On October 14th, the Twin Cities witnessed a remarkable event that left an indelible mark on breast cancer awareness efforts. The 5th Annual Pinked Out Party, organized by Anika Robbins and her longtime friend Reona Berry, brought together communities in a heartwarming celebration that transcended mere festivities.
This event was not just about pink; it was about empowerment, education, and a heartfelt commitment to save lives. The dynamic duo behind the Pinked-Out Party, were driven by a passion for raising awareness of breast cancer within the Black community, particularly among young Black women. Their dedication to this cause was evident as they recounted the journey that led to this extraordinary event in an interview they had with host of The Conversation With Al McFarlane, Al McFarlane.
As Robbins shared, “We’re working on the 5th annual Pinked Out party, and it’s an event that we do to increase and amplify awareness of breast cancer in the Black community with Black women in particular.”
This event, held in honor of Pink October, which is commemorated around the world, every year, in October, which is marked as Breast Cancer Awareness month, was a vibrant celebration of life, resilience, and unity. It was about more than just a party; it was a platform to educate and empower.
Berry, a two-time breast cancer survivors and founder of African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA), a non-profit determined to raise breast cancer awareness among black women, served as an inspiration to all as her story was a testament to the importance of early detection and prompt action.
“Early detection does save lives,” Reona emphasized. “We want to make sure the community knows how important it is to pay attention to these signs and signals in our bodies and to not ignore them.”
The Pinked-Out Party was not just limited to raising awareness about breast cancer. It shone a spotlight on the broader health issues disproportionately affecting Black communities, including heart disease, fibroids, and diabetes. As Robbins passionately articulated, “Black women’s health is under attack. Our entire sexual and reproductive systems, they’re under a lot of stress.”
The event was a call to action. It sought to bridge the gap in health disparities by providing resources, including free or sliding fee scale mammograms, and a $25 incentive for those who completed the screening. It was an embodiment of their belief that health equity, economic empowerment, and civic engagement are the building blocks for empowering communities.
The Anika Foundation, led by Robbins, is a beacon of change, mobilizing communities in three pivotal areas – health equity, economic empowerment, and civic engagement. Their work extends beyond events like the Pinked-Out Party; it’s a holistic approach to uplift communities from within.
As Robbins explained, “We also believe that our communities are asset rich. We have the talent, the education, the experience, the vision.”
The message from this event was clear – our health is our business. We must prioritize it, educate ourselves, and seek early detection. As Robbins succinctly put it, “Our health is our business.”
In the heartfelt words of Al McFarlane, “You’re telling our people and telling the world that our voice, our lives, our health matters.”
The 5th Annual Pinked Out Party was not just a celebration; it was a triumph of community unity, empowerment, and saving lives. It was a heartfelt contribution to Pink October’s breast cancer awareness efforts in the Twin Cities, and it left a legacy of hope and education.
