B.E.S.T. Academy and DiamondBlack Films will host the community event,
“The Men’s Health Initiative” on September 25, 2010.
B.E.S.T. Academy and DiamondBlack Films will host the first initiative in a series of programs aimed at educating the youth and adult males within the city of Atlanta. “The Men’s Health Initiative” will feature an inspirational documentary on stroke, a panel discussion with the stroke survivors of the film and free health screenings.
According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death for all Americans. Over 81 million adults, or one out of every three people in America, have at least one type of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack, stroke or heart failure. If cardiovascular diseases were completely eradicated, Americans’ life expectancy could increase by nearly seven years.
Although some form of stroke will statistically affect over 750,000 Americans this year, most people cannot identify the symptoms associated with this disease. The feature documentary “I Know I Can – From Tragedy to Triumph” takes you on a powerful journey, offering a candid look into the events that changed the life of stroke survivor, Damont Goolsby, just a few short months after graduating from Morehouse College.
“The objective of this initiative is to provoke conversation about stroke and the recovery process,” said Honwan Byrd, producer for DiamondBlack Films and childhood friend. Byrd, who was with Goolsby at the time of the stroke, said he sometimes thinks about if he knew the warning signs of a stroke, would he have been able to change the outcome of Goolsby’s situation.
Goolsby credits perseverance and spirituality for recovering more than 80 percent from his stroke episode 15 years ago. “I cried, but I don’t cry anymore, said Goolsby.” “This experience has empowered me to share my story so I can help others,” he said.
B.E.S.T. Academy is a single gender based school for males that is passionate on developing leaders and utilizing community stakeholders to help cultivate academic, social and emotional growth of each student. For this reason, it is only fitting that this initiative begins here to assist B.E.S.T. Academy with carrying out its mission to teach and encourage our young men to take a proactive approach to their health.
For more information about the documentary, visit http://www.iknowican-doc.com. The event will be held at the B.E.S.T. Academy,1890 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway Atlanta, GA 30318, on September 25, 2010 at 10 a.m. This is a free event, and anyone whose life has been touched by any unfortunate situation is encouraged to attend.
