Aetna’s 2011 African American History Calendar Highlights Leaders of Faith-Based Health Initiatives
February 17 2011 - 4:06PM
Business Wire
The faith community historically has led the way for the
advancement of African Americans, and today its role includes
promoting health and wellness for people at disproportionate risk
for many diseases. The 13 faith leaders featured in the 2011 Aetna
African American History Calendar hold different beliefs –
Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism – but they
share a common goal of eliminating health disparities in the
African American community.
“The African American faith community has helped create
hospitals, nursing homes and orphanages specifically for African
American people,” says Rev. Dr. Fred Lucas, senior pastor at
Brooklyn (N.Y.) Community Church and president and CEO of Faith
Center for Community Development Inc., who is featured in this
year’s calendar. “This faith community has provided financial
support; political power; volunteers; facilities and physical
space; media ministries; and ‘bully pulpits’ to develop the body,
mind and soul. Like the wonderful people who make up that
community, this year’s Aetna African American History Calendar is a
source of education, inspiration and hope.”
“Aetna praises the lives and work of these exceptional leaders
of African American faith communities,” said Mark T. Bertolini, CEO
and president of Aetna. “Their contributions reinforce the
influence faith leaders can have in bringing about positive change.
In this year’s calendar, we celebrate their examples and the
healthful blessings that have the power to inspire us all.”
Aetna (NYSE: AET) has produced the African American
History Calendar since 1982 as an annual tribute to the
extraordinary and educational endeavors of African Americans. This
year’s calendar is the 30th anniversary edition.
“Aetna is proud to mark the 30th year of the African American
History Calendar,” said Floyd Green, Aetna’s head of community
relations and urban marketing. “Over the years, we’ve celebrated
the accomplishments of African Americans, and in recent years,
we’ve explored diverse health care topics. As we continue on this
journey, we offer our praise and continued support for the lives
and work of so many African American leaders across the
country.”
The 2011 calendar features individuals who have dedicated their
lives to inspiring and empowering others while stressing the
crucial nexus of mind, body and spirit.
A well-known leader featured in the calendar is Bishop T.D.
Jakes, founder and senior pastor of The Potter’s House, a
well-known 30,000-member church based in Dallas. Through The
Potter’s Touch, his weekly television outreach, Bishop Jakes
delivers his teachings through the United States, Africa,
Australia, Europe and the Caribbean.
Also featured in the calendar is Rabbi Capers C. Funnye Jr.,
rabbi and spiritual leader of Chicago’s Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken
Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation, the nation’s oldest African American
synagogue. The synagogue’s “Sacred Aging” program for older
congregants combines healthy eating, exercise, health screenings,
arts and crafts, Bible studies and spiritual teachings.
Calendar honoree Safiyah Abdul Khaaliq promotes the importance
of self-help and empowering Muslim and non-Muslim women to take
proactive steps toward a healthful lifestyle. She is founder and
CEO of Essential Living for Muslim Women Inc., and director of
administrative services of the Essential Living for Muslim Women
Breast Health/Mammography initiative.
Other leaders profiled in the 2011 calendar are:
- Rev. Byron L. Benton, associate pastor
of the Berean Baptist Church, Brooklyn, N.Y.;
- John Butler III, an African American
Hundu Vaishvavaite of the monotheistic tradition of the Brahma
Madhwa Sampradaya (lineage), Conyers, Ga.;
- Rev. Mary Diggs-Hobson, co-founder and
executive director of African Americans Reach & Teach Health
Ministry, Seattle;
- Rev. Anthony Evans, president of the
National Black Church Initiative, Washington, D.C.;
- Dr. LeRoy M. Graham Jr., associate
clinical professor of pediatrics at Morehouse School of Medicine,
Atlanta;
- Angela F. Griffin, assistant professor
of physical therapy, Downstate University, Brooklyn, N.Y.;
- Stephanie Joy Jackson-Rowe, founder,
president and CEO of the Christian Aerobics and Fitness
Association, Chicago;
- Rev. James L. Patterson, ordained elder
and senior pastor of Institute Church of the Nazarene Institute,
Charleston, W.V.;
- Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, founder and CEO
of The Balm In Gilead Inc., Richmond, Va.; and
- Prof. Jan Willis, well-known writer on
topics related to Buddhism, distinguished professor of religion at
Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn.
The 2011 African American History Calendar – Healthful
Blessings: Faith-Based Health Initiatives Making a Difference for
African Americans – is available for $4 by calling 860-273-0509.
The online version of the calendar is available at Aetna’s
diversity website:
http://aetnaafricanamericancalendar.com/2011/
About Aetna
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make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna
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including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life
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