Why Celebrate Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is known as a day of celebration for the freedom of African Americans from slavery dating all the way back to 1865.
Why is Juneteenth an important day?
Because freedom took another step towards the new world, and one more crime against humanity was cancelled and set to rights. Juneteenth celebrates this great event and the changes made for the future of America.
However, recent world events highlight the systemic racism that runs deep and affects every aspect of the lives of people of color. As an organization dedicated to ending disparities in our lifetime, Tigerlily Foundation recognizes that in order to end health disparities, we must see change in those people and systems that show inherent disregard for life, which cannot go unaddressed. Change must occur by holding those accountable – who either by action or inaction – contribute to the loss of life for people of color.
The facts are startling – black women are often diagnosed at later stages when treatments are limited, costly and the prognosis is poor; black women are often diagnosed at younger ages and have more aggressive breast cancer; have 40% higher mortality rate; are often diagnosed at later stages when treatments are limited, costly and the prognosis is poor; black women are often diagnosed at younger ages and have more aggressive breast cancer; and Black women have 39% recurrence rate.
How can you celebrate Juneteenth in the Breast Cancer Community?
- Be an Ally and use your privilege for power by giving up your seat to include a black woman’s breast cancer experience.
- Study the history of your country and your state
- Send your black breasties some love by sharing their voices, stories, and businesses.
- Learn more about our #InclusionPledge and sign the pledge: https://www.change.org/p/pharmaceuticals-diversity-and-inclusion-pledge-for-women-of-color
While great strides have been made to help bring ease and understanding between people of every race, only an appreciation for the difficult past and working together to change the future will really bring about the completion of what started in 1865. Juneteenth is your opportunity to address the racism that still exists in the US, and do your part in helping to put an end to it at last.
