Jeffries: The triumphs of women should be celebrated this month, the month after that...

Judson L. Jeffries is professor of African American and African Studies at The Ohio State University. He is a regular contributor to the Columbus Dispatch.

For centuries, the lived experiences of women have been given short shrift in the annals of history. March is Women’s History Month, a time to highlight the achievements and accomplishments of women.

Women’s contributions to world civilization can no longer be ignored, as they are chronicled in documentaries, movies, books, magazines, newspapers, and other forms of media for posterity.

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There is no area of human endeavor in which women have not made their mark.

Shari Williams, of Columbus, a breast cancer survivor, walks with her daughter and granddaughters Saturday, May 14, 2022, during the annual Komen Columbus Race for the Cure which is back in person, after a two-year absence because of COVID-19.
Shari Williams, of Columbus, a breast cancer survivor, walks with her daughter and granddaughters Saturday, May 14, 2022, during the annual Komen Columbus Race for the Cure which is back in person, after a two-year absence because of COVID-19.

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Celebrating women and all that they do and have done seems to be an appropriate thing to do this month, and the month after that, and the month after that, and the month after that.

You get the point.

Although it is important to take the time to publicly acknowledge women’s accomplishments, it is equally important to recognize the struggles and challenges they have waged and continue to face. Breast cancer is one such challenge.

On a recent Saturday, members of Columbus’s Eta Nu Nu chapter of the illustrious Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. put on a highly anticipated Breast Cancer Awareness event at Saint Stephen’s Community House, located in the city’s Linden area.

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"SURVIVORSHIP: A Celebration of Life Beyond the Struggle" was the theme. From 9 a.m. to noon women survivors of breast cancer were celebrated for their courage, admired for fortitude, and encouraged to keep on keeping on.

Judson L. Jeffries
Judson L. Jeffries

Attendees were treated to the sweet sounds of the Melodic Atmosphere. Keynote speaker Kyra Pruitt-White shared her story of trial and triumph, and left women inspired and uplifted.

More than 100 women breast cancer survivors registered for the event with friends and family members in attendance. Women who have undergone a single or double mastectomy, or lumpectomy were the target audience.

The likelihood of women being afflicted by breast cancer is not negligible. In fact, 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime, and the numbers are higher amongst women of color. In America, breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women.

This year’s event treated women to a morning of pampering that included hand, neck and back massages as well as getting their nails trimmed and polished.

Sponsors included Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus Cancer Clinic - LifeCare Alliance, Chamberlain University, Cancer Support Community Central Ohio, Big Star Transit, Commission on Black Girls, and City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods.

All registrants are eligible for wrap around service at the Stephanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center where they will be fitted with mastectomy bras.

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At the end of the program a raffle was held, and gift cards were disseminated. And as each lady existed the building, she was handed a bouquet of roses. Surprised by the gesture, one lady blurted out, “what a wonderful way to start the afternoon, you all made my day."

Judson L. Jeffries is professor of African American and African Studies at The Ohio State University. He is a regular contributor to the Columbus Dispatch.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Why should women's history be celebrated everyday| Judson L. Jeffries