According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women and the leading cancer among African American women. Consequently, it is also the leading cause of cancer death among black women, largely due to delayed screening (American Cancer Society, 2016).

 

When Erika Hart was diagnosed with cancer in May 2014, she was surprised to find that her plastic surgeon struggled with finding images of examples of what a double mastectomy would look like on her.  In her own google search for online images of what a double mastectomy would look like on a black woman, Erika was surprised to find that there were no online images available to her to give her an idea of what to expect (Hart, 2016).

It was this that propelled Erika Hart to go topless for the Afropunk Fest, not only to raise awareness about breast cancer but to showcase what she refers to as her “warrior scars” and fill the void for black women who need to know what a double masectomy might look like on them (Hart, 2016).

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We celebrate you, Erika Hart, for your bravery, your boldness, and your courage. Thank you for sharing your "warrior scars" with us in these lovely works of art. WeSUPPORT you!

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To read about Erika's journey and her message, click on the link below.

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