by Dianne Anderson

What’s in style this week and is it the same as last week? If so, will it fit? Does it look good? Am I healthy enough? Do I look good?

At the upcoming “Stepping Back into the Fifties Fashion & Luncheon,” women will learn the power of positive self-image and access health support, how to stay mentally healthy, all while supporting a good cause.

Lou Dowdy of LUE Productions Community Umbrella said their upcoming “Women Over 50” fundraiser promises a full day of entertainment, good energy, and resources.

“We go through a lot of different things, especially when we get up in age,” she said. “My hair, am I still beautiful? Just accepting ourselves for who we are, and all the stuff we deal with in life, from wives to mothers and caregivers and all that jazz.”

On Saturday, June 28, doors open to the event that runs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Premier Event Hall, located at 320 North E. Street, San Bernardino. Tickets are $65.

Dowdy, president of the Inland Cities East Chapter of the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, said they teamed up with the African American Health Coalition to increase awareness of being strong, positive, and empowered.

“What we’re doing is bringing awareness to mental health, and promoting African American women 50 and over, and women 50 and over are going to be part of our fashion show. We’ll also have raffle prizes,” she said.

Dowdy, who performs as lead singer with her group, Lue and the LUEBellas, said it’s a great day planned with a special appearance by Kiki Shepherd, acclaimed host of “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.”

Also featured are live performances by local old school R&B, The Bromatics, comedian Kevin Davis “The Marine of Comedy,” and soloist Maurice Howard.

They are still accepting vendors for only $50, for everything except food, but particularly in keeping with the event’s theme so that women can shop for goods during the breaks.

Dowdy said it also helps promote local businesses.

“Whether clothing vendors, jewelry vendors, merch vendors, informational vendors, and other organizations that may have resources regarding mental health, we want them as well,” she said.

Models are lined up for the event, with a few local recognizable names.

“We are still looking for models. If you’re 50 plus and you want to be part of what we’re doing, we’d love to have you,” she said.

Overall general health is also closely connected to mental health. Being taken seriously at the doctor’s office is another hurdle to get over. Black women often deal with higher rates of misdiagnosis or undiagnosis.\

Local health advocate Linda Hart will also speak at the event. She said Black women have to work a lot harder on the mental aspect of health, even besides menopause, which brings a new level of heat.

All of the inconvenience, often while caring for aging family members, can be a heavy load.

Along with self-reflection and self-appreciation, she said the luncheon features great 50s music, and a delicious brunch, with connections to services including several resource vendors. The ladies will likely be talking through their own lived experiences of surviving the times.

Hart’s initiative is focused on increasing awareness of how Black women over 50 can get and stay mentally healthier. Ageism is among the many challenges, which includes marriage.

As women get older, she said it’s slim pickings, particularly as they’ve climbed the career ladder. Beyond issues of self-worth and beauty, there is also a challenging fight to access health services, and be taken seriously by doctors who downplay their symptoms.

Black women are also more likely to be misdiagnosed, which puts them at the highest risk of dying from breast cancer. Other women, in trying to get respect within the medical establishment, may choose not to go to the doctor for help.

But Hart said women need to fight smarter, not harder, for healthcare is what’s needed. She has a friend who went to the doctor and experienced what could be a life-threatening misdiagnosis until she went for a second opinion, who told her she better go see an oncologist.

“There is a connection between mental health, disparities, and racism. Physical health is connected to mental health,” she said. “It’s a combination, it’s chronic pain. We have the most aggressive breast cancers and are being diagnosed at a late stage due to physicians not caring or going in late for checkups.”

One survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, “Survey on Racism, Discrimination and Health – Findings,” found that Black women are significantly impacted by unfair treatment in the medical system.

“Such experiences lead to negative health outcomes, with 13% reporting worsened health, 19% being less likely to seek care, and 27% switching providers. These statistics highlight the pervasive impact of discrimination on healthcare experiences,” the survey showed.

Hormonal fluctuations impact mood, but can also lead to more aggressive hormone-based breast cancer.

Hart said Black women need to know the truth and take charge of their mental health and care for their own bodies. She hopes that women at the event will become more empowered and inspired by women like Kiki Shepherd, still ageless and unchanging.

“I hope they will walk away knowing they’re not alone, and what are some of the ways I can stay well,” she said. “I want women to walk away knowing they are still vibrant and beautiful as ever. Life doesn’t stop at the age of 50. It’s just beginning.”

To sponsor or attend, see https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/wwwlueproductionsorg/stepping-back-into-the-fifties-fashion-luncheon

To avoid any online fees, call 909.567.1000 or email Dowdy at Lue.info@yahoo.com

To learn, see
https://lpcommunityumbrellaservices.com
https://theaamhc.org