THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022 Page 5 Everett kicks off Black History Month with health and wellness theme HISTORY | SEE PAGE 6 By Christopher Roberson C ity officials recently kicked off this year’s Black History Month with a focus on improving healthcare for Everett’s African-American residents. “Health and wellness has always been a cornerstone of my life,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria during the February 2 event. tunate that we still have these issues,” he said, adding that AfBishop Robert Brown, senior pastor of Zion Church Ministries Kahlea Brown, owner of P.L.A.Y. Fit Lab issues will be resolved under his new three-part diversity initiative: Engage. Educate. Elevate. In addition, Cathy Draine inCathy Draine, Everett’s director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion A premier proponent of healthy living, the city received the Culture of Health Award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in 2015. Yet, according to the latest figures from the state Department of Public Health, the COVID-19 vaccination rate remains low for Everett’s African-American residents. However, DeMaria said such troduced herself as the city’s new director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “I will be here to stand with you,” she said. “We together will create the harmony that is necessary to strengthen us all.” A “product of the Civil Rights Mayor Carlo DeMaria shared his remarks during the kickoff event for Black History Month on February 2 at the Everett Community Health & Wellness Center. (Advocate photos by Christopher Roberson) Era,” Bishop Robert Brown, senior pastor of Zion Church Ministries, said racial injustice is still a significant problem 54 years later. “It’s unforWE CAN HELP PAY YOUR HEATING BILLS! You may qualify for ABCD’s Fuel Assistance Program and be eligible for as much as $1,650 towards your heating costs (oil, gas, or electric). Maximum benefit is $1,650 Shown, from left to right, are State Representative Joseph McGonagle, Councillor-at-Large Stephanie Smith, Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro, Bishop Robert Brown, senior pastor of Zion Church Ministries, Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Cathy Draine, State Senator Sal DiDomenico and Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins during the kickoff event for Black History Month on February 2 at the Everett Community Health & Wellness Center. (Photos Courtesy of the City of Everett) Household of 1 = $40,951 Household of 2 = $53,551 Household of 3 = $66,151 Household of 4 = $78,751 Cold days are coming. ABCD’s got you covered. APPLY TODAY! Last day to apply is April 30, 2022 Residents of Boston, Brookline, and Newton: 178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA — 617.357.6012 Residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn: 18 Dartmouth Street, Malden, MA — 781.322.6284 Shown, from left to right, are Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro, Leo Robinson, candidate for State Representative, and State Senator Sal DiDomenico.
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