Birmingham’s Sistah Strut Aims to Empower Communities and Raise Breast Cancer Awareness

Birmingham Hosts Annual Sistah Strut to Raise Awareness for Breast Cancer

This past weekend, the city of Birmingham transformed into a vibrant sea of pink as community members converged at Legion Field for the annual Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies (BBBB) Sistah Strut. The event is an integral part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, aiming to spread knowledge about breast cancer, particularly in minority, low-income, and underserved populations.

A Gathering of Support and Awareness

Hundreds of supporters, including elected officials, civic leaders, and breast cancer survivors, turned out to show unity and support for those affected by the disease. The event’s founder and Executive Director of BBBB, Brenda Phillips-Hong, who’s also a breast cancer survivor, emphasized the significance of community action. “This is a movement. It’s not about the organization. It’s about how people feel about helping each other,” she expressed. Her sentiments resonated with many attendees who gathered not just to walk but to understand their role in fighting the disease.

Understanding the Risks

According to data from the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), African American women are disproportionately affected by breast cancer. This group encounters a higher exposure to breast carcinogens and experiences the highest mortality rate from breast cancer at 40 percent, the highest among all U.S. racial and ethnic groups. The risk of facing a breast cancer diagnosis stands alarmingly at 1 in 8 for women in the country.

Disparities in healthcare access often mean that women of color are diagnosed at later stages when treatments can be more complicated and less effective. The presence of aggressive types of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer, highlights the urgent need for awareness and education, particularly in communities where support resources may be lacking.

A Message of Hope

This year’s Ambassador of Hope was First Lady Deidra “Dee” Green, known for her work at More Than Conquerors Faith Church in Southwest Birmingham. Beyond her ministry, she is the founder of VIRTUE Inc., which seeks to restore hope among women through community events. Green spoke passionately about the importance of early detection and education for all women, including young girls. “Breast cancer is not a respecter of persons. It knows no racial divide,” she said, emphasizing that even young individuals should be proactive about their health. She shared a concerning story about her goddaughter, who had a benign mass found during a routine examination. Her experiences underline the need for education about breast health at a young age.

“We’re praying that we’ll see a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime, but until then, we’ll continue to push toward awareness and testing,” Green added, urging those in attendance to take health screenings seriously.

Building a Supportive Community

The gathering was more than just a march; it was a celebration of strength, community, and support. The pink attire worn by many served not only as a unifier but as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight against breast cancer. As participants walked side-by-side, they collectively shined a light on the importance of encouraging regular screenings and fostering conversations around breast health in their communities.

As the event concluded, attendees left feeling empowered and motivated to make a difference. The work of organizations like BBBB continues to be vital in promoting health education and support for those impacted by breast cancer.

Contact Information

For those interested in supporting Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies or seeking more information, they can be reached at:

• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 310532, Birmingham, AL 35231
• Phone: 205.588.0703
• Email: brendasbrnbosbuddies@gmail.com
• Email: icuhong@outlook.com

The Sistah Strut serves as a crucial reminder that together, communities can work toward a better understanding and proactive approach to breast cancer.