This year, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that health professionals will diagnose more than 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 51,400 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ/stage 0 breast cancer in women in the United States.
While there has been an overall 43 percent decline in breast cancer deaths over the last three decades – thanks to gains in awareness, early diagnosis, and treatment – there remains a persistent mortality gap between Black women and white women.
Succinctly, African American women have a 31% breast cancer mortality rate.
Earlier this year, BET HER announced four original 20-minute dramas to premiere during Minority Mental Health Month (July) and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The short films celebrate the stories of Black women, which are all written, directed, and produced by Black women while bringing awareness to issues directly affecting the Black community.
Actresses Meagan Good, Naturi Naughton, Tichina Arnold, and LisaRaye Mccoy serve as specially invited directors.
For McCoy, who slayed in films like “The Player’s Club,” “The Wood,” and “Twice Bitten,” her behind-the-camera directorial skills shined on Oct. 6 with the premiere of “The Pink Fight,” a captivating film about a female boxer diagnosed with breast cancer.
The film follows Tomeka – played by boxing champion Claressa Shields – as she and her wife fight for survival after a devastating breast cancer diagnosis.
“Breast cancer has attacked my family. Some have survived, and some have not,” McCoy said during an appearance on the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s live morning show, Let It Be Known.
“I was an ambassador for Susan B. Komen and ran my first 5K race with them. I didn’t want to be one of those public figures who cut the ribbon and be off. There was a joy that I got when I crossed the finish line that I wouldn’t have gotten if I didn’t participate. You have to walk the walk.”
In “The Pink Fight,” McCoy did just so, helping to bring to the screen the rollercoaster of emotions that come with a breast cancer diagnosis.
“I am absolutely proud to have taken this opportunity,” McCoy said.
The renowned actress described herself as very strict behind the camera.
“My reputation is that I don’t take no stuff,” McCoy asserted. However, tempering that assertion, McCoy noted that she’s a bit of a jokester.
“When I began to realize that I had value from coming from in front of the screen as an actress, I know how it is to have to muster emotions that may not be there because you may not have experienced this in your life,” she said, describing the job of a director.
“I will say that my lead actress, Clarissa Shields, is a powerhouse. She’s a professional boxer and the only male or female boxer to hold four major world championships.”
McCoy continued:
“Clarissa wanted to get her feet wet as an actress, and she was a little nervous about the emotional part, but that’s the part she did best.”
McCoy said she hopes the film will inspire Black women and their support system not to take any potential health problems for granted.
“As strong as people want to portray Black women, we are still girls,” McCoy insisted.
“We’re still daddy’s girls and momma’s babies. A lot of time we get afraid to go to the doctor and when you don’t have good insurance and you feel they’re not going to pay for this and you don’t have symptoms and then you say ‘I’m ok.’”
That’s where self-examination counts as crucial, McCoy stated.
“I was paranoid,” she declared.
“We are nervous and scared. We say things like if we don’t know about it, we don’t have to deal with it. But we can head it off. We can have a second chance at life if we get diagnosed before it’s too late.
“We have a good survival rate, and you can live a healthy life. You just can’t act like you don’t know anything about it. Dialogue is so important for us.”
That’s what the “Pink Fight” highlights, McCoy continued.
“Athletes think they are a pillar of health. They eat right, eat salads, and exercise,” she related. “That’s why you need that accountability partner, someone e to say, ‘I think it’s worth us going to check this out.’
“The operative word is ‘us.’ Someone to say they’ll go with you because there’s this rollercoaster of emotions, and you’re wondering if you’ll survive chemo and radiation.
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
