Our History

Inspired by the book "Afrikan Holistic Health" by Dr. Llaila Afrika & his 6-Week Holistic Health Practioner Training course,  the African Holistic Health Chapter of New York was founded in 2004 by Yvonne “Sista Shai” Hankins, a Holistic Event Planner and Reflexologist. Sista Shai recognized the need for making self empowering health resources available in the New York area and began to invite Dr. Afrika and other notable specialists to come in and share their knowledge.  There was a also a need to assist previous graduates of courses by Dr. Afrika and other healers who were not practicing due to lack of confidence and the support of a collective. In 2005, more planning and work started bringing the idea into reality with the assistance of Meri Abut and Sista Simone Turner. Joined by several other friends, they set the actual details in place, and at the prompting and guidance of Dr Afrika, The African Holistic Health Chapter of New York was born. Since that time the AHHCNY has become very active in the community,  bringing in powerful teachers from around the country like Texas based  Holistic health educator Dr. Akua Gray, Philadelphia based Reflexologist Dr. El Ha Gahn, California based Iridologist Dr. Paul Goss, Chicago based Kemetic Yoga expert Yirser Ra Hotep and others.  The AHHCNY is also a conduit for promoting collaboration between local healers and national organizations like Life Spring Rejuvenation Center, Black Gold Healing Center, Vegetarian Times, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).  Today the Chapter makes holistic resources & Membership available to over 2000 subscribers.