OPINION | The 10th Annual Block Walk in Skyway Celebrates a Decade of Community Empowerment

by Dee Scott

Last Saturday was a love letter to the Skyway Community.

Nestled in the heart of one of the most underserved regions in Washington State, Skyway has long grappled with disparities in health care access and resources. However, for the past decade, one event has stood as a beacon of hope and change: the Cierra Sisters Annual Wellness Festival. The latest of which took place on Saturday, July 20.

Bridgette Hempstead, the CEO of Cierra Sisters Inc., and a proud resident of Skyway for over 40 years, founded the cancer support group on the belief that every community deserves access to quality health care and wellness resources.

The Cierra Sisters Annual Wellness Festival, now in its 10th year, embodies this mission by bringing vital health services and information directly to the streets of Skyway. As someone deeply rooted in this community, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of coming together to address our unique challenges.

Skyway is often overlooked when it comes to health care provisions, leading to significant health inequities. This community faces higher rates of chronic diseases, limited access to medical facilities, and a shortage of educational resources. The Wellness Festival was conceived as a grassroots response to these pressing issues. Our goal is to change the narrative and pave the way for positive health outcomes in Skyway.

This year's festival was a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the Skyway community that is on display daily despite the negative stereotypes cast upon it.

The Wellness Festival featured a range of activities and services designed to promote health and wellness. Free health screenings, vaccination clinics, mental health support, and wellness workshops were just a few offerings made available to attendees. These resources are critical in a community where access to health care is often limited by economic and geographical barriers.

Education is a cornerstone of our mission. Throughout the Wellness Festival, we provided information on various health topics, empowering residents with the knowledge they need to take control of their health. From nutrition and fitness to mental health and chronic disease management, our goal is to equip the community with the tools they need to lead healthier lives.

The success of the festival would not be possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors and community partners. Their contributions have been instrumental in making this event a reality. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of them for their dedication to the health and well-being of Skyway residents. Together, we made a difference, and we're creating a healthier future for our community.

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Wellness Festival in Skyway, we reflect on the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. We are committed to continuing our efforts, educating our community, and advocating for better health services in Skyway. This journey is far from over, and we will keep pushing forward, driven by our passion for health and community service. As we look to the future, our resolve remains strong. We are here to serve, to educate, and to heal.

The Wellness Festival showed that so many members of the Skyway community are committed to changing the narrative for a brighter, healthier Skyway.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Let us continue to work together, to uplift each other, and to bring hope and healing to Skyway. Here's to another decade of community empowerment and positive change and doing it "for the health of it."

The South Seattle Emerald is committed to holding space for a variety of viewpoints within our community, with the understanding that differing perspectives do not negate mutual respect amongst community members.

The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the contributors on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the Emerald or official policies of the Emerald.

Dee Scott is a realtor and member of the Cierra Sisters.

📸 Featured Image: The Cierra Sisters Annual Wellness Festival celebrating its 10th year in Skyway on July 20, 2024. (Photo: Susan Fried)