On Saturday, the Upsilon Eta Chapter of the historically Black fraternity Chi Eta Phi organized a community‑focused event titled Black Women Surviving Breast Cancer at the Langford Campus of Langston University in northeast Oklahoma City. The gathering ran from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and provided a platform for survivors, educators and health professionals to discuss early detection, treatment options and the unique challenges Black women face with breast cancer.
Why the event matters
According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Black women experience the highest breast cancer mortality rate of any racial or ethnic group in the United States. While the overall diagnosis rate is lower, the likelihood of dying from the disease is significantly higher. Event organizers highlighted this disparity and stressed the importance of proactive health care.
Voices from the community
“It’s important for our young ladies to get examined before the cancer beats us,” said Latonja Morris, a member of the Upsilon Eta Chapter. Morris emphasized that many women delay doctor visits or dismiss early signs because they believe they are too young to develop cancer.
Traci Hamilton, also of Upsilon Eta, explained the event’s title: “The reason we titled it that is because Black women have a low diagnosis to get breast cancer, but we are more likely to die from it.” She added that education and access to screening are critical tools for reducing that fatality gap.
Resources and education
The event featured a “community conversation” where attendees could ask questions of medical professionals, hear survivor testimonies, and receive information on free or low‑cost screening services. Organizers distributed pamphlets, check‑lists for self‑exams and referrals to local clinics that offer mammograms at reduced rates.
“A lot of education and resources for breast cancer awareness as well as opportunities to get checked out,” Hamilton said, noting that many participants left with actionable steps to protect their health.
Local impact
By holding the event at Langston OKC Campus, the organizers made the information accessible to students, families and neighborhood residents who might otherwise lack transportation to larger medical centers. The partnership between a historically Black fraternity chapter and a local university underscores the power of community‑driven health initiatives.
Community leaders praised the effort as a model for other neighborhoods seeking to address health disparities through faith‑based and fraternal networks. The event aligns with broader public‑health goals of early detection and equitable care, reinforcing the principle that families and faith communities play a vital role in safeguarding health.
Looking ahead
Chi Eta Phi plans to host additional health‑focused events throughout the year, targeting other prevalent issues such as hypertension and diabetes, which also disproportionately affect Black communities. Organizers hope that continued education will empower more families to seek preventive care before serious illness develops.
For those who missed the Saturday gathering, information on upcoming health workshops and free screening opportunities can be obtained by contacting the Upsilon Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi through their social media channels or by visiting the Langston OKC Campus health services office.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
