Cierra Sisters: Advocating for Black Women in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Shayla Akande, the CEO of Cierra Sisters, recently joined Trae Holiday on "The Day with Trae" to shed light on her organization's crucial work in healthcare advocacy, the deeply personal origins of Cierra Sisters, and its unwavering commitment to addressing the stark disparities faced by Black women in breast cancer outcomes.
Cierra Sisters was sparked from Akande’s mother, whose own experience revealed a critical gap in healthcare. “Black women are dying at a 40% higher rate than white women,” Akande said about breast cancer. “And we are not getting it at the higher rate. There is a disparity happening with our community.”
This disparity isn't due to higher incidence, but rather a lack of proper screening and advocacy. Akande recounted her mother's story: "She went to the hospital, she said, 'I want to get a mammogram, I want to get it now,’” explaining the hospital told her to come back in 10 years. Her mother had to advocate for and assert herself, leading to the detection of her cancer at a pin-dot size. From this challenging experience, Cierra Sisters emerged when the founders realized her experience was not unique, but a "community story" for Black women.
Cierra Sisters actively engages the community through a variety of impactful initiatives, including a Vibe Bingo night tonight in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A significant partnership with the University of Washington is training five Cierra Sisters to be community-based researchers, ensuring that Black community perspectives are integral to cancer research. “We are making sure that we're not just being researched, but we are a part of the actual conversation of research," Akande said.
Beyond events, the organization offers vital support group meetings and educates the community on self-breast exams, encouraging both women and men to check themselves and "know your normalness" to detect abnormalities.
Akande emphasized Cierra Sisters' hands-on approach to advocacy, even accompanying individuals to doctor's appointments to ensure they receive proper care and respect. She stressed the importance of partnering with organizations that genuinely "value our Black lives mattering" and are committed to driving impact.
Through its "fighter spirit" inherited generationally, Cierra Sisters is finding solutions from within the Black community, fostering a supportive environment where individuals are not isolated in their fight against breast cancer.
Visit cierrasisters.org to learn more about their programs, the upcoming event TONIGHT, October 9, and how to get involved.
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