This Heritage Matters panel discussion explores children’s health through the lens of mental and physical health, cultural identity, family and community dynamics.

The Children’s Health, Culture, & Community panel brought together presenters from three CCA member communities. Muhammad Sankari, Youth Organizer at Arab American Action Network discusses how his organization creates a safe space for youth to build healthy relationships and assist with their dual cultural identity. Peggy Montes, a former Chicago Public School teacher and a founder of the Bronzeville Children’s Museum, explains how her museum creates interactive exhibits that educate children and their parents about cultural heritage and healthy lifestyles. Veronica Ocasio, representative from the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, shares her institute’s role in helping to develop the Humboldt Park community into a campus of wellness.

Jenifer Cartland, Ph. D., Research Associate Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is the moderator of the discussion. “The social environment plays a critical role in the health of young people, so it is important to consider the role cultural organizations play in creating healthy community environments,”  said Dr. Cartland, commenting on the panel.

Heritage Matters is a panel discussion series at Chicago Cultural Alliance

that engages CCA member organizations to speak about contemporary issues.

Recorded live Thursday, February 7, 2013 at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.