AAMWA in Chicago: Black Men’s Wellness & Community Action in 2026

AAMWA Chicago 2026 Wellness Events

February 11, 2026
Chicago Men’s Wellness Day Committee Meeting
6:00–8:00 PM
1301 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL
Community members and partners gather to help plan and strengthen Chicago’s annual wellness efforts culminating in a special event on:

June 20, 2026
Black Men’s Wellness Day – Chicago Washington Park (51st St. & St. Lawrence)
A citywide wellness event featuring free health screenings, fitness activities, and family-friendly programming.

Get involved. Stay informed. Support Black men’s health and wellness in our community.

What the Organization Is & Its Mission

The African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA) is a national nonprofit dedicated to improving the health, wellness, and life outcomes of Black men and their families. Its mission is to uplift, empower, and support Black men on their journey toward healing and well-being through free community-based programs that address health disparities, chronic disease prevention, and holistic wellness. Campaigns and screenings are offered at no cost to participants.  

AAMWA aims to reduce preventable premature death and disease by connecting underserved communities with education, resources, screenings, and culturally relevant support. The organization emphasizes proactive health management, early detection, and community awareness with the core message: “Know your numbers” — meaning know your blood pressure, diabetes risk, and other key health indicators.  

History & Growth

AAMWA was founded in 2004 as part of a broader movement to confront health inequities impacting Black men, especially patterns of chronic disease and avoidable mortality. Initially structured around community screenings and outreach, the initiative quickly expanded into a full-fledged wellness agency. Today, it operates in 20+ U.S. cities — from Columbus and Cleveland to Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, and Chicago — and reaches hundreds of thousands every year through events and partnerships.  

Over the years, its work has grown beyond health screenings into programs addressing:

• Fatherhood and family support

• Financial wellness and stability

• Mental health and stigma reduction

• Opioid misuse awareness

• Women’s health (“UpLift Her”)
   

AAMWA has also gained recognition from national figures and government leaders for its impact on public health awareness in Black communities.  

Core Programs & Initiatives

AAMWA’s work is structured around several key pillars:

Health & Wellness Screenings

Free screenings for blood pressure, diabetes risk, and more — designed to empower individuals with knowledge about their health.  

Black Men’s Wellness Day

This flagship awareness campaign — an event featuring health screenings, 5K walks, vendor resources, and community activities — encourages Black men to take charge of their health and live longer, healthier lives.  

Mental Wellness

Through sessions like Real Men Real Talk, the agency creates safe spaces for men to discuss mental health, stress, and emotional wellness without stigma.  

Fatherhood Support

Programs to strengthen father-child relationships and promote positive family engagement.  

Financial Wellness & Education

Resources that connect physical health with economic stability and financial literacy.  

Opioid Awareness

Strengthening community understanding of opioid misuse and prevention strategies.  

UpLift Her

An initiative focused on women’s health and encouraging women of color to prioritize their own wellness.  

AAMWA also produces podcasts and media (e.g., More Than A Walk; Real Men Real Talk) that amplify stories, tools, and community resources.  

Chicago Activities in 2026

In Chicago in 2026, AAMWA is actively organizing local efforts under its national wellness framework. Events and community building include:

Men’s Wellness Day Committee Meeting

A planning and engagement meeting for Chicago’s 2026 Men’s Wellness Day — scheduled for February 11, 2026, bringing community leaders, volunteers, and stakeholders together to prepare for the main event and support local rollout.  

Ongoing Programming

While detailed full-year schedules may be updated by AAMWA, the Chicago hub promotes:

• Wellness screenings and awareness activities

• Community engagement opportunities

• Volunteer, sponsor, and partnership options

• Chances to join planning committees and support local outreach
   

All activities are offered with the intent to support local Black men and families, improve health outcomes, and build sustainable wellness ecosystems in the city.  

Why AAMWA Matters

AAMWA addresses systemic health inequities that disproportionately affect Black communities — where rates of preventable disease, undiagnosed conditions, and economic stressors create shorter lifespans and limited access to care. By bringing resources directly into neighborhoods, offering free services, and normalizing conversations about health (physical and mental), the agency stands at the intersection of public health and cultural empowerment.  

Its work in Chicago is a continuation of a nationwide movement for wellness equity — turning awareness into action, and community presence into measurable health outcomes.

Click here to learn more about the organization and click here to learn more about the Chicago Hub and see an event day video here.