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Antwone Muhammad explains how cancer saved his life

ROLLINGOUT — Chicago hip-hop artist Antwone Muhammad was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2013. In June of 2014 after surgery and chemotherapy, he went into remission. In June of 2019, his cancer recurred. Muhammad remains a beacon of light as he continues to fight. Rolling out spoke with Muhammad about his battle, his new book, and the fundraiser he is having this month.

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Antwone Muhammad (Photo by: Tito Garcia)

By Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,670 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. The lifetime chance of getting breast cancer in the United States for men is 1 in 833.

Photo courtesy of Antwone Muhammad

Photo courtesy of Antwone Muhammad

Chicago hip-hop artist Antwone Muhammad was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2013. In June of 2014 after surgery and chemotherapy, he went into remission. In June of 2019, his cancer recurred. Muhammad remains a beacon of light as he continues to fight. Rolling out spoke with Muhammad about his battle, his new book, and the fundraiser he is having this month.

What were your initial feelings when you were diagnosed with cancer again?

It hurt because so much has happened in the past year but I prayed and I trust that I will be victorious again with God’s help and support of family and friends.

What are some of the misconceptions when it comes to men and this disease?

The main misconception is that men can’t get breast cancer. It’s largely viewed as a woman’s illness. This illness affects 1 percent of men.

What were some of the symptoms that caused you to take notice?

I started feeling sensitivity on the left side of my chest on my nipple. Soon after, brown fluid started discharging from my chest. This led me to [go to] the emergency room [and] after a series of tests, I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.

Talk about your book Cancer Saved My Life. Why did you decide to write the book and why that title?

I feel sharing my experience can help others in their journey and possibly can prevent someone from having a similar experience. The title is important because people only change for three reasons. There are three levels of change. Level one is when we know enough to be able to change. This is when a person has empowered themselves to change. This is the best place to make a change but hardly anyone does. Next is level two. This is when you have to ask yourself, “do I care enough to want to change?” We ask this after we know enough to change but still have not made the change due to excuses or stalling. Last is level three. When we hurt enough to have to change. This is where most make a change. Cancer was that pain for me. It forced me to make changes that have and [are] saving my life. I’m urging people to empower yourself at level one so something like cancer will not have to save you. Save yourself by being proactive [about] illness instead of reactive.

You are doing the “Heal Thyself Fundraiser” at the Promontory on Oct. 20, 2019. What can people expect?

People can expect to have a healing experience which is why we chose this name. We want those in attendance to feel as though they are closer to having peace and better health of mind, body and spirit after leaving this event.

This article originally appeared in RollingOut.com.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

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Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

 

 

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

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The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for connection, marking a significant step toward creating a more inclusive parenting community.

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org

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Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

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