Already nostalgic: A photo review of the CCPH National Conference
I just returned from what was an INCREDIBLE experience. I was in Houston, TX for the Community-Campus Partnerships in Health‘s national conference. The conference shed light on the increasing number of collaborative efforts between community organizations and academic institutions that aim to promote social justice and health equity in their shared communities. Indeed, I presented the work of the multi-institutional coalition that was formed during my fellowship year between the tri-co, Drexel, Villanova, and Lankenau Medical Center.
The conference ran from April 18th to the 21st and was very much a working conference. The days began at 7 am and ended around 5 pm. Notably, I attended a workshop on geographic information systems (GIS) in community-based research, a “lessons-learned” lecture on a university-community partnership between UCSF and 12 neighboring organizations, and a networking event for conference attendees from the mid-atlantic region. While presentations and workshops filled the days, the conference hosts fed us well! Catered breakfast, lunch, and dinner was provided every day.
The weather in Houston was gorgeous– the temperature hovered between 60 – 80 degrees throughout the day and night with virtually no humidity. So I simply couldn’t resist the chance to explore the city . My city adventures took me to galleries, parks, and eateries scattered throughout Houston’s multi-center cityscape.
I could keep rambling, but I’ll let my pictures do the talking:
The central meeting area was the Westin Galleria Hotel's ballroom! General lectures and meals were held here for the 500 attendees.
My poster and me! I presented a poster on the collaborative efforts between The Center for Public Health Research at Lankenau, the CPGC, and other nearby colleges. I received lots of great feedback at the conference!
This architectural feat was located right behind my hotel. The waterwall is a semi-circular waterfall that stands at 64 feet.
Houston does not have a subway or trolley system. Rather, they have one tram that runs up and down the central downtown area. However, the tram's tracks are lined with an exquisite garden and fountain! How lovely!
After walking all over Houston, I stumbled upon this tiny Mexican eatery. Super cheap and super delicious. I wish I remembered the name of the place, as their tacos were, perhaps, the best I've ever devoured.
The best art exhibit in the city: Project Row House (PRH). PRH is a neighborhood-based cultural epicenter in Houston's Third Ward. PRH repurposed 12 row homes that serve as exhibition spaces for resident artists to celebrate African American history and culture. For more info, visit their website: http://projectrowhouses.org/
Just south of the downtown area was Hermann Park. My favorite section was the wildlife preserve, which provided a striking contrast to the city's skyline.
Another amazing (and free) art space in Houston is the Station Museum. A huge warehouse dedicated to the contemporary and fine arts. Their current exhibitions depict the Occupy movement through photo and conceptual art installations. For more info on the museum: http://www.stationmuseum.com//index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
The BEST part of the conference was the community site visits. The conference had arranged for participants to sign up to tour different community organizations in Houston. I had the opportunity to visit The Baker-Ripley Community Center. The center is the flagship center of Neighborhood Centers, a nonprofit that works with communities to create safe and resource-rich areas in their communities. For more info on Neighborhood Centers: www.neighborhood-centers.org/en-us/default.aspx
The Baker-Ripley Center was, literally, a campus of buildings designed for and by the surrounding community. There were classrooms, a library, health and legal clinics, a credit union, and park. But the coolest building was the "Art Shop" shown above. The center hosted 3 resident artists each year to beautify the surrounding neighborhoods through workshops and larger art installations.
Did I mention the center houses a neighborhood elementary school? Yeah, well, they do! And we got to hang out with the first graders during their gardening class. During this time we learned how to seed different plants like basil, chamomile, etc. So much fun!
To celebrate my last night in Houston, I went out to the oldest bar in the city: La Carafe. Dimly let with candles and hanging red lights, the bar maintained a 19th century drinking cavern aesthetic. Note the two towering candles -- between them sits a crank cash register, which is still used. For better or worse, the place is cash only.