2024 Charlotte Black Men’s Wellness Day aims to save lives through free health screenings

The African American Male Wellness Agency recently announced its 5th annual Charlotte Black Men’s Wellness Day will take place on Saturday, October 12, 7:00 AM, at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3400 Beatties Ford Road Charlotte, NC 28216. 

For the past 5 years, Charlotte Black Men’s Wellness Day has been an annual event that features a 5K walk/run and health screenings for Black men. The goal is to get as many Black men as possible to participate in free onsite health screenings that measure their blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, HIV, STD/STI,  prostate cancer, and more.

“We aim to attract over 5,000 people to join us on this journey toward wellness, and our target is to provide free health screenings to at least 400 men,” said Duvale Murchison, Charlotte Coordinator for the African American Male Wellness Agency. “These screenings are essential to ensuring that Black men have access to early detection of conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and other silent killers that disproportionately affect our community. Prevention and awareness can save lives, and that’s exactly what we are striving for.”

Last year, Charlotte Black Men’s Wellness Day attracted over 500 people who participated in the festivities, allowing over 150 people to receive free health screenings.

For the 2024 Charlotte Black Men’s Wellness Day, Herb Gray, an entrepreneur and community advocate, is serving as the 2024 Honorary Chair. Gray is the owner of Life Enhancement Services, a nationally accredited mental health agency. He also serves on several boards for various organizations and nonprofits around the city, including the Urban League of Central Carolinas, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture, the Harris YMCA, Opera Carolina, Livingstone College, the JCSU Board of visitors and the Chris Canty Foundation.

“I am grateful to be the Honorary Chair of the 2024 Black Men’s Wellness Day,” Gray said. “It will be a tremendous joy to see our men, healthcare professionals, and the greater community united, on that day to improve the lives of our Black Men”

Past Honorary Chairs have included R&B Singer Anthony Hamilton and NASCAR Pro Bubba Wallace.

Since 2004, The National African American Male Wellness Agency (The AA Wellness Agency) has produced a 5K Walk & Run in over 15 cities as an awareness campaign to spotlight the fact that Black Men die on average 12 years earlier than their white counterparts. For 20 years, the AA Wellness Agency has worked to save Black men’s lives, close the health gap and help Black men to live longer from preventable diseases.

In addition to the 5K walk/run and free onsite health screenings, the 2024 Charlotte Black Men’s Wellness Day will also feature live entertainment and family-friendly fun. This event is considered the most fun any has ever had during a doctor’s visit. 

“I encourage everyone to bring your sons, brothers, nephews, and friends. This is an opportunity for all of us to come together and take action in our own lives. And it’s not just for the men—the entire family can come out and support. Together, we can make this one of the most powerful events our city has seen, not only in terms of participation but in the real, lasting change it brings to the health of our community. Let’s make history and take the first steps toward a healthier future. I look forward to seeing you there,” Murchison.

Sponsors for the 2024 Charlotte Black Men’s Wellness Day include Johnson & Johnson, Gilead, CVS Health, Humana, Novant Health, Genentech, and WellCare.
Attendees can register for free to participate in the 5K walk/run by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-charlotte-black-mens-wellness-day-tickets-748793751267?aff=oddtdtcreator. For more information about African American Male Wellness Agency, visit https://aawellness.org/.