Raising Awareness And Advocating For the Mental, Physical, Emotional and Cultural Health of a diverse ‘Black’ Community
The AmASSI Center for Black Wellness and Culture is a vital, innovative, education, healing, unification, health, well-being, critical-thinking and cultural affirmation (CTCA) organization, providing free and very low-cost programs, and initiatives focused on:
-Well-being (or mental health)
-Healthy Living Guidance
-Sexual Health
-Reducing threats to Optimal Health
-Self-Respect
-Responsible Behavior
-Advocacy
-Black Problem-Solving
-Critical Thinking
-Leadership Development
-Self-Image building
-Media Literacy
Also, we provide free math and English literacy tutoring, counseling, peer empowerment groups, substance abuse prevention education, fitness, networking opportunities, and good food.
Our Impact
Since 1989, AmASSI has transformed the lives of over 200,000 people of African descent, with projects in Baltimore, Washington DC, New York City, Oakland/Bay area, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami and the Hilbrow District of Johannesburg in Azania (or South Africa). AmASSI has been recognized as a model for health improvement strategies, identified by the United States Conference of Mayors Best Practices Center as a Best Practices organization, the American Journal of Public Health, POZ Magazine, AIDS Action, and the California Wellness Foundation.
AmASSI Founder, Dr. Cleo Manago, developed the peer-reviewed and noted Critical Thinking Cultural Affirmation (CTCA) risk behavior intervention. CTCA combines critical thinking methods, guidance on self-love and respect, individual psychological counseling and peer leadership with education on Black history, culture and a Black Health Literacy course. The CTCA intervention was community-generated, maintained, and approaches preventive health and sexual health responsibility by emphasizing cultural affirmation, critical thinking, intentionally constructive behaviors and life practices across the Black economic, sexuality, gender and family spectrum.
OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY
AmASSI centers community and cultural spaces are available for use and rental and have been a popular spot for retreats, receptions, community forums, training, and equivalent purposes.
