Syracuse NY – As the coronavirus pandemic sweeps across the United States, African Americans are being infected and dying at a disproportionately high rate. A broad ranging partnership led by 100 Black Men, with the help of the Syracuse Community Health Center, CNY Jazz, and a host of area health services and media organizations, kicks off their weekly “Don’t Bring it Home” testing event series this Thursday, August 27th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Syracuse Community Health Center site, 819 S. Salina St. Live music will be on hand, provided by some of the members of the legendary local RnB band the BlackLites, who are calling themselves the “BlackLites Lite” for the occasion. Free masks, sanitizers, and other health awareness information will be given out to everyone driving or walking through the site. This initiative has the primary goals of controlling community spread in urban locations by increasing testing by urban residents and sensitizing urban youth about safe public health practices.
“Coming to one of these events just might be the high point of your week under present conditions, folks,” commented Larry Luttinger, organizer of the events. “We’re trying to make it as pleasant and fun as possible to do your part by getting tested, which takes all of six seconds. We have 2,500 goodie bags filled with masks, sanitizers, and health information to give out. With the best urban musicians in town serenading you while you wait? Come on, man! The more testing, the more we can control this pandemic, plain and simple.”
Those coming to get tested must bring a driver’s license, and an insurance card if they have one.
Event volunteers at the four events will come from the ranks of 100 Black Men of Syracuse, United Healthcare, Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and CNY Jazz.
SCHEDULE
6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 with the BlackLites Lite
6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 with Ronnie Leigh
6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept.10 with Mike Houston & Sam Wynn
6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept.. 17 with the BlackLites Lite
The testing site is also open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. through 8 p.m. on the Thursdays above, Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For a full schedule and all details about the Don’t Bring It Home campaign, visit http://www.cnyjazzinthecity.org/
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