Damita Miller-Shanklin

I had the opportunity to speak with Reona Berry. She is a Breast Cancer Survivor,
Co-Founder, President/CEO of the African American Breast Cancer Alliance.  The AABCA has been “committed to sharing crucial, life-affirming information, and promoting the benefits of early detection and treatment.”  The African American Breast Cancer Alliance is located in Minneapolis, MN but the information shared is a global message for all organizations.

The African American Breast Cancer Alliance was started in 1990, in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. Despite the small Black population, about 12%, a group of nine Black women came together, united by a common cause: to support each other through breast cancer. Six of these women were survivors themselves, often feeling isolated and wondering if they were the only Black women in Minnesota facing this battle. Slowly but surely, they began to hear whispers from friends and acquaintances saying, “You’ll be okay, honey. I had it 20 years ago.” But there was a pervasive silence around the topic, with many afraid that speaking about the disease might somehow invite it into their lives.

The challenges were huge. Many women didn’t have insurance or had to choose between feeding their children and visiting a doctor. There were misconceptions that breast cancer was a “white woman’s disease,” and few resources specifically addressed the needs of Black women. To combat this, the group created a brochure called “Being There” with the help of the American Cancer Society, who printed it for them. The brochure quickly gained traction because there was no other information out there for women of color, especially Black women.

Despite their local focus, the group’s efforts resonated beyond Minnesota. When COVID hit, they began hosting national online support groups via Zoom. They discovered that many Black women in other cities and states didn’t have access to a support group in their area. This outreach was essential because the need was there, even if the groups themselves were not.

As the conversation continued with Berry, it was clear their outreach has grown significantly over the years, especially with the help of virtual meetings during the pandemic. These meetings allowed women to join and connect without the burden of travel, creating a safe space for them to ask questions and share their experiences.

The African American Breast Cancer Alliance has always focused on making cancer less of a taboo topic in the Black community. Initially, many women were hesitant to get mammograms, partly due to a lack of information and partly due to the pervasive myth that breast cancer was not a concern for them. The group worked tirelessly to educate and support, ensuring that Black women knew they were not alone and that they deserved the same quality of care and information as anyone else.

Over the years, the Alliance has been a source of information, support, and community for many. Their work has extended to health fairs, churches, businesses, and even small gatherings where women could speak openly and honestly. Through these efforts, they have empowered countless women to take charge of their health and their lives.

One of the highlights of their support efforts is their annual retreat. These retreats are not about cancer but about living and celebrating life. Survivors gather at a hotel for a weekend of fun, food, and laughter. They share their stories, dance, and even have a “survivor strut,” a joyful celebration of resilience and community. This retreat is a time for the women to be themselves, to relax, and to support one another outside of the shadow of cancer.

The Alliance’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. They faced resistance when trying to educate their community, with some women turning away at health fairs when offered information about breast cancer. But they persisted, believing that knowledge is power and that every woman deserves to be informed and supported. Their work has also helped other Black women start similar groups in their own communities, creating a ripple effect of support and education.

The Alliance has always been more than just a support group; it has been a beacon of hope and strength for many. They have shown that, with the right support and information, Black women can and do survive breast cancer. Their mission to “take cancer out of the closet” has made a lasting impact, encouraging women to prioritize their health and to seek the help they need without shame or fear.

Speaking with Berry was eye-opening. We learned about the unique challenges that Black women face in the healthcare system and the importance of having a community that understands and supports them.. I knew their story would inspire others, just as it had inspired me.

The story of the African American Black Cancer Alliance is one of resilience, community, and unwavering support. It is a testament to the power of women coming together to support each other through one of the most challenging experiences of their lives. It reminds us all that we are stronger together and that, with love and support, we can overcome anything.