Multi-dimensional Ben Vereen visiting
Diabetes Health Center July 22

ationally-renowned singer, dancer and actor Ben Vereen comes to Dallas to serve his role as diabetes advocate during a forum at the Diabetes Health and Wellness Institute in South Dallas. The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 22, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.

Vereen was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2007. Since then he has partnered with sanofi-aventis U.S. to share his experience living with the disease, along with taking part of the Start Taking Action Now for Diabetes (S.T.A.N.D.) program, motivating other people to get involved in the campaign.

Vereen is best known by most as “Chicken George” Moore in the historic 1977 television mini-series Roots. He went on to play opposite Jeff Goldblum in the series Tenspeed and Brown Shoes. He made a special appearance in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, playing Will Smith’s biological father. He also played Andre 3000’s father in the 2006 movie Idlewild. Other television appearances have been in Feast of All Saints (2001), Grey’s Anatomy (2007) and several others.

Vereen won a Tony Award for his role in Pippin in 1973. He was nominated for a Tony is Jesus Christ Superstar the year before.

Vereen is also the godfather of R&B artist Usher.

The Diabetes Health and Wellness Institute is housed inside the Juanita Craft Recreation Center at 4500 Spring Avenue. Space is limited for the event to only the first 150 guests. To reserve your space, call 214-349-4325.