There is great power in our combined efforts. Vibrant Health is thrilled to announce a total of over $250,000 was raised at the first annual Vibrant Voices event at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas.
More than 200 attendees enjoyed inspired conversations and a moving program featuring keynote speaker, Van Jones. Van Jones is a CNN host, political commentator, Emmy Award-winning producer, and author of three New York Times best-selling books. Van has also found success as a social entrepreneur, having founded and led many thriving enterprises including the REFORM Alliance, Color of Change, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and the Dream.org, which works to close prison doors and open doors of opportunity in the green and tech economies.
Vibrant Voices is a brand-new event featuring national and local perspectives focused on the deep relationship between poverty, public health, and the criminal justice system. Our goal was to create an intentional space for learning, connection, and meaningful conversations.
KCK native and 41 News Reporter, Sarah Plake, was our emcee for the evening. Being deeply passionate about social justice and community-level issues, Sarah knows the impact that bringing a community together can have.
“The sickness is in the system, but the solution is in the people. Healing is possible when people start to recognize that breakthroughs are possible, in human health, individual health, community health, political health and national health.”-Van Jones
“Vibrant Health is incredibly grateful to our community, visionary committee members and generous supporters for their participation in Vibrant Voices. Van Jones gave an inspirational keynote that pointed out the sickness in the system, but reminded us that working together is our best hope for creating real change.”- Kim Gasper, Vice President of Advancement
All proceeds from Vibrant Voices helps the children, adults, and families served by Vibrant Health and allow us to further our mission to reduce health disparities and increase access to care in Wyandotte County and surrounding communities.
“The truth is – way more is possible, way more is possible than we’re getting done and this is the time to stand in the true power of community, and hope, and care and I hope that you do it.”-Van Jones
As the program ended, guests heard echoed inspiration by local poet and spoken word artist, Taylor Brown.
“Real heroes look a lot like you and me
Realizing the importance of inclusion, and unity
real heroes educate and advocate constantly
Understanding the part we all play in the bigger picture
I feel the energy shifting the atmosphere
I can feel the people rising
I hear our people screaming for justice
And those voices are vibrant”
A special thank you to our Health Catalysts sponsors, event sponsors and committee, speakers, donors, staff, and volunteers who made our first Vibrant Voices event a success. We hope everyone left inspired to join us as leaders in making our community healthier for everyone. Stay tuned for #VibrantVoices24!
