Central State University celebrates the return of the African American Wellness Walk

Above: A large contingent of Dayton-area alums and Central State University students, faculty, and staff participated in the 2023 African American Wellness Walk, which raised $10,000 for Central State. 

Central State University is proud to partner with Premier Health for the 24th annual African American Wellness Walk (AAWW), an event deeply rooted in our community's commitment to health and wellness. This year’s walk/run will be a hybrid event, offering a virtual option ongoing through Aug. 17 and an in-person gathering at 8 a.m. Aug. 17 at Island Park, 101 E. Helena St., Dayton.

Since its inception in 2000, the AAWW has been a beacon of awareness and action against heart health disparities affecting African Americans. Over the past two decades, this event has expanded its mission to address broader health inequities that challenge our community, especially those highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Proceeds from the African American Wellness Walk benefit Central State University, Ohio's only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU), and Wilberforce University, the state's only private HBCU. In 2023, Central State received a gift of $10,000 from the event. Premier Health, the event host, aims to raise $50,000 in total in 2024. 

Students, alums, faculty, staff, and other supporters are invited to join the walk. Let's come together to exercise for our community's health and wellness. 

At Central State, we stand firm as a community of learners, embracing our shared history and the place we call home. We understand the importance of highlighting and addressing health inequities, as our students, families, and friends are directly impacted. 

The AAWW is a powerful platform to raise awareness and promote health equity, reflecting our commitment to the values of resilience, self-determination, and community.

Statistics from a 2019 Public Health assessment by Dayton and Montgomery County reveal stark disparities: Black babies die at a rate four times higher than white babies, and Black women receive less adequate prenatal care, often leading to low-birth-weight babies. Black men in Montgomery County face higher rates of heart disease, stroke, prostate cancer, and diabetes, with an average lifespan significantly lower than their white counterparts.

The pandemic has further exposed these inequities. Black Ohioans, making up about 13% of the state's population, disproportionately account for COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. In Montgomery County, Black residents constitute 35.5% of COVID-19 cases despite being only 21.5% of the population. Vaccination rates among Black Ohioans remain low, underscoring the need for increased support and awareness.

At Central State University, we believe in the power of community and the impact of collective action. We invite you to support the AAWW and its mission to eradicate health disparities in our community. Together, we can walk boldly into a future where health equity is not just a goal but a reality.

Join us as we continue to blaze trails, overcome obstacles, and uplift one another. We are Marauders; this is our path to a healthier, more equitable future.

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