Project Description Narrative:
Social isolation and loneliness can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health, including increased risks of heart disease, dementia, and stroke. These issues are especially challenging in urban communities and amplified by structural racism, segregation, and poverty.
This project will expand Bembé Drum & Dance’s unique cultural arts programming, which connects participants to Afro-Latino history and culture through music and dance. By incorporating positive youth development and healing centered engagement principles, the project seeks to enhance social connectedness, improve mental health outcomes, and build community resilience.
Through their work, project partners aim to improve social connections and health outcomes for Milwaukee's underserved minority populations. By sharing best practices and results with community stakeholders and through academic dissemination, the project will support broader public health efforts to reduce social isolation and promote health equity in Wisconsin and beyond.
Community partners: Marquette University School of Nursing, MATC Community Health & Nutrition Navigator Program, Escuela Verde Charter School