Gospel Run partners with Grammy-winning artist, Che “Rhymefest” Smith, to bring awareness to black men’s health
March, 2017 -Gospel Run has recently announced its newest Partner-In-Health – Grammy and Oscar award-winning Che “Rhymefest” Smith.
Rhymefest is best known as an award-winning hip-hop artist, having written the hit songs, Jesus Walks with Kanye West and Glory (from the film, Selma) for John Legend and Common. His own health, however, has become one of his most important projects, since he discovered he has diabetes after an alarming health episode.
Gospel Run is partnering with Rhymefest and NBC 5 Chicago to raise awareness about diabetes and men’s health among African Americans, open a dialogue, and inspire men to embrace healthier behaviors.
Black Americans face more than a 70% greater risk of getting diabetes than white Americans. For Hispanics, their risk is more than 65% greater.
Rhymefest reports that the risks and reality of his disease hit home when Malik Taylor, the hip hop artist known as Phife Dawg from Tribe Called Quest, died at the age of 45 after a prolonged battle with diabetes.
“I put off getting a check-up, and almost went into a diabetic coma, because I didn’t know I had the disease,” says Rhymefest. “I now have to actively manage my diabetes with self-care. That includes working out, jogging, keeping my metabolism going, and nutrition… so that the foods I eat don’t kill me.”
Rhymefest will participate in the fifth annual Gospel Run 5K run/walk on Saturday, June 2nd and share his story with thousands in attendance. He will also take the stage during the post-race concert, performing a special remix of his song Jesus Walks.
Gospel Run and Rhymefest are launching the “Jesus Walks Youth Remix Challenge,” a contest that invites Chicago youth to write an original verse to the song Jesus Walks. The winning youth will perform their lyrics on stage with Rhymefest and his band on race day.
The Chicago Gospel Run 5K is a multi-generational event that draws individuals and families from throughout the Chicago region, with participants ranging from age 3 through 85+. Gospel Run, in partnership with Howard Brown Health, will offer free diabetes screenings at the race.
Link to the NBC feature Story: