WELCOME TO GET-NBLIC

Greater East Texas - National Black Leadership Initiative for Communities

on Cancer <--> on Mental Health <--> for Community

In Memory of Pastor Jesse Earl McLendon

Pastor Jesse Earl McLendon was the chair of the NBLIC for thirty years. He was a great Community Leader and an even greater Community Servant. He returned to heaven on June 16, 2023 and we mourn his loss.

In Memory of Nisan Nash

Nisan was the beloved son of our long time NBLIC member Mrs. Sheryl Chester. He impacted the lives of anyone he came in contatct with. He returned to heaven on July 17, 2023 and we mourn his loss.

"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare."

Audre Lorde, Writer and Civil Rights Activist

Annual NBLIC Banquet🗓 Date: April 26, 2025📍 Location: [TBD]🧠 Topic: Brain Health Innovations🎤 Guest Speaker: Affiliated with LSU in Shreveport & the Michael J. Fox Foundation📋 Details:
Join us for our Annual NBLIC Banquet, where we explore cutting-edge developments in brain health. This year's keynote speaker brings expertise from both LSU and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. More details and the official flyer will be posted soon.

Mental Health Awareness Day Program🗓 Date: May 31, 2025📍 Location: [TBD]🧩 Hosted by: NBLIC📋 Details:
We’re preparing for a powerful Mental Health Awareness Day Program filled with community support, education, and inspiration. Coordination is underway by Jackie Clay. Stay tuned for the official flyer and more information.

Advisory Board MeetingImproving Your Brain HealthGuest Speakers on Resources and Upcoming EventsThursday
March 27, 2025
12:00 noon to 2:00 pm
New Generation Baptist Church
708 North Ross, Tyler, Texas 75702
Host Pastor: Rev. Andre LogginsLunch Provided

East Texas Black History Month Celebration BanquetJoin us for the East Texas Black History Month Celebration Banquet on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 6 PM at the Holiday Inn Tyler - Conference Center. This year’s theme, “The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree,” honors the legacy of those who have shaped our community. The keynote address will be delivered by Mayor Henry Pace, the first Black Mayor of Henderson, Texas. Special entertainment will be provided by Alexia Curry. Nominate your First Lady of the Church for the First Lady of the Year Contest—the First Lady with the most guests in attendance will win! For more details, contact TourTylerTexas@gmail.com.

Paint & Praise – A Night of Creativity and WorshipGet ready for an evening of faith, fun, and creativity at Paint & Praise on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at the Good Times Event Center (906 E. Front St., Tyler, TX). For just $25, enjoy a hands-on painting experience while indulging in a delicious meal featuring chicken spaghetti, Cajun pasta, salad, dessert, and beverages. The night will also feature a DJ and karaoke for an uplifting time of praise and fellowship. Payments can be made via CashApp, Venmo, or Zelle. Don’t miss this unique celebration of faith and creativity!

Mental Health & Grief Seminar – Breaking the SilenceUnderstanding mental health and grief is essential to healing. Join us for a powerful Mental Health & Grief Seminar on February 4, 2025, at 6:30 PM at St. Violet Baptist Church (14129 FM 2767, Tyler, TX 75708). Our guest speaker, Corynthia Reece, MA, MBA, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Chemical Dependency Counselor, will provide valuable insights into coping with grief and mental health challenges. This seminar is open to all who seek healing, support, and education. For more information, contact ReeceCandC@gmail.com.

The Taste of Soul – A Celebration of Culture & FlavorCelebrate Black culture, heritage, and soulful cuisine at The Taste of Soul on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 12 PM - 4 PM at the Glass Recreation Center (501 32nd Street, Tyler, TX 75702). Presented by the Tyler Metro Chamber of Commerce, this event features a vibrant mix of delicious food, soulful music, spoken word, liturgical dance, and artistic performances. With over 50 vendors on-site and door prizes, this is an event you don’t want to miss! Admission is $28 per person—come and experience a day of community, culture, and celebration!

NBLIC Honored with MLK Award for Community Service at Tyler MLK CelebrationWe are proud to announce that the National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer (NBLIC) has been recognized for our commitment to community service at the Tyler MLK Celebration on February 18, 2024. During this inspiring event, NBLIC was presented with the MLK Award, an honor that reflects our ongoing dedication to improving health outcomes, promoting awareness, and uplifting our community.The Tyler MLK Celebration is an annual event that brings together community leaders, organizations, and residents to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognize individuals and groups who embody his vision of service, equality, and justice. Receiving this award is a testament to the impact of our work in addressing cancer disparities and advancing health equity, particularly within underserved communities.We extend our gratitude to our dedicated team, partners, and supporters who help us make a difference. This recognition fuels our commitment to continuing the fight against health disparities and ensuring access to quality healthcare and education for all.Thank you to the Tyler MLK Celebration Committee for this meaningful honor, and congratulations to all the individuals and organizations recognized for their outstanding contributions to our community.Stay connected with NBLIC for upcoming initiatives, programs, and ways to get involved. Together, we are making a lasting impact!

10:00am – 2:00pmNew Life Community Church1201 NNW Loop 323Tyler, TX 75702Host Pastor: Rev. V. M. Robertson

We would like to thank our sponsors for making this event spectacular!!Alpha Kappa Alpha
Alzheimer’s Alliance
Andrews Center
Area Agency on Aging
Atomy Vitamins
Christy’s Safe Haven
Divine Home Health
East Texas Hospice
East Texas Human Needs Network
G. E.’s Caring Hearts Home Health
Health and Harmony, Dr. Scher K Mama
Hospice Plus
Overcomers for Life
League of Women Voters
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Black Leadership Initiative
Smith County Clubhouse
The Tyler League of Women Voters
UT Tyler Fisch College of Pharmacy
UT Tyler College of Nursing
UT Tyler School of Medicine
Visual Healing, Jasmine Cobb

Alarming rise in worldwide cancer rates among people under 50

Harmony and Health Northeast Texas

The Harmony and Health study is looking for Black adults living in the Marshall area to participate in a study aiming to reduce sitting time and improve psychosocial wellbeing. The study involves participating in mind-body relaxation or health
education sessions twice a week for 8 weeks and completing three assessments with our study team. Participants will be compensated for their time and provided with a Fitbit wrist-worn device. This study will take place at Wiley University in Marshall, Texas, and is being conducted by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. For more information, please contact our study team by phone at (713) 792-9400 or by email at HarmonyHealth@mdanderson.org

Andrews Center presents

Tuesday, May 7, 2024
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
2000 W. Front St., Tyler, TX

Mental Health First!

Since 2020, the NBLIC has been actively engaged in finding and promoting accessible mental health services for the underserved community. Each year we present a Mental Health Awareness Day event to highlight the professionals and volunteers who make getting mentally well easier. Here are some highlights from this year’s event:

Month of July 2024

Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

A series of programs to educate the community on resources available for mental health issues and ways to prevent mental health crises by catching it early.

Fall of 2024

Annual NBLIC Jesse E. McLendon Memorial Gala

A special banquet to remember the legacy of Pastor McLendon by participating in giving
for a scholarship fund and organizational goals.

Spring of 2025

Annual Nisan E. Nash Scholarship Award

A special time of giving to benefit a high school graduate who has overcome challenges
in order to graduate.

"I found that I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way — things I had no words for."

Maya Angelou, Poet and Civil Rights Activist

Connect With Us

At GET-NBLIC, your voice matters. Whether you're seeking information, support, or wish to join us in our mission, we're here to listen and respond. Our commitment to the community is steadfast, and our doors are always open to those in need or to anyone who wishes to contribute to our cause. Reach out today, and let's work together to forge a healthier tomorrow.

© 2024 GET-NBLIC. All rights reserved.

Beginnings

In 1991, two East Texas nurses started a local coalition in Tyler, Texas to address the disproportionate burden of cancer deaths in the Black community. This group of local community volunteers called themselves the GET-NBLIC and they are still active in many local communities in East Texas quietly making a difference every day. The NBLIC currently has an
active board which meets quarterly and an advisory board which meets Bimonthly. Our purpose remains to eliminate health disparities in the African American Community. The NBLIC is a non-profit organization recognized by the IRS as a 501C3.

Our Mission

At the Greater East Texas National Black Leadership on Cancer (GET-NBLIC), we are dedicated to a future where the Black community is fully empowered to overcome the dual challenges of cancer and mental health. Our mission is twofold: to lead a concerted effort to promote cancer education, early detection, and comprehensive care, and to break the stigma surrounding mental health. We understand that a cancer diagnosis does not just affect the body; it also has profound effects on the mind and spirit. Therefore, our holistic approach emphasizes not only physical healing but also mental resilience and emotional support.

A Legacy of Advocacy

GET-NBLIC stands on the shoulders of giants—those who have pioneered the fight against racial disparities in healthcare and those who have highlighted the importance of mental wellness. With a legacy steeped in advocacy, we strive to create a supportive network that educates, nurtures, and uplifts individuals and families facing cancer. By fostering a community dialogue that openly addresses mental health, we pave the way for a culture of understanding and acceptance. Our efforts are tailored to ensure that every voice is heard and that every person struggling with cancer receives the support they need to maintain not just physical but also mental health.

Our Commitment to Mental Health Awareness

Awareness is the first step toward change. GET-NBLIC is deeply committed to enhancing mental health awareness within the Black community. We confront the challenges head-on by providing access to mental health resources, organizing workshops, and creating safe spaces for open conversations. Recognizing the historical and ongoing challenges faced by our community, we advocate for a future where mental health care is accessible, affordable, and free of stigma. Through education, support, and advocacy, we are building a foundation for healing and empowerment that honors the complete well-being of every individual we serve.

Current services provided include:Cancer Awareness Initiative:
To continue the NBLIC Legacy of service by providing information and referral services for
women who need assistance in getting a mammogram.
Mental Health First Initiative:
To Advocate for improved mental health services and availability for the African American
Community
Mental Health System Navigation and Guidance Programs:
To provide information and referral services to individuals who are facing a mental health issue
or likely crisis.
Mental Health Awareness Breakfast:
To increase awareness of mental health and educate the African American Community on the
early signs and symptoms of mental illness.
Mental Health Awareness Speaken Bureau:
To assist local congregations and organizations in designing and planning their own customized
program to provide education on mental health issues.
Mental Health Services Resource Guide:
To develop a listing of local mental health resources that is easily understood by area residents
with information about accessibility and availability included.
Annual Mental Health Awareness Day Event:
To work with a group of like-minded organizations to improve the community knowledge base
regarding mental health issues and resources in the area.

Current Board Members:

Carolyn Harvey, RN, PHD, Chairperson
Quinnette Cooper, L VN, BA
Pastor Rodney Curry, Principal WISD
Debra Allen Jones, RN, BSN, Secretary
Ebbie Starling, RN, BSN,
Shirley Marsh, RN, NBNA, Member at Large
Cheryl Garmon, DNP, RN, UT Tyler Professor, Member at large
Sheryl Chester, BA, MA, Educator, Member at Large

"I am not my illness. I am a human being. My illness is a part of me."

Bassey Ikpi, Nigerian-American Writer and Mental Health Advocate

Thank you!

Someone from our group will be in touch soon.

In Memory of Nisan Nash

Nisan was the beloved son of our long time NBLIC member Mrs. Sheryl Chester. He impacted the lives of anyone he came in contatct with. He returned to heaven on July 17, 2023 and we mourn his loss.

Click a button below to make a donation for Nisan Nash

If you prefer to mail a donation, please use the follwing address:

P.O. Box 4402
Tyler, TX 75712