Movement, fellowship, and screenings came together in Midtown as 100 Black Men St. Louis celebrated two decades.
ST. LOUIS — Hundreds of neighbors laced up their sneakers in Midtown Saturday morning for a cause that’s been making an impact in St. Louis for two decades.
The 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis hosted its 20th Annual Community Health Day, starting with a 1-mile and 5K walks and runs outside IKEA.
After the race, participants kept the energy going with a lively spin class.
For Tiffany Lacy-Clark, President and CEO of Behavioral Health Response, the day was about more than movement.
“I really appreciate being here,” she said. “Everybody focused on being holistically healthier, engaged in both physical and mental health. Figuring out how to be our best selves today, tomorrow, and the days to come.”
Lacy-Clark said the event connected families with vital resources.
“There’s lots of great resources. Natural hair care, Behavioral health support, Screenings, Of course, 100 Black Men, and information about their gala. Lots of great fellowship.”
Health screenings were a major focus, offering families a chance to check in on their well-being with professionals on-site.
“Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States behind heart disease,” said Dr. Arnold Bullock, a Washington University urology professor and member of 100 Black Men. “The earlier you detect cancer, the more likely it’s curable.”
The mission is deeply personal for Jesse C. Swanigan, a St. Louisan and one of the original founders of the national 100 Black Men organization.
“I just lost one of my sons. Our constant battle was for him to see doctors. He didn’t—and he passed at 56,” Swanigan shared.
At 92 years old, Swanigan is the last living founding officer and still urging others to take charge of their health.
“I’m one of those people pushing to get more African American men to make appointments, to get checked out. And we hope this will spur more.”
The event closed with a reminder that health is the foundation for everything else.
“Health is really wealth,” Lacy-Clark said. “And us getting really rich and abundant starts with making our whole selves healthier.”
You can learn more about the programs and services offered by 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis here.
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