Beauty and health are always linked. As the old saying goes, when you look good, you feel good. Understanding this inextricable link between beauty and health, the American Cancer Society, a leading cancer research organization, recently partnered with Fashion Fair Cosmetics and seven national Black civic organizations. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., National Council of Negro Women and others joined to launch the Shades of Strength Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative.
The Fundamental part to this initiative is ensuring Black women have access to information and resources about breast cancer prevention and early detection through beauty. Incorporate a three-pronged approach, The multi-year plan, which includes panels, webinars and collaborations to provide education on screening and quality care locations, is initially set for three years, with the first period of the initiative running through December 31. But, the dedicated women behind this call to action won’t stop until real change happens. “We’re not going to give up until we see real results here,” says Fashion Fair co-owner and CEO Desiree Rogers.
Legendary beauty brand founded by Eunice Johnson in 1973, first became famous as the first international cosmetics company to create products for deeper skin tones. Now, the brand continues its long tradition of uplifting Black women by partnering with ACS to launch the first phase of the Shades of Strength Initiative. This holiday her campaign will donate her 10 percent of the profits every time you purchase a lipstick online when you use the code ShadesofStrength10.
Involving them in this effort is not only a way to further engage and contribute to the community, but it is also deeply personal to Rogers herself. “As someone who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39, I know first-hand about this struggle,” she says. “I’ve spent a lot of time counseling Black women with this disease, and I learned about the American Cancer Society’s statistics and how Fashion Fair, ‘our community’s makeup company,’ can help. I thought there was a way. Our women in this space. ”
Black women in particular face alarming disparities when it comes to cancer diagnoses according to the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer is not only one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in black women, but black women have a 41 percent higher mortality rate compared to white women. Additionally, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with more aggressive diseases at younger ages. Because of these factors, access to screening tests is paramount for early detection and prevention. However, the sad reality is that many women don’t have the tools to understand how this disease affects them differently. Conversations about the topic can often feel overwhelming or scary, and many women don’t want to talk about it at all.
Through Shades of Strength, organizations can expand the reach of this work into their communities and share the wide range of resources and assistance available through the American Cancer Society in a way that makes them feel safe and supported. “This initiative gives us a unique opportunity to share information with the community in a different and unexpected way., We have not been able to reach Black communities with information the way other organizations can as trusted messengers in their own communities,” said Tawana Thomas, executive vice president and chief diversity officer at the American Cancer Society. Johnson said. “It’s like the aunties are talking to you. You can trust us because we’re the aunties!” Rogers responds.
The American Cancer Society and Fashion Fair, trusted organizations in the Black community and the beauty industry, have championed the importance of health education for decades, so the participation of seven national Black civic organizations is a great addition to this It was a seamless way to strengthen our mission. “As a service organization, we focus many of our programs on serving the health and wellness needs of African American women. We know that cancer can affect anyone. However, not everyone is affected equally,” said Elsie Cook Holmes, National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. “We are extremely proud to partner with the American Cancer Society and Fashion Fair in this effort to impact the lives of people affected by cancer,” she continues.
Your trusted aunts have told you. With the first efforts of the Shades of Strength Initiative underway, you can expect to see more of the Aunts as this mission continues.
Tasha Nicole Smith is a beauty assistant at ELLE Magazine. She loves all things hair, makeup, and skin care, so you can see her talking about it here. She likes Marvel movies, good heels, lemon-drop martinis, and the fact that her birthday is the same as Beyoncé’s is also a treat for her.
