Anthony Flecther, M.D, Honored for Work on Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission

Dr. Anthony Fletcher, a local cardiologist, Past President of the American Heart Association South Central Affiliate Board of Directors, and Past Chair of the Central Arkansas Board for the Association was honored on Wednesday, October 28th. Fletcher was honored for his service as a founding member of the Arkansas State Tobacco Commission and has served for the past eight years. The Commission was formed when the state began receiving dollars from the Master Tobacco Settlement lawsuit.



Also honored were General Bill Lefler, D.D.S. who served as the Chair of the Commission and Dr. Omar Atiq of the Cancer Institute. All three were honored at the luncheon held at Trapnell Hall in Little Rock. Each were founding members of the Commission that has the task of oversite for the seven components of the state programs set forth in Initiated Act 1 0f 2000.



Honoring Fletcher - Aaron Black, Executive Director of the Tobacco Settlement Commission for Arkansas

Little Rock Prepares for “Fight of Our Life” Against Stroke Tour

Kirk Franklin Fight of Our Life Health Tour

The “Fight of Our Life Health Tour” is a seven-city concert tour that will land in Little Rock on Sunday, October 25 at the North Shore River Walk during Central Arkansas’ Cityfest with Luis Palau. In each tour city, the American Heart Association held auditions for local Gospel artists or groups to either perform with Franklin or be his opening act. Local gospel group “True Praise” was chosen to perform with Franklin. Also scheduled to appear at CityFest are gospel artists: Truby, Anthony Evans, Craig Morgan, Toby Mac, Living Sacrifice, Bread of Stone, Seventh Day Slumber, Newsboys and Cayerio.

Cityfest will also feature world-class skateboarders, BMX team riders, X-Games freestyle motocross demos, even surf shows and a Family fun Zone for youth. Stroke is the third-leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability among African-Americans. The African- American population has almost twice the risk of suffering first-ever strokes as compared to Whites, and African-Americans ages 35-54 have four times the relative risk of stroke.

To increase awareness and educate the African-American community about their risk, Grammy award-winning Gospel artist Kirk Franklin has teamed up with The American Heart Association’s Power to End Stroke Movement to launch the “Fight of Our Life Health Tour.” The theme is taken from Franklin’s 2007 album “The Fight of My Life” and uses the hit single “Declaration” as the underlying message of the campaign.

“Stroke is a serious health issue that is claiming the lives of our loved ones and we’re bringing increased awareness to help stop this devastation in our communities,” says Kirk Franklin. “I have teamed up with the American Heart Association’s Power to End Stroke Movement to bring the Fight of Our Life Health Tour. We’ll have concerts in seven cities with the hopes of empowering people and educating them about how to take control of their health. It’s time to stand up and do something about the thousands of people who are dying every year from stroke.” At each stop, thousands of concert-goers will hear an empowering message through the music, and Franklin will personally ask them to take the “pledge”—to make a declaration to take control of their health, reduce their risk for stroke and learn the warning signs of stroke.

“Stroke is a devastating and pervasive disease in our community, yet we have not done enough to educate and facilitate prevention,” said Senator Tracy Steele, Stroke Health Ambassador. “Partnering with Kirk Franklin will expand awareness and hopefully motivate us to change our behaviors. He is an anointed lyricist and musician who has an amazing way of connecting with people. And he walks the talk – practicing a lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise.”
About Cityfest and the Luis Palau AssociationCityFest is the wrap-up celebration of the Season of Service, a partnership with municipalities, churches and agencies to serve the needs of homelessness, families in need, health and wellness, education and neighborhood revitalization.

Produced by the Oregon-based Luis Palau Association in partnership with hundreds of local churches, businesses and individuals. Palau Festivals are faith-based celebrations featuring national recording artists, world-class action sports demonstrations, and activities for kids, teens and families. Since 1999, more than 8 million people have attended Palau festivals on four continents.

About Kirk Franklin: Kirk Franklin is the biggest selling Contemporary Gospel artist in the history of SoundScan, with over 14 million albums sold to date and over 20 #1 singles at Gospel radio. Franklin changed musical history in 1993 with the release of his debut album, KIRK FRANKLIN AND THE FAMILY, the first Gospel album to sell more than one million units. Franklin’s latest CD, THE FIGHT OF MY LIFE, was awarded two 2009 GRAMMY® Awards for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song for “Help Me Believe.” It follows his previous, RIAA-certified platinum CD, HERO, which remained in the Top 10 on the Billboard charts for close to two years after its release. To date, the musical trendsetter has garnered 7 GRAMMY Awards; an American Music Award; 35 Stellar Awards (gospel); 12 Dove Awards (CCM); 4 NAACP Awards; 2 BET Music Awards, a Soul Train Award and numerous others. In March 2009, Franklin resumed hosting the second season of the BET original series, SUNDAY BEST. The entrepreneur not only serves as host of the program, the channel's nationwide search for the next best gospel artist, but co-executive produces the series. A devoted husband, Franklin and his wife Tammy have been happily married for 13 years and are proud parents of four children.