Focus On Black Stroke Awareness

 TAVIS SMILEY FOUNDATION AND UNITED HEALTH FOUNDATION WORK TOGETHER TO SUPPORT YOUTH HELPING TO RAISE AWARENESS OF STROKE AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS

-- Spelman College Freshman Honored During the American Stroke Association's Power Awards Weekend --

Through The Power To End Stroke cause campaign, the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association is hosting the 4th annual Power Awards Weekend to help raise awareness of the country's third leading cause of death. This signature event honors awardees who have made an impact and raised the bar in helping to spread stroke awareness within their communities. Some of the awardees include: Gospel artists Kirk Franklin and Dottie Peoples. The weekend's highlight is a Power Awards Concert and performers include: Myron Butler, Smokie Norful and jazz artist Cassandra Wilson, among many others.

This year, the first youth ambassador, Taylor Yarbrough, will be honored at the Power Awards Weekend for her outstanding dedication to helping to educate her peers and community about stroke, as well as her efforts in raising funds for the campaign. Ms. Yarbrough will be recognized during a special VIP Pre-reception. She is a member of the Tavis Smiley Foundation's National Advisory Council and one of ten foundation program alumni who volunteered to participate as a youth ambassador in the awareness and fundraising campaign. All of the ten participating students will receive a $500 grant from the United Health Foundation to support their ongoing efforts and educational careers.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death for all Americans, and African Americans are at increased risk due to high rates of factors such as family history, diabetes and high blood pressure. May is American Stroke Month and The Power To End Stroke cause campaign brings awareness to African Americans about controlling their stroke risks.

WHEN: Friday, May 7
5:30 p.m. – VIP Reception at Le Parker Meridien Hotel
7 p.m. – Red Carpet, Apollo Theater
8 - 10 p.m. – Power Awards Concert, Apollo Theater

WHERE: Apollo Theater
253 W. 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
(212) 663-0499

Taylor Yarbrough
Taylor Yarbrough is a freshman majoring in psychology at Spelman College. Taylor is a member of the Tavis Smiley Foundation's National Advisory Council. As part of her commitment, she raised more than $600 for the campaign in less than three weeks by soliciting friends and family members to donate to the cause. A native of New Orleans, she is a member of the Spelman College Glee Club and an athletic trainer for the Morehouse College football team.

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