The Black Health Equity Initiative program at PPAZ was inspired by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) campaign to raise awareness of the disparities and racial stigmas faced by black people within the healthcare systems. Black Americans have a higher rate of unintended pregnancy and a higher rate of abortion than non-Hispanic whites and are three times more likely to die during childbirth. Black women are also 40% more likely to die from breast cancer. It is noted that high rates of abortions are related to poverty and lack of access to prevention services. With recent restrictions, bands, and political jargon around abortion access, it was made clear to me that the health of black people is at risk. PPFA is changing this organization one affiliate at a time. It is no longer enough to be black and invited to stand in the room, and we need a seat at the table to bring the changes we desire to fruition. This work to make intentional investments in equity and representation through artwork in our health centers was made possible through a generous grant.
Professional Artist Kris Rhymes was born and raised in South Phoenix. Rhymes had a fascination with Art at the age of 8 and slowly developed his talent to notable work, which became his profession.
Getting into the arts started as a way of seeing things that weren't his reality, creating out-of-the-norm things, and training his eye to the things he visualizes. As years went by, Kris wanted to take his self-taught talents and turn them into a business as an Entrepreneur.
His inspiration comes from human interaction, people, challenging the status quo, music, and nature, seeing it in close detail, and analyzing everything to his imagination by manifesting his thoughts on canvas.
Kris creates art that is tantalizing to the senses and musical nostalgia to the eyes! At 32, Kris Rhymes has two collections that are an extension to his Art brand of KRhymes Artistry, one using Chocolate Syrup and one using Music Album Covers.
His work has been exhibited in various venues such as LBJ Museum, Tempe History Museum, ASU Community Gallery, HQ Gallery, and many others. Rhymes also plans to debut one of his collections from the series, “WhatcanyacallIt” this year.
You can follow Kris on Instagram @krhymesartistry and visit his website at https://krhymesartistry.com/
Glendale Health Center Mural Artist
Tags: healthcenter, #blackhealthequity, art