WS Chronicle

Last Saturday the Benton Convention Center was transformed into a one-stop-shop to learn about heart health and ways to live a healthier life as hundreds of men and women came together for Red H.E.A.R.R.T.’s Red Bottom Shoes & Red Bow Tie Health and Wellness Affair. 

During the event attendees had the opportunity to connect with peers and listen to various speakers talk about ways to improve all aspects of life. To start the day, men and women enjoyed lunch in separate rooms while they listened to an array of speakers from all walks of life. 

Speakers during the Red Bottom Shoes Affair were Dr. Linda P. McRae, Evelyn Acree, Dr. Chere Chase Gregory, Keya Ward, Dr. Sabreen Mutawally, Apostle Gloria Samuels, and Minister LaTonia Oakley. Retired District Court Judge Denise Hartsfield served as mistress of ceremony. 

During the men’s Red Bow-Tie Affair, speakers included Rev. Dr. Herbert Miller II, Dr. Malik Johnson, Bishop John S. Bailey, Bill Hayes,and Dr. Gerran Brittian. Reginald McCaskill served as master of ceremonies. Each of the speakers at the Red Bow-Tie Affair also participated in a panel discussion. 

After lunch the men and women came together to share information. In addition to creating a safe space to have open dialogue on a variety of issues facing our communities, the event also included several live performances and a vendors fair.

The Red H.E.A.R.R.T. Affair also serves as an opportunity to celebrate those in our community who are survivors of heart disease. Those recognized for their strength and resilience this year were Bishop Curtis Davis, Bishop Eyvette Abbott, Carmen Russell, Lashay Fox, Nicole Williams, and Bishop Sherwood Davis. 

Red H.E.A.R.R.T. (Help Education And Reduce Risk Today) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and overall well-being of women, children and teens who are at risk for or have heart disease. The initiative was founded by Cheryl Lindsay in 2010 after she lost her mother, Gail Lindsay, to heart disease. 

Throughout the year Red H.E.A.R.R.T. hosts various events designed to connect, educate, engage and empower to take action to reduce life-threatening risk and to create a positive healthy lifestyle – and have a good time while doing it. 

While addressing the crowd last weekend, Lindsay said she’s dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a long healthy life. 

“I plan to live every day of my life making sure that you all live your best life,” Lindsay said. 

For more information on Red H.E.A.R.R.T. visit www.redhearrt.com.