Our 2020 Remixing Public Health Gala was nothing short of spectacular! So many of our incredible supporters joined us virtually on September 22nd to celebrate the work we have been doing for over 15 years. These were our top 10 moments:
1. The ever-graceful host – Doug E. Fresh
As many of you already know with remote learning, the tech struggle is real! We experienced some delays during the first few minutes but our legendary cofounder, Doug E. Fresh kept us all calm and entertained until the audio issues were resolved.
2. Doing the Dougie with 500+ people
We kicked off the celebration with hundreds of people from all over the country and world dancing to “Teach me How to Dougie” on Zoom. Doug. E Fresh even freestyled a special verse for us!
3. The Premiere of “Let’s Talk About Salt” in collaboration with the American Heart Association
We surprised our honoree, the iconic Cheryl “Salt” James of Salt-N-Pepa, with the reveal of our new animated music video PSA “Let’s Talk About Salt” which encourages hypertension prevention by teaching young people about healthy eating and salt consumption.
4. Hip-Hop Legends Chuck D. & DMC speak truth to power
Hip Hop Public Health advisory board members, Public Enemy frontman Chuck D. and RUN DMC’s Darryl DMC McDaniels talked about the current state of women in hip-hop with Salt and Doug E. Fresh.
5. Ms. Opal Lee & Niko Brim underscored the power of intergenerational unity
Social impact leaders, 93-year old author-farmer-teacher known as the nation’s foremost Juneteenth holiday ambassador, Ms. Opal Lee and rising hip-hop star, 23-year old Niko Brim discussed their growing friendship and recent partnership with our board member, Patrice Webb.
6. Jordin Sparks, Ashanti, James “Jimmy” Maynes and members of En Vogue and SWV entered the chat
Some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment industry dropped in to congratulate Salt on unifying communities and helping individuals rethink wellness.
7. Dr. Olajide Williams shared a heartfelt thank you!
Our CEO & Executive Director, Lori Rose Benson was speechless after a profound message from our founder, Dr. Olajide Williams on behalf of our Board of Directors.
8. Our honorees were in for a surprise!
American Heart Association’s Dr. Mitchell Elkind, Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation’s Patricia Doykos, PhD, Finn Partner’s Helen Shelton, 40 West Advisor’s Melinda Gould and The Campaign Against Hunger’s Dr. Melony Samuels were surprised by their colleagues and loved ones with numerous toasts.
9. Lori Rose Benson thanked all of our wonderful supporters
We were overwhelmed by all the generosity and Lori Rose Benson closed out the event by thanking all of the Remixing Public Health Gala partners and sponsors.
10. DJ Flo rocked the afterparty
Veteran DJ and Hip Hop Public Health MC, DJ Flo ended the night with a blast playing a live music set full of hits and classics from Public Enemy, Run DMC and The Beastie Boys to Lauryn Hill, Salt-N-Pepa and Naughty By Nature.
The Remixing Public Health Gala was made possible by community supporters and stakeholders across the public and private sectors who are dedicated to empowering communities and building health equity. It’s still not too late to make a contribution.
