By Lenette Hinds
Photos by Michael Mitchell
The Black and White Cancers Survivors Foundation celebrated their 12th annual spring event fundraiser. This year’s theme was “Making Strides through the Decades.” The event was at Duke Energy Convention Center.
In addition, the organization celebrated the 70th birthday of one of its founders, Dr. Keith Melvin, who is also a cancer survivor. Dr. Melvin also paid tribute to his mother Beatrice Melvin, who is 92.
There was phenomenal support with more than 600 guests as attendees that are helping make survival rates possible. William Mabrey, co-founder along with Dr. Melvin, continued to share his passion to educate the communities and emphasize self-care by getting yearly checkups. Early detection is always the key, Mabrey said. There are still high rates of breast cancer as well prostate cancer affecting African Americans.
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”58″ gal_title=”Black and White Cancers Survivors Foundation spring event”]Master of Ceremonies Lincoln Ware helped all of the Black and White Cancer Survivors, who were honored guests, move into a more eventful night. Ware opened the evening performance with special guest Ed “Sax” Thomas setting the right mood guests arrived.
The spring event featured music by KevY Kev DJ spinning the sounds that were real crowd pleasers. In addition to the entertainment events, the Aretha Chapman Dancers, dressed in 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s attire, danced with guests.
Dr. Melvin made a surprise appearance by popping out of a giant birthday cake, as guests looked on in astonishment.
Join the Black and White Cancers Survivors Foundation 12th annual Gala November 5 at Duke Energy Convention Center. Dr. Keith C. Melvin and Bill Mabrey will host the event.