Salvation Army joins Pink Revolution


Children got on their “pink” for the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Pink Day. (Photo courtesy of the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club)

By Trenton Little
NCCU Staff Writer
the Durham VOICE
thedurhamvoice@gmail.com

 

As Breast Cancer Awareness month came to a close last week the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club had “Pink Day” on Oct. 30. Kids, mostly girls, were encouraged to wear pink, and become more knowledgeable about the disease.

“The Boys & Girls Club is really catered to the boys but I wanted to make sure the girls always feel like they’re a part of something,” N.C. Central University senior and Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club employee Jessica Locke said. “I wanted them to know why they are doing it and to know the importance of breast cancer awareness.”

Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer among African American women, following lung cancer. The mortality rate of breast cancer is 41 percent higher in African American women than it is in white women.

Tamia Williams, 13, said she learned about breast cancer for the first time around two years ago.

“I know that I can get breast cancer because it is common in females,” Williams said.

Other Durham youth found ways to express solidarity. Diego Cid, 11, used a highlighter to paint his socks for a tennis match. He plays for the Magic Stars youth tennis team through Durham Parks and Recreation. (Staff photo by Lisa Paulin)

Locke said she came up with the idea after watching NFL football games seeing the many athletes participate and support the cause.

She doesn’t know anyone personally that has had to deal with the disease, but understands the severity of it and that she’s susceptible to the disease.

“I’m blessed not to have it, but I care for the people that do have it,” Locke said.

During October (Breast Cancer Awareness month), the NFL shows their support for breast cancer by suiting up in pink accessories. They also participate in campaigns with all proceeds going to breast cancer awareness programs.

Certain players decided to do more in their support of the cause like Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver of the Arizona Cardinals. Fitzgerald lost his mother to the disease eight years ago and has recently become an advocate of breast cancer awareness.

He gave 10 cents to the American Cancer Society for every Twitter follower he received during the month of October, $1,000 per catch and $10,000 per touchdown.

“I felt like the club should support it also,” Locke said. “So I just went to my boss and asked if we could support it.”

Her boss, Joshua Dorsette really liked the idea agreeing to it 100 percent. He also felt like the boys should get involved in it also. The football team participates in it, wearing pink accessories during their games like the NFL players.

Locke said she believes she accomplished her goal to have all the kids come together and support one cause.

“We had a lot of kids wear pink and just informed them about breast cancer,” Locke said.

“I believe they got the message.”