Brain EmPower at the Juneteenth Barbecue

June 19, 2025
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, East 56th Place, Chicago, IL, USA

Program Series:
Health and WellnessScience and Society

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Join us for Brain EmPower, a vibrant and engaging community event taking place during the Juneteenth Celebration at the DuSable Black History Museum. Designed to uplift and inform, this event centers on the power of brain health as a foundation for living well at every age and stage of life.

Hosted in collaboration with partner organizations from Chicago’s south and west side communities, this health fair–with a fresh twist–will bring resources, activities, and community-based experts to the South Side community. Participants can satisfy their curiosity about how nutrition, physical wellness, and everyday habits support lifelong brain health through interactive stations, mini-workshops, and family-friendly activities. Free giveaways, healthy snacks, and wellness tools will be available for attendees of all ages.

Whether you’re curious about how to boost your brain health or just looking for a fun, informative day with the community, stop by and celebrate wellness, culture, and connection with us at the DuSable!

 

 

 

Event Details

This event is open to the public and free of charge, as part of a series in partnership with C2ST and Worldview Studio, funded by the DANA Foundation. By connecting science and community, the series aims to promote mental well-being and spark meaningful discussions about brain health in the Chicago area.

We are dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for everyone. Please respect diversity in individuals and in cultures. Science in the Community is an ongoing effort by C2ST to live up to our philosophy that “Science is for Everyone.” Not only do we want to join your community, but we want to return and provide science programs that are relevant to you in the future.

Featured Guests

Louis Alamilia

For the past six years, Louis has worked as a Registered Dietitian for Alivio Medical Center, a non-profit organization focused on providing affordable healthcare. As a Chicago native, born and raised in Little Village, he is a natural advocate for local and marginalized communities. Patient visits focus on managing chronic health conditions through medical nutrition therapy, as well as learning how to eat healthy, balanced meals while on a budget. Louis Alamilla received his Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and a Master of Science in Nutrition from Dominican University in River Forest, IL, in 2016 and 2018. Continuing education includes Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) through the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE).

Susana A. Bañuelos

Susana A. Bañuelos – Ollin Kuikatl Tekpatl has been a traditional ceremonial Aztec/Mexica dancer for over 30 years.  This tradition has been an instrument for healing from personal/colonial/historic trauma and has empowered and inspired her to channel new ceremonial songs of thankfulness and appreciation for all life and nature.

Through a partnership with After School Matters, she has shared traditional ceremonial dances/songs, pre-Hispanic rhythms, cultural concepts/crafts, basic Nahuatl vocabulary, workshops and presentations with Chicago highschool students and the general community.  Always highlighting the message that through the practice of ceremonial dances and songs we can release positivity and negativity in a creative/harmonious and responsible way while also connecting profoundly with nature and expressing thankfulness and appreciation.  Using her experience in the Aztec dance tradition, she co-facilitates racial healing circles with ReKinNectar, L3C.

Aniki Shani Coates

Aniki Shani Coates is a certified Horticultural Therapist, Master Urban Farmer, and sustainable agriculture specialist. She is the Founder and Owner of Know Good & Well, a holistic wellness venture integrating therapeutic horticulture, urban farming, and culinary arts. She serves as the Senior Manager of Horticulture and Wellness at Bethel New Life, leading urban agriculture initiatives and food ecosystem development.

Aniki is a certified Beekeeper, Environmental Literacy Educator, and professional chef trained at Washburne Culinary Institute, specializing in plant-based cuisine and food literacy. She holds multiple certifications, including Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture (Chicago Botanic Garden), Sustainable Urban Agriculture (City Colleges of Chicago), and Good Agricultural Practices & Produce Safety (Illinois Extension).

She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Herbalism, and Arboriculture certification, integrating nature-based healing into wellness programming. Through Know Good & Well, she highlights the connection between faith, healing, and nature, emphasizing God’s provision in wellness and holistic living. She also works as an Outpatient Therapist with New Life Knew Solutions, a mental health provider located on Bethel New Life’s campus.