LOS ANGELES, CA – The First Ladies Health Initiative (FLHI) proudly announces Emmy-nominated actresses Kym Whitley (Varnell Hill Show, Act Your Age, Raising Whitley) and Yvette Nicole Brown (Act Your Age, Community, The Mayor) as speakers at this year’s leaders summit luncheon, “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health,” on Saturday, September 19, at 11:00 AM (PST) at the Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey.
Whitley and Brown will join an insightful fireside chat on critical topics, including Alzheimer’s, dementia, and caregiving. Dr. Shalonda “Sunshine” Crawford, Co-Pastor of Experience Christian Ministries, will moderate the conversation. Together, they will explore the challenges caregivers face, share personal experiences, and emphasize the importance of support and understanding for those affected by these debilitating conditions.
Marquisé Alston-Allison, Co-Executive Director of FLHI, chose Whitley and Brown for their roles because both women are full-time caregivers for their fathers and understand the challenges of balancing careers with family responsibilities. She stated, “Alzheimer’s disease has a devastating impact on the African American community, where individuals are approximately twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The burden of caregiving primarily falls on women and families, and it is particularly significant on the 19th, just days before World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21.”
L-R: Cleveland natives, Kym Whitley and Yvette Nicole Brown to join the fireside chat critical health related topics, hosted by First Ladies Health Initiative Luncheon on September 19th; Photo Credit: Getty Images
FLHI has teamed up with the INSPIRE-Faith program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, which is led by renowned neurologists, Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, who are authors of two bestselling books, The 30-Day Alzheimer’s Solution and The Alzheimer’s Solution. The couple currently lead the largest community-based brain health initiative in the United States, and research indicates that up to 90 percent of Alzheimer’s cases may be preventable through simple lifestyle choices—specifically, eating habits, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and social connections.
INSPIRE-Faith teaches that the same habits that promote brain health also benefit the heart, blood vessels, and metabolism. Consequently, a congregation that prioritizes brain health is also reducing its risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. This initiative is not just a program focused on dementia; it takes a prevention-first approach to overall health, rooted in the community rather than confined to clinical settings. For a city burdened by the costs of preventable chronic diseases, few investments are more impactful.
Radio personality Aundrae Russell of 102.3 KJLH FM will emcee the luncheon. The event will feature musical performances by recording artist David Daughtry. Additionally, FLHI will honor its founding president, Tracey Alston, who passed away last year, with a special tribute, and will also honor Dr. Betty Ruth Price, former First Lady, co-founder, and matriarch of the Crenshaw Christian Center.
In addition to the luncheon, Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance announced a $500,000 grant to be distributed among ten organizations dedicated to empowering girls. The First Ladies Health Initiative is proud to be one of the selected organizations receiving support.
Today, FLHI is led by second-generation co-executive directors Marquisé Alston-Allison and Taylor Alston-Cleveland, along with Co-Founder and National Chair Jamell Meeks of Salem Baptist Church in Chicago and Los Angeles Chair Dr. Shalonda “Sunshine” Crawford.
FLHI is grateful for the support of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Healthy Mind Initiatives, Black Girl Vitamins, and Ritz-Carlton.
For more information on FLHI, visit www.firstladieshealth.com.
