Story is power.

Here at iwes we’re dedicated to using the power of story, community-driven and participatory data, lived experience and ancestral wisdom to change outdated, incorrect and misguided narratives about the health and well-being of our community, especially that of Black and Brown folk. to achieve this goal, we have created a variety of public awareness and social marketing campaigns in partnership with community members and organizations alike. Below is the list of our current campaigns. Check out their websites and social media channels, and if you’d like to get involved with either one of them, contact Iman Shervington.

 

IN THAT NUMBER

In That Number is a social marketing campaign that strives to change negative perceptions of youth in the Greater New Orleans area and advocate for more trauma-informed services for young people both in and outside of schools. The campaign began in 2016 by sharing narratives from young people that experienced trauma, then expanded to share narratives from youth that experienced hate/discrimination and/or bullying. The current iteration of the campaign was launched in 2020, which focuses on key sectors of the city that would benefit from an increase in trauma-informed services, specifically the education and juvenile justice sectors. To read narratives from youth that have been in the juvenile justice system, and long time educators and school administrators, check out the links below.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

 

#THISISWHY

#ThisIsWhy explores the inequities prevalent in U. S. healthcare systems that lead to disparities in African American health (#ThisIsWhyWeDie), while also highlighting champions of Black wellness in all forms to defy the narrative that African American culture is to blame for poor health outcomes (#ThisIsWhyWeThrive). The campaign launched in the Summer of 2020 following the public acknowledgment of Black health disparities that the COVID-19 pandemic displayed by sharing narratives from people that had harmful, negative experiences with healthcare systems due to being Black. The campaign has also shared quotes and blogs from folks within healthcare systems, as well as Black folk helping all Black folk THRIVE! Hear their stories and find out more from our Thrive partners, as well as advice on how we can create more equity within healthcare systems by following the links below.

INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

*If you’re interested in sharing a negative experience you had with a healthcare system (hospital, clinic, staff, etc.) due to being Black, please contact Iman Shervington.