A barbershop conversation among Black men will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14 on Facebook Live to discuss cancer disparities in the Indy community.
Moderated by Fred Yeakey, chief partnership officer at The Barbershop Male Mentoring Initiative at Providence Cristo Ray High School, the conversation will feature a group of Black men representing diverse backgrounds, each sharing personal experiences with the goal of advancing Black men’s health.
The event will highlight the unique challenges Black men face regarding cancer risks and prevention, screening, treatment and survival. Black people are disproportionately affected by cancer and experience greater barriers in the screening and treatment process, making their mortality rate 19% higher when compared to white men.
“Addressing health and wellness within the Black community, particularly among Black men, is not just about tackling disparities — it’s about empowering a community to take control of its health and future,” said Demarcus Sneed, director of the Indiana Cancer Consortium. “Conversations like these are crucial in breaking down barriers, dispelling myths and fostering a culture where health is prioritized and supported.”
The barbershop setting, known as a hub for community dialogue, seeks to create a safe space for the discussions.
“We are honored to facilitate this important discussion and bring attention to the health challenges faced by Black men,” Yeakey said. “Our goal is to raise awareness, foster understanding, and promote effective strategies for better health outcomes.”
The conversation is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society, the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement and the center’s End Lung Cancer Now initiative and the Indiana Cancer Consortium.
To attend the conversation, click here.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
