| Kirk Franklin Launches "Fight Of Our Life Health Tour" |
 April 6, 2009 - Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability among African Americans. They have almost twice the risk of first-ever strokes as compared to Whites and African Americans ages 35-54 years-old have four times the relative risk of stroke. To increase awareness and educate the African American community about their risk, Grammy award-winning Gospel artist Kirk Franklin has teamed up with The American Heart Association's Power to End Stroke Movement to launch the "Fight of Our Life Health Tour." The theme is taken from Franklin's 2007 album "The Fight of My Life" and uses the hit single "Declaration" as the underlying message of the campaign."Stroke is a serious health issue that is claiming the lives of our loved ones and we're bringing increased awareness to help stop this devastation in our communities," says Kirk Franklin. "I have teamed up with the American Heart Association's Power to End Stroke Movement to bring the Fight of Our Life Health Tour. We'll have concerts in seven cities with the hopes of empowering people and educating them about how to take control of their health," he continued, adding that, "It's time to stand up and do something about the thousands of people who are dying every year from stroke." The "Fight of Our Life Health Tour" is a seven-city concert that kicks off this June in Houston, TX. Thousands of concert-goers will hear an empowering message through the music and Franklin will personally ask them to take the "pledge" where they make a declaration to take control of their health, reduce their risk for stroke and learn the warning signs of stroke. The concert then continues in the following cities: San Antonio, Arlington and Austin, TX; Tulsa and Oklahoma City, OK; and Little Rock, AR. In each city, Franklin is looking for local Gospel artists (soloists, choirs, praise dancers, musicians, spoken word) who want to audition for an opportunity to be his opening act. As many social movements within the community have been rooted in the church, Franklin's partnership with the Power to End Stroke Movement will help people to strive toward having a healthy mind, body and soul. "Stroke is such a devastating disease for our community and it seems that no one ever talks about it or thinks that it can happen to them," says Evelyn Young, a stroke survivor and AHA spokesperson. "Partnering with Kirk Franklin will help bolster awareness. He is a talented person who has an amazing way of connecting with people and he embodies the lifestyle of healthy eating and fitness." |
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