L.E.G.O. Black Family Wellness Expo

The South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter plans and develops transformational programs that have a measurable and sustainable impact on the community in the south suburbs and beyond. We thank you for your continued support.

South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter – The Links

Links Eliminating Gaps through Opportunities (LEGO) Black Family Wellness Expo will improve lives in the Black community.

South Suburban College - Student Entrance Door #8

Welcome to the L.E.G.O. Black Family Wellness ExpoDate: Saturday, March 15, 2025Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pmLocation: South Suburban College - Student Entrance Door #8REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Please register separately for your kids. Only one person per registration.The South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will hold our Links Eliminating Gaps through Opportunities (LEGO) Black Family Wellness Expo to reduce health disparities and address the overall wellness and well-being of the Black family. We will focus on safety, mental, physical, and financial health issues that negatively impact the health and quality of life for many in our community.Join us for a day filled with empowering messages from Illinois Representative Robin L. Kelly, Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Cook County Board of Commissioner President Toni Preckwinkle, and Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon. The day will include a complimentary continental breakfast, lunch, gift bags, giveaways, performances, an XTreme Hip Hop Step Aerobics, a resource fair, farmer's market, and interactive wellness workshops led by experts focused on the health and wellness of the Black family. Whether you're looking to understand how to prevent human trafficking; want to understand depression, Alzheimer’s, and dementia; need tips to effectively engage with law enforcement; seeking resources to build financial literacy for youth and prepare for college; want expert advice on navigating menopause, losing weight, planning your estate, and understanding breast health; or need a kidney screening, immunization, mammogram, or dental cleaning for your child, this community outreach event is for you!Please review the entire program (Full Agenda, Breakout Session #1, Breakout Session #2, Breakout Session #3, and Screenings &amp; Resources). You may only REGISTER FOR ONE WORKSHOP during each breakout session (Breakout Session #1, Breakout Session #2, and Breakout Session #3). That means you can have a maximum of ONE WORKSHOP in Breakout Session #1 (11:00 am - 11:45 am), a maximum of ONE WORKSHOP in Breakout Session #2 (12:45 pm - 1:30 pm), and a maximum of ONE WORKSHOP in Breakout Session #3 (1:45 pm - 2:30 pm).Mark your calendars, tell others, and bring your entire family and all your friends to the LEGO Black Family Wellness Expo.

Full Agenda

Inspirational music and continental breakfast. Located in the Cafeteria.

Inspirational Continental Breakfast

Welcome from the President of South Suburban College, Dr. Lynette Stokes. Located in the Performing Arts Center Theater.

Welcome from President of South Suburban College Dr. Lynette Stokes

Welcome by the members of The Links, Incorporated, South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter. Located in the Performing Arts Center Theater.

Welcome from South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter - The Links, Incorporated 

We will celebrate the children from our Links Eliminating Gaps through Opportunities (LEGO) Program with awards and a performance from Black Girls Dance. Located in the Performing Arts Center.

Awards Ceremony and Black Girls Dance Performance

When she was sworn into office on December 2, 2024, Monica Gordon became the youngest woman and just the third African American to serve as the Clerk of Cook County, one of the largest consolidated Clerk’s offices in the nation.

A longtime resident of the Southland, Ms. Gordon served as Cook County Commissioner for the 5th District prior to her election as Clerk. She served as Vice Chair of the Cook County Board’s Transportation Committee and has been active on issues involving health care and violence prevention, working to put her stamp on the 5th District by prioritizing the needs of residents with an emphasis on equity.

Message from Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon

Toni Preckwinkle is the 35th president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, an office she has held since 2010. As the top executive in Cook County, the nation’s second-most populous County, President Preckwinkle oversees one of the nation’s largest public health and hospital systems and one of the nation’s largest criminal justice systems. Located in the Performing Arts Center Theater.

Message - President Toni Preckwinkle of the Cook County Board of Commissioners

Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is excited to serve Illinois as the state’s 48th Lieutenant Governor. In this role, her portfolio includes leading the Justice, Equity and Opportunity Initiative, and chairing the Illinois Council on Women and Girls, the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, the Military Economic Development Council and the Illinois River Coordinating Council. She is the chair of the R3 Board (Restore, Reinvest, Renew) and she co-chairs the Opioid Prevention and Recovery Steering Committee.

Message from Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton

Congresswoman Robin Kelly has dedicated her career to public service as an advocate for Illinois families. Since being elected to serve the 2nd Congressional District in 2013, she has worked to expand economic opportunity, community wellness, and public safety across the state, championing numerous initiatives to generate job growth, reduce health disparities, and end gun violence.

Message from Congresswoman Robin Kelly

Select and register for ONLY ONE of the workshops listed under "Breakout Session #1." You can choose from: Human Trafficking 101, Discussing Breast Health, Weight Loss Strategies & Medications, CPR Training & Info, College Readiness, and Harambee Community Drumming.
Please check Breakout Session # 1 for more details.

Breakout Session #1 - Choose Only One

Complimentary lunch with music. Located in the Cofer Student Center Cafeteria.


Free Lunch

Select and register for ONLY ONE of the workshops listed under "Breakout Session #2." You can choose from: Effectively Engaging with Law Enforcement, Breaking the Stigma: Let's Talk About Depression, Decreasing Maternal Mortality, Xtreme Hip-Hop Step Aerobics, and Property After Death. Please check Session #2 for more details.


Breakout Session #2 - Choose Only One

Select and register for ONLY ONE of the workshops listed under "Breakout Session #3." You can choose from: Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia, Cannabis and Health, Navigating Menopause, Food As Medicine, and Financial Literacy for Youth.  Please check Session #3 for more details.

Breakout Session #3 - Choose Only One

Please see the Screenings & Resources section for details on our offerings, which include Free Kidney and diabetes Screenings, Free Immunizations, Mammograms—mobile van on-site, free Dental Exams and Cleaning for Kids—mobile van on-site, and a Free Resource Fair.

Screenings & Resources

Breakout Session #1

We all need tips to understand who's vulnerable to human trafficking. Join Darlene Bradley-White, a retired U.S. Department of Homeland Security special agent, as she shares insights and tips for preventing and understanding human trafficking. This is a session you don't want to miss.

Human Trafficking 101 

Our breast health is important. Black women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer than White women. Join Dr. Tiffany Robinson, who will share expert tips on maintaining good breast health.

Discussing Breast Health

Obesity rates are higher in the Black community than in other racial groups. We need evidence-based advice on weight-loss strategies and medications. Join family and obesity medicine physician Dr. Tony Hampton for expert tips to help you reach your health goals.

Weight Loss Strategies & Medications 

Did you know most cardiac arrests take place in the home? If CPR is performed immediately, it can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. Join Richard Amuzu from Vantage CPR to learn CPR tips and techniques. The life you save could be your parent’s, spouse’s, or child’s.

CPR Safety & Training - Kid Friendly

Historical disparities in education have disproportionately impacted Black communities. College readiness programs provide tools and resources that increase career opportunities, close wealth gaps, and help Black students flourish. Join Homewood-Flossmoor High School educator Brandi Mathis for tips on how to flourish on your journey to college. 

Black & College Bound - Kid Friendly

African drums are the "heartbeat" of many African cultures. If you desire cultural connection, community, and dialogue in the spirit of healing, the Harambee Community Drumming is for you. Harambee is an accessible, culturally focused, experiential drumming that promotes emotional awareness, self-regulation, and transformative somatic sensitivity. Join this interactive workshop as Kwame Cobb shows us how to use the vibrant rhythm of African drums to unite and inspire us. Kids and adults are welcome to drum and create a shared heartbeat of community connection.

Harambee Community Drumming - Kid Friendly

Breakout Session #2

Black people are more than twice as likely to be searched or arrested in a traffic stop. Join Chief of Hazel Crest Police Mitchell R. Davis III (2nd VP NOBLE) for an impactful workshop to help Black people effectively navigate interactions with law enforcement. This session is for children and the entire family to learn communication strategies, understand your rights, foster safer encounters, and empower you to advocate for yourself and your community. 

Effectively Engaging with Law Enforcement - Kid Friendly

Many Black people believe that admitting to depression is a sign of weakness, as we are expected to "tough it out" due to societal pressures. Join Dr. Dewnzar Howard-Jones from Edgewater Health for a safe, candid, and empowering presentation on the unique experiences surrounding depression in our community, debunk common myths, and provide actionable resources for healing and support.

Breaking the Stigma: Let's Talk About Depression

Research shows that 46% of Black maternal deaths were preventable. Join Dr. Lisa Green from Family Christian Health Center, who will share research and strategies to help decrease maternal mortality of Black women.

Decreasing Maternal Mortality

Are you ready to have fun, dance, break a sweat, and hear good hip-hop music? Join Chase West, the only Youth Master Trainer in Illinois, for an Xtreme Hip-Hop class you will never forget. This high-energy, full-body workout uses hip-hop music, aerobic steps, and other movements to improve fitness. This is a youth-friendly class, but we welcome adults of all ages.

Xtreme Hip-Hop Step Aerobics w/ Youth Master Trainer Chase West - Kid Friendly

Join the Cook County Clerk's Office and legal experts as they share the importance of having an estate plan and other alternatives for property owners.  You will learn how to transfer your property/home, car, and bank account to your beneficiaries upon their death without a will, without a trust, no legal fees, no probate court, and no court costs.   

Property After Death

Breakout Session #3

Black Americans are more likely to develop Alzheimer's and related dementias than White Americans. Join Dr. Jessica Wilson for an enlightening session to learn about early signs, risk factors, and prevention strategies designed to empower our community with trusted information and practical tips for family support.

Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia

Cannabis has been available for medicinal use in the state of Illinois since 2013. Join us for an insightful discussion exploring the intersection of cannabis and health. Learn what conditions qualify for medicinal use and the science behind how it works in the body. Whether you are curious about cannabis’s role in pain management, stress relief, or well-being, this presentation offers a supportive environment to learn and empower you to make informed decisions about your health. 

Cannabis and Health

Research shows that Black women reach menopause 8.5 months earlier than White women and will endure symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats for 3.5 years longer. Join Dr. Erica Taylor from the Cook County Physicians Association in a discussion to illuminate your path through menopause.

Navigating Menopause 


Locally grown produce is fresher and has more nutrients than imported and long-distance transported produce because it is harvested at peak ripeness and takes a shorter time to transport from the farm to our tables. Join Derek Drake, a local hydroponic gardener (person who grows produce in a nutrient-rich water solution instead of soil), in an engaging presentation that explores the impact and sustainability of locally grown nutrition on our health, well-being, and community.  

Food As Medicine - Kid Friendly

Research shows that increased financial literacy improves financial wellness among Black people. This interactive workshop is for young children, teens, and adults. Join Tremaine Tucker from Old National Bank, who will share tips to prepare our youth for financial freedom.

Financial Literacy for Youth - Kid Friendly

Black Americans are disproportionately affected by chronic kidney disease and experience significantly higher rates of kidney failure compared to other racial groups. MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER - WALK-INS ARE ALSO WELCOME! Please go to our website, mobilescreening.nkfi.org/preregistration to pre-register and complete your questionnaire prior to screening! Blood pressure - Blood Glucose*- HbA1c for diabetics - Body mass index (BMI) - Waist circumference - Urinalysis** - Blood draw (if necessary) - Talk about your results with a health care professional and receive a copy of your test results same day. *Fasting not required. **Urine sample will be required.

Free Kidney & Diabetes Screenings

Mammography screening is considered a critical tool in mitigating disparities. Get your Mammogram in the Roseland Community Hospital mobile van. First-come, first-served basis. Located outside in Roseland Community Hospital mobile van.

Mammogram - Mobile Van Onsite

Research shows 26% of Black children have untreated tooth decay, almost double the rate of White children. Bring your kids from birth to 17 years old for a free dental exam and cleaning with Roseland Community Hospital's Dental Van. School forms can be completed. No insurance is needed. Located outside in Roseland Community Hospital mobile van.

Dental Exam & Cleaning for Kids - Mobile Van Onsite

We will have free resources from over 15 vendors that include: Black K.A.R.E. South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; Child Seat Technicians from Illinois Tollway; Delta Research Education Fund with Dr Yvonne Collins for understanding clinical trials; Cook County Clerk's Office for support with property tax services, vital records, veteran services, recordings, and elections; Ditto Foods with Derrick Drake a local hydroponic gardener, for healthy food resources; Family Christian Health Center for healthcare resources; Gift of Hope for organ donor resources; IPASS On Demand and free KIDS IDs from Illinois Tollway; Resources on HIV and Prep from Onyx Medical Wellness; Under Carrey's Child Care and LEGACY for child care resources; Metropolitan Family Services  - Calumet Center for domestic violence and violence prevention resources; and NO COST Farmer's Market from Blue Cross Blue Shield.

FREE Resource Fair

Black Americans have the highest rate of flu-associated hospitalizations and are hospitalized at more than triple the rate of White Americans. Vaccines are a vital part of preventing illness and promoting long-term wellness. Come visit pharmacists from Walgreens to get immunizations that include: Covid, flu, shingles, pneumonia, and RSV. 

Immunizations from Walgreens

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L.E.G.O. Black Family Wellness Expo

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L.E.G.O. Black Family Wellness Expo

More events from South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter – The Links

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