News Summary
Root Magazine has launched ‘Rooted In Wellness’ to address health disparities among African-American communities, focusing on obesity and related issues. The initiative was unveiled during the magazine’s Sixteenth Anniversary Celebration, featuring influential music and community leaders. With partnerships including St. Jude and Novo Nordisk as Title Sponsor, the initiative aims to promote health equity through collaboration and engagement within the community.
Nashville, TN – Root Magazine kicked off its health awareness initiative, titled “Rooted In Wellness,” on August 15, 2025, during its Sixteenth Anniversary Celebration. This event, which includes an Annual Live Musical Showcase, took place from 1 PM to 5 PM at Analog in The Hutton Hotel. It is part of the Stellar Awards weekend. Attendance was free of charge, making it accessible to the public.
The Rooted In Wellness initiative is designed to tackle significant health disparities within African-American communities, particularly focusing on the ongoing obesity crisis. Recent studies show that nearly 50% of African-American adults struggle with obesity and related chronic illnesses. These health challenges are exacerbated by socioeconomic factors and a long-standing mistrust in the healthcare system. Recognizing these issues, the founder and CEO of Root Magazine, Hasan James, created this initiative to forge a collaborative platform that unites influential voices from faith, gospel music, and healthcare.
The initiative aims to engage trusted community leaders, including faith-based figures and gospel artists, to facilitate positive change and promote overall wellness. Hasan James underscored the importance of these voices in addressing the pressing health concerns facing African-American communities.
Root Magazine has formed partnerships with notable organizations, including St. Jude, to amplify worthy causes while supporting the new health initiative. A significant collaborator for Rooted In Wellness is Novo Nordisk Inc., which serves as the Title Sponsor for the event. This partnership will focus on strategies to combat obesity in the African-American community.
The celebratory event featured award-winning gospel artist Tasha Page-Lockhart as the host and Rooted In Wellness Ambassador. A diverse lineup of artists performed, enriching the event with soulful music that resonated with the audience. Performing artists included:
- SEMAJE – Billboard Top 20 artist
- Brandon Watts and Selah Sound – known for their debut gospel album “REWIND”
- Soul Therapy – contemporary gospel quartet
- ANTHNY – rising worship artist
- Chrystal Rucker – renowned for both contemporary and traditional gospel music
- Jonathan Nelson – prolific gospel artist and songwriter
The Target Audience for this initiative included gospel music enthusiasts, health advocates, industry executives, and influencers aligned with health and wellness initiatives.
For those interested in more information or tickets to future events, they were available through Eventbrite. Additionally, inquiries could be directed to Bob Marovich at his email or phone number.
Background Context: Root Magazine has established itself as a leading publication in the gospel music industry, focusing on the intersection of faith and social issues. The launch of the Rooted In Wellness initiative aligns with the magazine’s objective to inspire and educate its audience on vital health concerns. By addressing the obesity epidemic and enlisting community voices, the initiative will further its mission to promote wellness and health equity among African-Americans.
Overall, the launch of Rooted In Wellness marks a significant step forward in raising awareness and fostering collaboration to improve health outcomes within African-American communities, making it an essential initiative in the current health climate.
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Additional Resources
- Journal of Gospel Music: Root Magazine Launches Rooted In Wellness Initiative
- Wikipedia: Obesity
- Journal of Gospel Music: Root Magazine Hosts Annual Awards
- Google Search: Health Disparities in African American Communities
- Journal of Gospel Music: Impact of Gospel Music on Society
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Health
- Journal of Gospel Music: Root Magazine Announces Partnerships
- Google News: Healthcare Trust in African American Communities
Author: HERE Nashville
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