At Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization, advocacy for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is central to our mission, blending awareness with the power of the arts to reach, educate, and inspire our community. Founded in memory of Michael Patterson, brother of Vice President and Founder Cynthia Banks, Maroon 9 is dedicated to honoring his life and raising awareness of Sickle Cell Disease. Michael lived with SCD until his passing at age 49, and through his legacy, we strive to educate others and provide resources for those impacted by this under-recognized condition.

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Understanding Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder affecting the shape of red blood cells. Unlike round, flexible cells, those with SCD are sickle-shaped, causing them to clump together, blocking blood flow, and resulting in intense pain, fatigue, organ damage, and heightened risk of infection. Sickle Cell Disease disproportionately affects African American, Hispanic, and other minority communities, yet it is often underfunded and misunderstood, both in public and medical arenas.

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Advocacy through the Arts
Recognizing that the arts offer a powerful platform for connection and storytelling, Maroon 9 has made it a priority to integrate creative expression into our Sickle Cell advocacy work. Through partnerships with local artists, performers, and youth, we utilize art as a bridge to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and bring attention to Sickle Cell Disease. Our youth-focused programs include plays, performances, and workshops that incorporate themes of resilience, health, and the real-life impacts of SCD. By using art as a medium, we engage audiences emotionally and educate them on the realities of SCD in a way that statistics alone cannot convey.

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For example, our performing arts programs give youth affected by SCD or touched by it within their communities the opportunity to tell stories, act, dance, and create visual art that represents their experiences or those of loved ones. These art forms make complex health issues more accessible to audiences, helping to cultivate empathy and awareness in a way that traditional advocacy efforts often cannot. Through performances, visual displays, and spoken word, we celebrate the strength of SCD warriors, humanizing the challenges they face and bringing their experiences to the forefront of public consciousness.

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Providing Support and Resources
Beyond awareness, Maroon 9 provides scholarships, financial support, and community resources to individuals and families affected by SCD. Each year, in September—Sickle Cell Awareness Month—we integrate maroon, the color of the SCD awareness ribbon, into all events, including community art shows, performance nights, and educational forums. Our advocacy efforts are especially focused on funding for treatment, increasing healthcare access, and addressing the emotional and financial impacts of living with Sickle Cell Disease.

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Creating a Legacy of Hope through Art
By merging SCD advocacy with the arts, Maroon 9 fosters a supportive environment where individuals affected by the disease can express their stories and find community. We believe that every performance, artwork, and act of creative expression strengthens the movement to end the stigma and silence surrounding SCD. Art transforms our message, celebrating lives, educating new audiences, and rallying the community to support research, resources, and a brighter future for SCD warriors. Through Michael Patterson’s legacy, we remain steadfast in this mission, using the arts as a voice for change and a tool for hope in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease.