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Memphis, TN Recap

In an historic rally demonstrating community solidarity, thousands filled the National Civil Rights Museum plaza on a scorching hot Saturday in Memphis to take in an afternoon of great music from the stars and take a vow to "give up the pounds, not the fight".

Led by Dr. Ian Smith (author of New York Times #1 bestseller "Extreme Fat Smash Diet", and fitness expert on VH1's Celebrity Fit Club), The 50 Million Pound Challenge continued its successful tour across America with an event to launch the national health campaign in Tennessee. Joining Dr. Ian were all-star supporters including American Idol and R&B artist Ruben Studdard, Grammy-winning R&B singer Mya, NBA Memphis Grizzles forward Rudy Gay, legendary rapper Doug E. Fresh and renowned DJ Biz Markie. Thousands turned out for a day of free performances, health screenings, and a chance to sign-up for The Challenge and pledge to lose weight, get fit and help turn back the deadly toll of weight-related diseases. Also participating were community leaders such as former Tennessee Health Commissioner and Senior Pastor, St. Andrew AME, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Robinson, Memphis City Councilman Myron Lowery, and U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen (9th District TN).

Since it's launch just two months ago, more than 100,000 have signed up across the country, losing more than 160,000 total pounds. The Challenge continues to Cleveland on Saturday June 16, and Houston June 30th. The historic campaign & commitment by the African-American community is sponsored by State Farm.

Key highlights from Memphis include:

  • “We’re here in Memphis at the National Civil Rights Museum to help people take control of their health, make healthier life-style choices & give up the pounds, not the fight,” said Dr. Ian. “Working together we will reverse these deadly trends, one small step at a time."
  • US Congressman Steven Cohen addressed the crowd in an impassioned speech, saying that “Losing weight and exercising is something that only you can accomplish- nobody can do it for you. Especially in the South, too many of us are suffering from strokes and diabetes related to how we eat and live our lives. What you get to do with The Challenge is be with your families longer, be on this earth longer.”
  • Memphis Grizzlies star Rudy Gay spoke to the children in attendance, telling them “Ever since I was little, I stayed active. To all you little kids out there, whether it is through the gym, sports, or whatever activity it is you enjoy, stay active. The Challenge provides a great support system to help motivate you to achieve this.”
  • Memphis City Councilman Myron Lowery presented Dr. Ian Smith and the crowd with a City Council resolution applauding the 50 Million Pound Challenge “for its continuing success in reaching participants and the tens of thousands of pounds already lost in this historic initiative” and urging all Memphians to “take advantage of the free services offered by the 50 Million Pound Challenge and adopt the healthier lifestyle it encourages.”
  • American Idol favorite Ruben Studdard, who leads his own Scale Back Alabama initiative, was mobbed by fans throughout the day. He performed to an exuberant crowd, and told them “Music has the power to move both your body and your soul. And that’s what we need to take better care of our health— move our bodies more and move our souls to make the right lifestyle choices and stick with it. By joining The Challenge and programs like it, we can help get our health on the right track.”
  • Grammy winner Mya also performed some of her greatest hits, and told the crowd that “life is too precious and brief, and it’s ending too soon for too many who aren’t looking out for their health and respecting their bodies. The Challenge is helping us look out for each other and make the right lifestyle choices. We need to liberate our attitudes and liberate our bodies from the deadly consequences of unhealthy eating habits and excess weight. Together we are stronger. Working together, we’ll live longer.”
  • Former Tennessee Health Director and pastor Ken Robinson said, “When we’re dying of diabetes, we shouldn’t stand for it. We are disrespecting ourselves. We can do better; we can eat better, and we WILL respect ourselves.”