Shanti Das is starting 2017 on a health kick. Recently, the hip-hop professional partnered with the American Heart Association where she will proudly serve as the newest ambassador for the organization’s EmPOWERED To Serve initiative. To celebrate her latest achievement, Das hosted a private premiere of Take Me Home, a short film created to raise awareness about heart disease. The intimate event was held at Mean Street Studios in Atlanta on Jan. 10, 2017. Several notable faces came out to support the cause, including Rashan Ali, Tameka Foster, Ceaser Mitchell, and DJ Drama.
Rolling out got a chance to catch up with Das before the night ended to find out more information about her newest endeavor. Check out what she had to say below.
Why is your ambassadorship with the American Heart Association so significant to you?
One, it is important because as a hip-hop professional, part of what I strive to do in the community is to give back in an effective way. When Crystal asked me to be an ambassador for the American Heart Association, I thought it was a perfect fit because it allowed me to go back in the neighborhood that I grew up in and try to help create healthy choices for the residents. I still have friends and family that live in that area. There are so many food deserts that still exist in our urban communities. We just need healthier options. It’s a really important initiative and I hope that I can use my platform to empower others to help create change.
How do you plan to use your platform to champion this cause?
Part of what I will be doing is helping to raise awareness because I think everything starts with knowledge. We’re going to be educating the community and going to the schools to talk to students and parents. We will also be talking to civic leaders to discuss the zoning laws regarding fast food restaurants. We need better options. I will advocate on local, state and hopefully on a federal level.
What healthy habits would you recommend to reduce deaths in African Americans caused by heart disease?
It starts with being active and getting up every day and doing something. You can’t be a couch potato. You have to watch what you eat and be conscious of the things that you put in your mouth. It’s not even about a diet; it’s about a healthier lifestyle. How can you have that lifestyle if you don’t know any better or live in a food desert? That’s what Empowered To Serve Movement is about. We want to help train people to live a healthier life.
Have you personally set a health-related resolution for the new year?
I don’t have a resolution; I have a strategy. I feel like we often break resolutions. My new year’s strategy is to eat clean and eat more fruits and vegetables. Also, I am going to be watching my fatty intakes and if I decide to celebrate and have any kind of cocktails, I will reserve all that until the weekend. From Monday through Thursday, I am eating clean and that is my goal for the year.
