October 1 marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting education, research, and supporting resources related to an illness that affects millions every year. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that this year, there have been more than 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer, and according to Susan G. Komen, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
While there has been a 42% decline in breast cancer deaths over the past 30 years, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation has found that there is still a “mortality gap” between Black women and white women. And even though Black women are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than white women, they are about 41% more likely to die from the disease, research shows.
This is why early detection is important, and more information about breast cancer awareness is key for Black women. There are still systemic and socioeconomic barriers related to breast cancer screenings, healthcare access, and preventative care, but several Black women celebrities and leaders have lent their voices, influence, and fame to advocate for more investment, awareness, and resources in the fight against breast cancer.
Tina Knowles
Tina Knowles
Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
When ex-husband Mathew Knowles revealed his battle with breast cancer, Tina Knowles spoke out, telling ET, “Thank God he [discovered] it very early on, and he is going to be fine. I’m [calling] it." She also serves on the board of the BeyGOOD Foundation, which has also launched breast cancer awareness initiatives and advocacy efforts.
Sara Sidner
CNN anchor Sara Sidner revealed her cancer diagnosis in January, adding that she’d gone through chemotherapy and would have a double mastectomy.
“Just take a second to recall the names of eight women who you love and know in your life. Just eight. Count them on your fingers. Statistically, one of them will get or have breast cancer. I am that 1 in 8 in my friend group,” Sidner said live on the air.
Desiree Rogers
Desirée Rogers, CEO of Black Opal, has served on the board of the American Cancer Society and has spoken widely about the importance of breast cancer awareness. She is a survivor and has shared her own story of finding out, advocating for herself, and continuing to pursue her highest career goals in the process.
"I learned I am strong. I am actually a warrior, and I will do what it takes to live," Rogers told an ABC 7 Chicago reporter in 2021.
Mary J. Blige
Mary J Blige
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
In 2022, Mary J. Blige joined Jill Biden and the American Cancer Society to encourage advocacy through the launch of national meetings on breast and cervical cancer. President Joe Biden and the first lady had relaunched the “cancer moonshot” initiative that year, allotting more funds for cancer research.
Blige shared that she lost aunts and other family members to breast, cervical, and lung cancer, and she has been a public proponent of early detection via cancer screenings, working with the Black Women’s Health Imperative in 2021.
Wanda Sykes
In 2011, comedian and actress Wanda Sykes admitted for the first time on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that she was diagnosed. “I had breast cancer,” she shared. “Yeah, I know it’s scary.” She found out after getting a breast reduction. “I had real big boobs, and I just got tired of knocking over stuff.”
“It wasn’t until after the reduction that in the lab work, the pathology, that they found that I had DCIS [ductal carcinoma in situ] in my left breast. I was very, very lucky because DCIS is basically stage-zero cancer.” She had a double mastectomy, she added.
In the years following, she has since used her platform to raise funds and awareness for research, early detection, and support.
Patti LaBelle
This powerhouse singer, actress, and lifestyle brand mogul has had personal experience with cancer, losing three sisters to the illness. She has used her talent and multiple platforms to raise awareness of various cancers, including breast cancer, featured in the 2022 PSA campaign "Stop Breast Cancer For Life."
Ericka Hart
Ericka HartPhoto by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
A social justice advocate and sexuality educator, Ericka Hart's empowering platform intersects race, gender, disability, LGBTQ+ rights, and sex positivity. She’s a breast cancer survivor and has boldly walked runways showing her double-mastectomy scars, and she has been featured in empowerment and education campaigns. She works as a speaker, activist, and college educator.
Bershan Shaw
Entrepreneur, speaker, and reality TV co-star Bershan Shaw received a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis in her 30s and has shared her story of resilience, healing, and life transitions throughout that period of her life. She is the founder of URA Warrior, a mental health and wellness support community with a recently launched app.
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Featured image by Lionel Hahn / Contributor
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
