Fight CRC Celebrates Juneteenth

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Fight CRC News
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Fight CRC hasn’t observed Juneteenth in the past, but today, and moving forward, we are. Over the past 20 years, we have approached our work with intentionality. We will continue to seek opportunities to showcase Black voices and honor the faces and stories of Black survivors, caregivers, and champions impacted by colorectal cancer (CRC).

Juneteenth is a day of celebration, love, history, and culture. On June 19, 1965, Major General Gordon Granger and Union troops of the American Civil War reached Galveston, Texas with news of the Civil War’s end and that the enslaved were now free. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Although emancipation was a battle won, there remains a century-long struggle for Black civil rights that is far from over. 

Today, as an organization committed to fighting CRC, we’re fighting for equity in treatment, prevention, and care for CRC patients and families. The past year has brought these inequities into tragically sharp focus as underserved communities face greater hurdles when seeking cancer-prevention and life-saving treatments. 

You can count on us to stay committed to representing all people impacted by CRC in an equitable and inclusive way. Living up to these values means raising the standard and embracing ongoing learning and listening efforts. Our intention is to authentically and respectfully highlight Black achievements and Black CRC community members who relentlessly fight against CRC.

It is our responsibility to not only identify the gaps, but to also advocate for equal access to care. As advocates, we can empower our community to change the status quo and take action to promote change! 

Black Americans have the highest rates of CRC of any racial or ethnic group in the United States. 

We continue to ask ourselves, “What can we do? How can we be there for our community?” Our efforts require persistence and dedication to advocating for and with those who are facing unequal access to health care. Fight CRC continues to fight for progress. We are opposed to the social and racial inequities that exist in health care for our patient community and beyond and we pledge to do more.

Today, and every day, we stand with and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to doing our part to address our country’s difficult challenges. We hope and encourage Black champions in our community to share your story and take time for healing, reflection, and celebration.