With stroke being the third most common cause of death and the number one cause of long-term disability for Black people, we're happy to see someone take a stand. That someone is Grammy award-winning gospel musician Kirk Franklin, who's Fight of Our Life Health Tour joins The American Heart Association (AHA)'s Power to End Stroke Movement.



Using his inspirational single "Declaration," from the hit album The Fight of My Life as a theme song, Kirk will hit the road to promote the cause. Beginning in Houston next month, the seven-city tour takes the Texas-native throughout the state and into Oklahoma and Arkansas. Besides a world-class performance from the duke of gospel himself and local acts from each town, concertgoers will have the chance to take a pledge for their health and reduce their chances of having a stroke.



"Stroke is a serious health issue that is claiming the lives of our loved ones and we're bringing increased awareness to help stop this devastation in our communities," Kirk said. "It's time to stand up and do something about the thousands of people who are dying every year from stroke."



AHA hopes to utilize the Black church's powerful community influences to make this message hit home for African-Americans. "Stroke is such a devastating disease for our community, and it seems that no one ever talks about it or thinks that it can happen to them," said Evelyn Young, a stroke survivor and AHA spokesperson.



For more information (including how to audition to open for Kirk during the tour), visit fightofourlife.blogspot.com.



-- Whitney Teal





Here's more:
Black women at higher risk of stroke
Dietary help for high cholesterol