AUGUST 22, 2026
14TH ANNUAL BACK 2 SCHOOL HEALTH & WELLNESS FESTIVAL!
MAKING OUR COMMUNITY HEALTHIER AND OUR CHILDREN HAPPIER!
Second Baptist Church Southwest
5501 Silver Hill Rd, District Heights, MD 20747
Our Goal
We are supporting 1,000 students and their families with the best holistic tools and resources for a successful school year. We invite you to join us!
About
THE 14th ANNUAL HEALTH & WELLNESS BACK 2 SCHOOL FESTIVAL
Our event will ensure that every family is equipped for a healthy school year.
(While supplies last) every K-12 student registered and present at the festival will receive:
Notebook Paper
Pencils
Pens
Rulers
Composition Books
Calculator
Anxiety Coping Toy
A Best-Selling Book
And More
Become a Sponsor
Join us in serving 1,000 students and their families! As a sponsor, you’ll be recognized as a pillar of success for Black communities in the Greater Washington region, including expanded brand visibility well beyond the duration of the festival! View our customized sponsorship opportunities and pledge today.
Become a volunteer
As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in helping families prepare for the school year. Whether you’re helping with event setup, distributing supplies, or creating a welcoming space for our youth, your time and energy will make a real difference.
Sign up today and be part of a movement rooted in education, equity, and community power.
Black Fatherhood Station
We’re bringing real conversations to the community.
Stop by the Black Fatherhood station, where we’ll be recording live with dads, mentors, and changemakers from across the region.
From fatherhood journeys to community building, we’re spotlighting the voices that uplift, inspire, and lead.
Ask-A-Therapist Session
Start your journey to better wellbeing for you and your child today. Sign up for a complimentary, confidential 15-minute Ask-A-Therapist Session.
Meet the Experts
Nodia Marshall
Christina Joy Richardson (Mama Ankh)
Mama Ankh blends mental health with holistic healing, guiding individuals through self-discovery, balance, and empowerment. She is passionate about supporting communities with culturally-rooted wellness practices and a focus on generational healing.
Terrence Wood
Terrence brings a commitment to breaking barriers in access to mental health. His work focuses on helping individuals and families strengthen resilience, heal from trauma, and achieve balance in their personal and professional lives.
Kardia Daley
Kardia specializes in supporting children, families, and communities with a trauma-informed and strength-based approach. She is dedicated to helping others navigate transitions with compassion and practical tools for lasting change.
Gregory Wright
Gregory focuses on the intersection of mental health, personal growth, and community empowerment. His approach emphasizes self-awareness, confidence building, and encouraging individuals to create pathways to success and stability.
Visit the Ask-A-Therapist booth at GWUL’s Back to School Festival
to meet our experts, ask your questions, and leave with tools for
your journey
What to expect
Health & Wellness Pavilion
We’ll provide various health screenings for the entire family, including vaccines for COVID, influenza, and tetanus.
Mental & Emotional Wellness Pavilion
We’ll have experts on hand to discuss youth therapy, emotional learning, behavioral disabilities, and caregiving for seniors.
Arts & Crafts Station
Kids will enjoy various activities to ignite their creativity and engage their inner artist!
Black Brilliance Marketplace
We’ll have Black-owned businesses with items for sale that the whole family can enjoy.
Food Pavilion
Shop at our Black Farmers Market, judge the healthy tasting samples, and buy lunch at one of the many food trucks.
Voter Registration Drive
Get civically engaged by learning more about the upcoming elections in your area and register to vote!
Thanks To Our Partners And Sponsors
Sponsors


Health & Wellness Partners









Book Fair Partner
