By Steven Graves
FORT PIERCE, Florida (WPBF) — A group of women in Saint Lucie County, Florida, known as “Flava Inc.” is preserving Black history and promoting health through line dancing.
Founded by DeRhonda Jackson, who is affectionately called the “Diamond Diva,” the group aims to promote health and happiness in the community through dance.
Jackson started the group about three years ago after noticing that people were sitting down too much following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Most people want to exercise and not feel like you’re exercising,” Jackson said. “I wanted my community to be happy and healthier.”
The “Flava Divas,” consisting of about 70 members, perform at nonprofit events and have multiple practices and public appearances.
Member Lakeitha Jackson shared how the dance connects her to emotions and history, saying, “The movement of the beats…the spiritual aspect of how it can uplift your soul.”
Line dancing has historical roots with enslaved Americans and is noted for its African and Caribbean origins. Historians document the dancing at Black family reunions, which symbolize the meeting of family after freedom from slavery.
Popular hits like the viral sensation “Boots on the Ground” have created a surge of excitement, with classes and clubs popping up, including one in West Palm Beach, “Steady Rhythms.” Its creator says the club has been going strong for a year.
The Diamond Diva emphasized the importance of family legacy in the group, stating, there are three generations of her family in the group and added, “We are Black history, and we’re making it here.”
The group got its start in church, and while men are welcome, most husbands come as moral support.
They meet twice a week in Fort Pierce to practice and hope to reach more people with a healthy lifestyle podcast in the future.
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The-CNN-Wire