Root Magazine Launches “Rooted In Wellness ” Initiative at 16th Anniversary Celebration and Live Gospel Showcase in Nashville, TN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hasan James, Founder & CEO
Root Magazine, LLC
Email: hasan@rootmagazineonline.com
Phone: 215-316-8163
New York, NY – July 31, 2025 – Root Magazine, one of gospel music’s premier publications, proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking health awareness initiative, Rooted In Wellness, during its Sixteenth Anniversary Celebration and Annual Live Musical Showcase. The event will take place on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Analog at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville, TN, as part of Stellar Awards weekend and is free of charge.
Rooted In Wellness is a new multimedia initiative and movement created by Root Magazine and Founder/CEO Hasan James, designed to address the critical health disparities impacting African-American communities—most urgently, the growing obesity crisis. The program will be announced at the event showcase and will unite trusted voices from faith, gospel music, and healthcare to create a culturally relevant, spiritually grounded wellness platform.
According to recent studies, 49.6% of African-American adults are affected by obesity and chronic illnesses, with faith-based communities particularly vulnerable. These health disparities are often exacerbated by socioeconomic factors and historical mistrust in healthcare systems, making it essential to engage trusted voices within the community — such as faith leaders and gospel artists — to help drive change.
“The declining state of health in the African-American communities demands that we do more — in more places, with more people — to educate and activate around preventative care and healthy habits. What better community to begin this movement than the gospel community?”
— Hasan James, Founder/CEO, Root Magazine.
For years, Root Magazine has partnered with organizations, like St. Jude to emphasize their commitment to help highlight and fight worthy causes. This year, Root Magazine will look at a serious obesity trend in the African-American community with the help and in partnership with Novo Nordisk Inc. as Title Sponsor.
Event Highlights
What: Rooted In Wellness Live Musical Showcase
When: Friday, August 15, 2025, 1PM-5PM
Where: Analog at The Hutton Hotel, Nashville, TN
Who Should Attend: Gospel music lovers, health advocates, industry executives and tastemakers
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/tn–nashville/rootmagazine/
Title Sponsor: Novo Nordisk Inc.
Host:
– Tasha Page-Lockhart, award-winning gospel artist and Rooted In Wellness Ambassador
Artist Line-Up:
– SEMAJE (Billboard Top 20)
– Brandon Watts and Selah Sound (Debut Gospel Album REWIND)
– Soul Therapy (Contemporary Quartet)
– ANTHNY (Rising Worship Artist)
-Chrystal Rucker (Contemporary & Traditional Gospel)
-Jonathan Nelson (Prolific Gospel Artist & Song Writer)
About Rooted In Wellness
Rooted In Wellness is a faith-based wellness movement focused on uplifting and empowering Black communities to live fuller, healthier lives — mind, body, and spirit. Through storytelling, partnerships with health professionals and community engagement, the initiative promotes preventative care, personal wellness journeys, and spiritual motivation.
Why it Matters:
Nearly 1 in 2 Black adults face obesity and chronic illness. Rooted In Wellness meets the moment with a vision where faith meets fitness and gospel meets goals, offering a safe and inspirational space to confront and overcome health challenges.
About Root Magazine
Founded by Hasan James, Root Magazine has grown into one of gospel music’s most influential voices, spotlighting artists such as Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, Kierra Sheard, and many more. Celebrated for excellence in journalism and gospel culture, Root Magazine continues to lead the way in community engagement and cultural impact.
Recent Honors Include:
– Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductee (2025)
– Urban Soul Cafe Honors (2024)
– One Way Radio Awards – Digital Magazine of the Year (2024)
– Vizion Awards – Excellence in Journalism (2023)
– Black Men Rock Trailblazer Award (2019)
– Alliance of Philadelphia Pinnacle Award Winner (2018)
Suggested Hashtags:
#RootedInWellness, #RootMagazine
Data Source by:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10107750/?
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity?
