Partnering For Life
A Cancer Awareness Initiative for the Black Community
Information. Education. Inspiration.
The American Cancer Society’s Partnering For Life initiative works to spread awareness about cancer risk, prevention, and early detection in the Black community. We welcome you to use the resources found here for your own personal health journey, with your family and loved ones, or to lead conversations within your community.
Watch Our Partnering For Life Concert
On December 4, 2021 we launched our national Partnering For Life initiative with an evening of music and hope. Wendy Raquel Robinson, actress and American Cancer Society Ambassador, hosted dynamic performances by Jonathan Nelson, Maurette Brown Clark, Patrick Lundy and the Ministers of Music, and Dottie Peoples. The virtual show also included inspirational messages delivered by special guests from across the nation.
Click on the image below to view the replay.
Special thanks to our Partnering For Life partners: 100 Black Men of America, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Black Women’s Agenda, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., The Links, Incorporated, National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., National Black Justice Coalition, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Conversations and Inspiration
Discover hope and continued education via these informative videos featuring cancer survivors, advocates, and experts.
Rick shares his personal cancer journey and a call to action.
Dave and Ron discuss the importance of regular cancer screening.
Dr. Hall leads a frank conversation on breast health equity.
Resources For You
Use these resources to help you, the ones you love, those you work with, and those in your communities to help improve and save lives from cancer.
Resources for Faith-Based Communities
Resources for Organizations
- African American /Black 10 Key Cancer Facts [PDF]
- Cancer Disparities – The Facts on our Fight [PDF]
- African Americans and Tobacco [PDF]
- Tobacco and Cancer Fact Sheet [PDF]
- Breast Health Equity [video]
- Get Screened - Michael Johnson, Olympic Gold Medalist [video]
- Get Screened - The Conversation [video]
- Get Screened – Cheryl Dotson [video]
Our Partners
The following organizations are providing support, guidance and collaboration for the Partnering For Life initiative.
Community Partnerships
All of us have been touched by cancer, and all of us are invested in freeing the world from the pain and suffering cancer causes. The American Cancer Society is honored to partner with prestigious social/civic and faith organizations, as well as individuals in the sports and entertainment industries. These partners not only give generously of themselves, but they also help us mobilize others to support the mission outreach and fundraising required to advance our lifesaving work.
Social/Civic and Faith Organizations
African Methodist Episcopal Church
The A.M.E. Church and the Society share common interests in reaching African Americans and other key constituents with messages relating to cancer. By forming a partnership, both organizations are capitalizing on each other’s strengths to promote mutual goals via multiple communication channels. The two year collaboration focuses on cancer outreach and education, volunteerism, mission support, and the 80 by 2018 Colon Cancer Campaign.
National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.
The Society collaborates with the National Baptist Convention to conduct outreach and education on breast and colorectal cancer in African American communities. Through church sponsored programs, communities are educated on cancer risk reduction and provided cancer screening information and resources.
The Links, Incorporated
The Eastern Area of The Links, Inc. began a partnership with the Society to address breast cancer disparities and health equity legislative priorities. The partnership has expanded nationwide, focusing on public health advocacy with ACS’s Cancer Action Network, Community Health Initiatives, and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. launched "Project S.W.W.A.C." - Sigmas Waging War Against Cancer - in 1999 to honor Tyrone Kee, a member who lost his battle with the disease. The initiative formalized a partnership with the American Cancer Society that includes education on cancer prevention and early detection, participation in Relay For Life, and public policy advocacy.
CenterLink
CenterLink works with the American Cancer Society to educate Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender individuals on cancer prevention and early detection. Key areas of focus include tobacco cessation and increasing colorectal screening rates.
National Black Justice Coalition
The National Black Justice Coalition collaborates with the Society to reach African American LGBT communities and other constituents with important messages relating to cancer prevention and early detection. The organization also supports the ACS Cancer Action Network’s health equity legislative priorities.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The American Cancer Society’s national partnership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is aimed at improving the health of its members and activating their communities to join the fight against cancer. The far-reaching partnership includes volunteerism, cancer education and awareness, advocacy, and Relay For Life participation.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc fight back against cancer by fundraising and providing resources to women going through cancer treatment. The sorority’s Wigs for Awareness has donated thousands of new wigs for cancer patients.
Brand Ambassadors and Notable Fundraisers
Reaching Multicultural Audiences
The American Cancer Society is attacking cancer from every angle, saving lives in every population. Our brand campaign ensures all patients, donors, volunteers and employees see themselves reflected in our lifesaving mission. This inclusive outreach is helping us reach more people, expand awareness, cultivate new partnerships, raise more dollars, and ultimately, save more lives.
Delmar's Story - Hope Lodge | American Cancer Society
Vanessa's Story - Cancer Action Network | American Cancer Society
Joya's Story - 24/7 Cancer Helpline | American Cancer Society