ATLANTA — A unique event coming to Atlanta this weekend is using music, conversation, and community engagement to educate people about multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer that disproportionately impacts Black Americans.
The free event, called Mic Check Myeloma: We Care for the Culture Tour, will take place Saturday at Terminus in downtown Atlanta.
Organizers describe it as an immersive “edutainment” experience designed to help people learn about the disease, recognize possible symptoms and connect with others affected by multiple myeloma.
The event is hosted by the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation in partnership with the International Myeloma Foundation.
For Oya Gilbert, founder of Health, Hope & Hip-Hop, the mission is personal.
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“Almost nine years ago, I was diagnosed with an incurable blood cancer called multiple myeloma,” Gilbert said. “It’s an incurable blood cancer, but it’s very highly treatable.”
Gilbert said raising awareness is especially important because the disease affects Black and Brown communities at significantly higher rates.
“That’s why it’s near and dear to me to have an event like this to teach our community when it affects Black and Brown folks two to one,” Gilbert said.
According to organizers, multiple myeloma impacts Black Americans at nearly twice the rate of the general population. They say gaps in awareness, early detection and access to care can often delay diagnosis and treatment.
Rather than a traditional medical seminar, the Atlanta event will feature live panel discussions, music, food, a meet-and-greet and opportunities for attendees to speak directly with healthcare experts and survivors.
Organizers hope the combination of health education and hip-hop culture will encourage more people to learn about the disease and seek medical attention when symptoms arise.
The event is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about multiple myeloma or supporting loved ones currently undergoing treatment.
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