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Get ready to celebrate the rich and vibrant culture of African heritage during African Heritage and Health Week, which occurs from October 9th to 15th! This week-long celebration was created in 2003 by Oldways, a non-profit food and nutrition organization, to raise awareness about the health benefits of traditional African foods and encourage people to incorporate them into their diets. Not only is this a great opportunity to explore new flavors and dishes, but it also promotes overall health and wellness. So let's honor the traditions of Africa while nourishing our bodies with delicious and nutritious meals!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1915</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of the ASALH</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) was established by Carter G. Woodson, laying the groundwork for the later establishment of African Heritage and Health Week.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Black History Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>Black History Month was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford to honor the achievements of Black Americans, further setting a precedent for African Heritage and Health Week.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Publication of Oldways African Heritage Diet</div><div class='timeline-text'>Oldways, a non-profit focusing on food and nutrition education, launched the African Heritage Diet Pyramid drawing interest in African heritage and health.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>African Heritage & Health Week Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>Oldways established the 1st African Heritage & Health Week to celebrate the flavors and health benefits of traditional African cuisine.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012-Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Annual Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Since its initial celebration, African Heritage & Health Week is observed each year during the first week of February, promoting healthy eating habits rooted in African traditions.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try traditional African dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Explore the flavors and ingredients of traditional African cuisine by cooking or trying out new dishes during this week. You can also attend a cooking class to learn how to make these dishes from scratch.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a cultural dance workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate the rich heritage of African dance by attending a workshop or joining a dance group during this week. Not only will you have fun, but you'll also be engaging in physical activity for your health.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a health and wellness event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize an event focused on promoting health and wellness within the African community. This can include workshops, seminars, and fitness activities aimed at educating and empowering individuals to take care of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a museum or art exhibit</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the opportunity to learn more about African history and culture by visiting a museum or art exhibit. This can also be a great way to support and appreciate African artists and their contributions to the art world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer for a community service project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Give back to the community during this week by volunteering for a service project that focuses on improving the health and well-being of the African community. This can include organizing a health fair, participating in a clean-up event, or helping out at a local health clinic.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates African cultural heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>African Heritage and Health Week aims to educate people about the rich cultures, traditions, and history of African communities. This is an important opportunity to promote diversity and celebrate the unique contributions of African Americans to society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about health disparities in the African American community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This week also serves as a reminder of the health challenges faced by African Americans, including higher rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. By highlighting these disparities, it helps to bring attention to issues that need to be addressed for the betterment of the community's health.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes healthier lifestyle choices</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The theme of this week is "One Body, One Goal: Improving Your Health Through African Heritage." It encourages individuals to embrace traditional African foods and healthy eating habits. It also focuses on incorporating physical activity into daily routines, promoting overall wellness and longevity.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>African Heritage and Health Week Highlights Healthy African Cuisines</h3><p class='facts-content'>This week-long celebration emphasizes the health benefits and rich flavors of traditional African diets, including nutritious staples like leafy greens, tubers, fruits, and legumes.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Event Contact on American Heart Month</h3><p class='facts-content'>African Heritage and Health Week takes place during American Heart Month as an effort to raise awareness about heart disease prevention in African American communities, which are disproportionately affected.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Week was Initiated by Oldways</h3><p class='facts-content'>An organization known as Oldways launched the first African Heritage and Health Week to celebrate African heritage and promote healthier eating habits using traditional African foods.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Community Involvement Plays a Key Part</h3><p class='facts-content'>Community potlucks, African-themed cooking demos, health & wellness presentations are all part of the week's activities, fostering involvement and education at the community level. </p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Encourages Reconnection with Ancestral Diets</h3><p class='facts-content'>African Heritage and Health Week encourages individuals of African descent to revisit their roots and incorporate healthier, traditional African foods into their modern diets for overall well-being.</p></div></div>
African Heritage and Health Week is celebrated on February 7 every year. In 2024, the date falls on a Wednesday.
2023
Feb 7
Tuesday
2024
Feb 7
Wednesday
2025
Feb 7
Friday
2026
Feb 7
Saturday
2027
Feb 7
Sunday
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