Pink & Purple Event brings awareness to Breast Cancer & Domestic Abuse



President of the African American Breast Cancer Alliance, Reona Berry, presents to attendees.



On Friday, October 22, AWC held its annual Pink & Purple event. Breast cancer and domestic abuse/violence are important topics that affect women and families and that’s why we provide the opportunity for a culturally-sensitive and open group discussion for African women. 

Our Speakers, Reona Berry, 20-year breast cancer survivor and president of the African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA), and Kelly, a domestic abuse volunteer with Alexandra House, an emergency shelter for battered women and children, came prepared with good information and handouts to share. A big thank you to both ladies!

We are thankful for all who attended--your presence helped us hold our end of the bargain to provide an engaged audience for our speakers and partners who take the time away from their busy schedules to share valuable information with our group. We always want to be appreciative and respectful of their time and talents.

At the end of the meeting, one of the ladies said, “Every time I think I know all there is to know about these topics (breast cancer and domestic abuse/violence) I learn something new.” That usually rings true at every AWC meeting where we provide information. Even when the information is not entirely new, at least we get reminded of how important it is to be aware of these things and to know what to do or how to help when the need arises.

Here are a few pointers from the event:

1. Take charge of your health and well-being.
2. You can try to ignore cancer but it can’t ignore you—educated yourself and do your self-exam.
3. We women need to know that it is okay to seek help and accept support from others when needed.
4. The more you know the better you are.
5. Domestic violence crisis hotline provides an avenue to talk and ask questions without judging; they also provide legal advocacy and safety planning.
6. Domestic abuse is more than physical abuse—hitting (verbal, emotional, etc.)
7. In some cases, men are the victims.
8. Be proactive-- know what a healthy relationship looks like.
9. Pay attention and get involved at some level even when you’re not the one in need of help. Others need your support.
10. Build a network of people you can trust and rely on—be there for them and allow them to be there for you too.