The Union for Black Identity collaborated with the Marian Alliance and partnered with Future Black Leaders and Pink Forever to host “Pink and Powerful,” an event honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) on Oct. 17 in Clare Hall.
The program aimed to empower students, spread awareness, and bring the Marian community together to learn about breast cancer through hands-on activities and educational conversations. Attendees were encouraged to wear their best pink attire in solidarity with survivors and those currently battling breast cancer.
One of the main attractions was a DIY Pink Ribbon Craft Station, where students created ribbon pins to wear or give to others in support of BCAM. The event also featured a Breast Cancer Awareness Trivia Challenge led by Liz Harden, a representative from Pink Forever. Harden presented facts about breast cancer, prompting attendees to answer true-or-false questions based on her presentation.
“It was informational, educational, inspiring, and built connections,” said Tori Williams, president of Marian Alliance and a Future Black Leaders ambassador.
For many students, the event expanded their understanding of breast cancer. According to Marian student Matthew Stockdale, he found the event eye-opening, especially after learning that men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer.
According to Nia Williams, Future Black Leaders ambassador, hosting events like this is essential for strengthening support systems for marginalized communities on campus. Serving in three executive roles this year, she emphasized the importance of using her leadership to turn ideas into meaningful initiatives.
The event saw a strong turnout, with students receiving informational materials, small gifts, and opportunities to participate in interactive activities centered around breast cancer awareness.
“I think the BCAM event at Marian was very successful!” Williams said.
Behind the scenes, organizers faced challenges securing all the materials they originally requested. However, volunteers worked together to redistribute supplies to ensure every attendee received resources and take-home items.
According to Williams, the collaboration between the partnering organizations reflected the importance of intersectionality in community-building. Events like Pink and Powerful help broaden perspectives and highlight the multifaceted identities within Marian’s student population.
