Detroit to Host 2017 U.S. Celebration of World Vitiligo Day
Save the date! The 2017 U.S. celebration of World Vitiligo Day will be held in Detroit, Michigan starting Friday, June 23 and ending on the recognized day of Sunday, June 25.
What is World Vitiligo Day and why should you go? We have the details – and the answers – from the planning team behind this year’s celebration.
What is World Vitiligo Day?
Recognizing the vitiligo community, World Vitiligo Day was first celebrated in 2011 and has since become a global event with the purpose of raising awareness and recognition of the bullying, social neglect, psychological trauma and disability of the millions of people affected by vitiligo. This past year, vitiligo organizations across the U.S. met in Washington, D.C. for the first national celebration of the event. This year, more than 200 people will convene in Detroit, Michigan for the U.S. celebration. The global host city for 2017 will be Sao Paulo, Brazil.
How was Detroit chosen as the host city?
Detroit, Michigan is the home of the VSTRONG vitiligo support group, also known as the Southeast Michigan Vitiligo Support group – an active community of people with vitiligo. Supported by some of the best dermatologists and local area hospitals, the group has access to leading news and information regarding treatments and research for the vitiligo community.
What can I expect at the World Vitiligo Day celebration?
Reflecting the mission of the “Step Up for Vitiligo” campaign that came out of the Vitiligo Working Group this year, the 2017 event theme will encourage the vitiligo community to take action in raising awareness around the condition. Throughout the three-day program, attendees will hear from leading dermatologists and vitiligo advocates as they discuss the face, voice and science of vitiligo. Attendees will need to register in advance and pay a conference fee.
What should I know about Detroit if I’ve never been there?
Detroit has a rich history and lots to offer as a tourist destination while you’re visiting for World Vitiligo Day. The birthplace of the automobile industry, the city was once recognized as the Motor City and today is recognized as the “come back city” after the most recent economic down turn. Detroit is also where Motown Records started and where artists like Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, and Michael Jackson and many others got their start. Detroit offers hometown goods like McClure’s Pickles, Germack Nuts, Faygo Pop, Vernors Ginger Ale, and Better Made Potato Chips. The city’s downtown riverfront offers beautiful scenery and faces Windsor Ontario, Canada and Belle Isle Park where the Grand Prix is held.
What can I do to help celebrate World Vitiligo Day?
Join us! Mark the weekend on your calendar and stay tuned for an event website with registration and lodging details. You can also help World Vitiligo Day become recognized by the United Nations by signing the petition to the UN Secretary-General at www.25june.org.
