Advancing health equity through Afrocentric care and collective action.

Harambee Alliance for Health, Wellness & Aging Society (HAHWAS) is a Black-led health and wellness society based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

We serve as an Afrocentric, culturally affirming society, dedicated to advancing health equity for Black, African, and Caribbean (BAC) communities, as well as other racialized groups across the province.

We believe that health equity is a right for all seniors, not a privilege. We apply an Afrocentric approach that prioritizes cultural safety and equity in community health and wellness. Our goal is to support individuals and families in thriving physically, emotionally, and socially throughout their life course.

Our work includes health education, wellness services, mental health support, and social programs designed by and for our communities. We address the unique needs of Black people navigating health and social systems that too often overlook or exclude our realities.

Harambee Alliance stands as a trusted advocate and community partner, working to ensure that aging is visible, celebrated, and supported with dignity and justice for all.

Our work is guided by four core pillars:

CONNECTION

We foster meaningful connections across Black-led, Black-organized and Black-serving (B3) spaces. Through our annual symposium and expos, community events, virtual programs, social content, and our upcoming private membership platform, we uplift and amplify leaders, innovators, change-makers and our Black Advisory Committee across our networks.

REPRESENTATION

Centering Black lives, we identify, analyze, and address the systemic barriers affecting Black health outcomes. Our work includes research, data gathering, and community-informed advocacy that highlights both challenges and solutions.

EDUCATION

We provide our community with access to culturally relevant resources, leadership pathways, and professional development opportunities.

ENGAGEMENT

Through strategic partnerships and targeted programming, we equip individuals and organizations to thrive personally and professionally.

HAHWAS is dedicated to creating both a digital and physical hub for black healthcare professionals.