Young Benton Harbor community advocate Traci Burton has been busy in recent weeks crafting what she hopes will be another viral social media hit designed to create awareness and inspiration in the middle of the pandemic, focusing on health disparities and the importance of inclusion in Michigan’s Great Southwest and beyond.
Burton is part of an array of musical artists and community health advocates in Benton Harbor who have crafted a community partnership focusing on cultural relevancy in COVID-19 communications through Spectrum Health Lakeland’s Community Grand Rounds project.
As COVID-19 further illuminates health disparities, it also further heightens the importance of inclusion and representation in health communications.
Dr. Lynn Todman, PhD, Vice President of Health Equity for Spectrum Health Lakeland, says, “Simply put, communities need access to health services, PPE, and information,” and adds, “Communities also need trusted sources to deliver information that is particularly meaningful and easily accessible.”
Through a grant from the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, aimed at addressing the disparate impact of COVID-19 experienced by African Americans in Benton Harbor, Spectrum Health Lakeland mobilized free services including:
- COVID-19 testing
- Health screenings
- Personal protective equipment
- School kits for remote learning
- Assistance navigating mental health and legal services
The grant also funded a unique partnership with Benton Harbor community advocate, Traci Burton, who enlisted the talent of local musical artists to develop COVID-19 safety and health awareness communications tailored toward youth and young adults. Burton produced a viral video with Benton Harbor Area Schools students that amassed over 200,000 views on Facebook, earning her recognition in the March 2020 Black History edition of Time Magazine.
Burton contends, “Music and the power of words resonate with communities of color,” and adds, “That is true of our Benton Harbor community, particularly among young people. I love this community and want to encourage the people I care about to do their part in helping to control the spread of this virus. Music, fueled by young talent, is the perfect way to do it.”
The result is an awareness campaign called “Play Your Part,” which features two songs written and produced by regional artists.
West Michigan health and human services organizations, including Spectrum Health and Grand Rapids African American Health Institute, have joined the effort. Community members and organizations also are invited to participate by sharing the songs via social media.
Dr. Todman says, “We hope this music speaks to communities all over Michigan,” and suggests that, “Ultimately, this collaboration is about helping individuals receive the information they need to make decisions about their health. Those messages can and should look different for every community.”
“Play Your Part” is an anthem of hope and inspiration, encouraging people to actively participate in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Watch it here:
https://www.facebook.com/101276974786553/videos/451934522880265
A second song, “Corona Season” is a youthful approach to a message about staying safe during the pandemic. Watch it at this link:
These are the artists involved in the project:
- Casey Baker is from Gary Indiana. He was a lyricist and co-producer for “Play Your Part.”
- Cornell Burton Jr. is a national recording artist. He was a sound engineer and producer for “Play Your Part.”
- Traci Burton is a community influencer in Benton Harbor as well as an entrepreneur. She rallies local talent to positively impact the lives and health of those in her community. She co-produced “Corona Season.”
- Jazariah Farmer, also known as “Zah Zah the Great,” is an 11-year-old writer and performer from Benton Harbor who attends Lake Michigan Catholic school. Jazariah wrote and performed “Corona Season.”
- Byron Tate (El Zappo Foreign) is an Atlanta-based music artist and producer. A Benton Harbor native, Zapp continues to use his influence to uplift his hometown. He helped develop “Corona Season” and shares production acknowledgments with Traci Burton and Darrick Palmer.
- Darrick Palmer is an 18-year-old Benton Harbor resident and beat producer on “Corona Season.”
- Reginald Peoples is a Kalamazoo, Michigan native who served as sound producer for “Corona Season.”
- Vanshelli Price is a Michigan native, social media publicist and digital content creator who provided the cover art design and social media promotion for “Corona Season.” She also provided visuals for “Play Your Part.”
- D’Myron Guidry is a Benton Harbor native and creative film director who provided the creative visual for “Corona Season.”
“Corona Season” premiered during a Facebook Live community conversation held this morning, Friday, February 5th. Moderated by Spectrum Health, the discussion focused on delivering culturally relevant content to African Americans and other minority communities. You can view the full conversation at this link:
