling 866-447-7103.

The CBCF, established in 1976, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy, research and educational institute focused on leadership education, public health, economic development, and African Globalism.