WS Chronicle

By Busta Brown

When I hear the Chaka Khan 80’s classic, “I’m Every Woman,” one woman who always comes to my mind is Linda Greenwood. She’s a phenomenal mother, mentor, community leader and organizer, woman of God, and the list goes on and on.

On Friday, March 10, she has put together a dynamic concert fundraiser for a disease that has plagued mostly Black people for years – sickle cell. “Busta, we can never stop bringing awareness about this disease. I’ve always supported the Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency in both Guilford and Forsyth Counties. They have served the entire state of North Carolina since the 70s,” shared Linda. 

The concert headliner is one of the most exciting and energetic entertainers in the music industry, Grammy and Steller-nominated jazz legend Marcus Anderson. He’s toured with Prince as a member of The New Power Generation. Marcus has opened for or shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, hip-hop artist and singer Celo Green, Lailah Hathaway, Anthony Hamilton, Eric Benet, and Brian Culbertson, just to name a few. He’s also performed for President Barack Obama and Rev. Jesse Jackson. 

“They will have some amazing local acts as well. VIP guests will meet, take photos and have a conversation with Marcus,” added Linda. 

The concert is Friday, March 10, from 6–9 p.m. at the Van Dyke Performing Arts Theater, 200 N. Davie Street in Greensboro.

The community leader and organizer is extremely passionate about this project. “The Piedmont Sickle Cell Agency not only helps with early detection, which has saved thousands of lives, but they also provide HIV/Aids testing and education. They have a street outreach prevention program. Their Baby Love program helps promote healthy pregnancy and improve male partnership involvement. Isn’t that awesome, Busta! 

“Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency provide newborn screening and testing for sickle cell and other traits. Genetic counseling, which educates families on how this disease may have been inherited and impacts the children. They also do case management as well. So, this concert and fundraiser is very important to me,” said an excited Greenwood.  

Greenwood is also the director for UCON (Unwind Communications Outreach). “Our entire vision is to collaborate with other community organizations on how to teach youth and adults communication technology to improve the quality of life of our residents. We provide musical events that are family friendly; we also do media and music mentoring. We give them the opportunity for artist development. And we have a rejoice choir orchestra, which is an opportunity for multi-generations to play and sing together,” said Linda. I love the idea, because it’s a great way to bridge the musical and generational gap between youth and adults.

This summer, July – August 4, Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency is holding their 39th Summer Camp at Camp Carefree in Stokesdale, North Carolina. Campers ages 6-16 can register now through June 1. “They’re going to have lots of fun and exciting activities just for them. I encourage the community to get involved, by either donating, holding local sickle cell awareness events, and most importantly, get tested. We must be more proactive so that we can catch any harmful and life-threatening disease before it’s too late,” said Greenwood. 

You can contact your local Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency in Greensboro at 1102 E. Market St. or call 336-274-1507. In Winston-Salem at 1317 N. Cherry St. or call 336-725-9181. 

Come out on Friday, March 10, from 6-9 p.m. and unwind with some inspirational jazz with a cause. Jazz legend Marcus Anderson with a special guest at the Van Dyke Performing Arts Theater, 200 N. Davie Street, Greensboro. For tickets and more info, call 336-324-8045 or email unwindladyg@gmail.com. 

“I believe one of the best ways to be proactive with sickle cell is to get tested before you have children.” My phenomenal Person of the Week is Linda Greenwood.