Birmingham Community Welcomes New Ambassador for Breast Cancer Awareness
Birmingham’s community gathered last Saturday, September 28, to celebrate an important addition to their annual breast cancer awareness event, the Sistah Strut. This year’s prestigious role of Ambassador has been given to First Lady Deidra “Dee” Green, known for her impactful ministry work at More Than Conquerors Faith Church as well as her efforts through VIRTUE Inc., an organization focused on uplifting women through community initiatives.
Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies Hosts the Event
The Sistah Strut, held at Birmingham’s Legion Field, was organized by Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies (BBBB), founded by Brenda Phillips-Hong. This 501(c)(3) organization works diligently to provide support to individuals affected by breast cancer, especially among underserved communities. Their mission includes promoting early detection and facilitating access to mammograms and treatment transportation.
Lady Dee’s Heartfelt Commitment
In her new role, Lady Dee expressed immense gratitude and resonated with the cause deeply. “I feel honored to represent this event, especially knowing the struggles many women face with this disease,” Green said. One particularly resonant story she shared was about a woman named Robin, who was a dedicated administrative assistant for her husband, Pastor Steve Green. Sadly, Robin lost her fight against an aggressive form of breast cancer shortly after her diagnosis, but her story has propelled the congregation towards active involvement in breast cancer awareness.
“We made a promise to her that we would raise awareness about this disease and emphasize early intervention,” Green added. “That commitment continues today.”
VIRTUE’s Outreach and Empowerment Initiatives
Deidre Green’s organization, VIRTUE—short for Vessels Imparting and Restoring Temples to Uncontestable Excellence—was founded nearly 20 years ago and has been instrumental in addressing health issues within the community. “We’ve been doing various outreach programs to raise awareness, including unique initiatives like ‘Here’s the Scoop,’” she explained.
VIRTUE not only raises awareness about breast cancer but also provides essential services—helping women and men access mammograms, offering makeover sessions, transportation to appointments, childcare assistance, and more.
Engaging the Community Through Art
Past initiatives have included collaborations with local artists such as Jamie Bonfiglio from Mobile, Alabama, who created a mural titled “Women on the Journey.” Dedicated to breast cancer survivors and fighters, the mural was on display at Birmingham City Hall from mid-October through December 2023.
A Local Legacy and Ongoing Support
Deidre Green, who was raised in Birmingham’s Collegeville and Fountain Heights neighborhoods, emphasized how her roots in this community shape her mission. A graduate of Tuskegee University with a degree in nursing, she returned to Birmingham after beginning her career in Georgia. She balances her work with family commitments, being married for 28 years and raising seven children alongside Pastor Green.
Through her initiatives, Green shares a hopeful message: “God knows right where you are, and nothing surprises Him. We are pushing towards awareness and early testing.” She also underlined that breast cancer does not discriminate, urging women of all ages to stay informed about their health.
Moving Forward Together
As the Birmingham community gears up for the upcoming Sistah Strut, awareness about breast cancer remains a pivotal focus of Lady Dee’s mission. “We’re praying for a cure, but until then, we’ll continue to educate, uplift, and support our sisters in need,” she concluded.
For more information about breast cancer awareness initiatives in Birmingham or to get involved, locals can reach out to community organizations dedicated to this cause.
