Get Into the Rhythm of Wellness in Prospect Park

Where do New York City’s top DJs, most vibrant fashion, family-friendly activities, fitness workshops and health and wellness resources come together? Right in the heart of Brooklyn’s Backyard at the Community Health Awareness and Family Reunion Day of Fun on Sunday, August 18, at Lefferts Historic House.

The event is the brainchild of Brooklynites James Frazier and DJ T-Groove who established the Family Reunion Initiative when they saw firsthand how coming out of the pandemic that many fell out of traditional primary care and health screenings. The initiative engages the Brooklyn community in the importance of health and wellness by leveraging family-friendly community events with music, fashion and more. The event includes a celebration of the 30th anniversary of iconic Moshood Fashions; a book signing with the legendary Harold Dow of The Dow Twins for their new book “50 Years of Disco Reflection: The Dow Twins Legacy”; free health screenings, Zumba and aerobics with instructor LyneLuvDance; music by DJ T-Groove, DJ ADAPTA and DJ Debonair, hosted by Sherwin XL; and much more.

From producing television shows to managing musicians, Frazier is immersed in the ways entertainment can bring people together. “I was looking at the data in our community about high blood pressure and diabetes and knew we needed to do our part. It’s powerful to bring people together in a party type of setting, and to have that celebratory space be a place for health education and resources. There is really a need for this.” 

It is also Frazier’s music industry connections that first introduced him to the Alliance. “I learned about Lefferts Historic House from my longtime collaborator DJ Vic Black of the Gangstarr group. I came out to the Lefferts Historic House, met the Prospect Park Alliance team and learned about the work happening here and thought, ‘This is a gem!’ I knew we had to collaborate,” shares Frazier. “My partners and I are already on the ground doing this work out in the community, so it was truly a no-brainer to connect with Prospect Park Alliance. The work happening with the Alliance’s ReImagine Lefferts initiative is a natural fit alongside our work to engage our community while addressing the clear need for health resources.” 

“Prospect Park is a place of comfort and healing to so many – whether through the wellness benefits of spending time in nature, finding community at public programs, and making memories with loved ones, the park is truly where life happens.” shares Prospect Park Alliance President, Morgan Monaco. “Teaming up with the Family Reunion initiative to offer park-goers essential wellness support and education here in Brooklyn’s Backyard while fostering joy and celebrating with loved ones is core to what our open green spaces are all about, and what make them so essential to our community.” 

“The goal is to unite the community as a whole, regardless of race, gender, and class, to foster a real nurturing environment without fear, and to support our youth with the correct tools so they can in turn empower their peers,” says DJ T-Groove. The Family Reunion team launched their first Prospect Park-based event at Lefferts Historic House in 2023, inspired by the work of Noel Hankin, a giant in the ’70s and ’80s in disco clubs in New York City, who catapulted the disco industry worldwide. Back for a second year with many new community collaborators, this can’t-miss event will bring the community together through community partners, local businesses and nonprofit organizations, all with a shared vision or a thriving Brooklyn community.

RSVP Today to join the Community Health Awareness and Family Reunion Day of Fun.