
EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS

The Black Beauty Breakdown: A Black woman’s guide to uncovering the connection between personal care products & breast cancer.
A three-day virtual symposium hosted by the Bench to Community Initiative that breaks down what Black women should know about harmful chemicals in personal care products and their connection to increased breast cancer risks.
The Black Beauty Breakdown is a gathering of brilliant minds and movement builders dedicated to supporting Black women in understanding and navigating the hidden harms of the beauty and personal care product market. Through this virtual symposium, the Bench to Community Initiative brings together a hub of researchers, health advocates, breast cancer survivors, and community organizations that are dedicated to preserving the health of Black women and protecting them against increased risks of breast cancer.
SYMPOSIUM DATES:
September 10th
Understanding the research, and potential risks
September 17th
Navigating prevention through advocacy
September 24th
Being a conscious consumer
WHY IT MATTERS:
Black women face unique challenges and disparities in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survival. One significant but often overlooked factor is the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in personal care products. These chemicals, found in many everyday items such as hair dyes, relaxers, and cosmetics, can disrupt your hormone system and may increase your risk of breast cancer.
WHAT BLACK WOMEN NEED TO KNOW:
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1 in 8 women have a risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime.
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Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death among women.
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Scientific research supports a link between exposure to harmful chemicals, especially those that interfere with hormone activity, in hair and other personal care products and breast cancer risk
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Research shows that Black women are exposed to higher levels of EDCs compared to other groups, starting from a young age and continuing throughout their lives.
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Many common personal care products contain EDCs, yet awareness and regulation of these harmful chemicals remain limited.
JOIN US AT THE BLACK BEAUTY BREAKDOWN FOR:
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Expert Knowledge: Learn from researchers and health advocates about the science behind EDCs and their impact on breast cancer.
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Practical Solutions: Participate in workshops that teach you how to identify harmful chemicals in products, create your own safer personal care alternatives, and adopt healthier beauty practices.
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Advocacy Tools: Discover how you can join the movement for better regulations and safer beauty standards to protect yourself and our community.
SUPPORTING PARTNEERS:
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Celebrate Life Cancer Ministry, Pastor Rhonda Holbert, M.Min.
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My Style Matters, Tiah Tomlin-Harris, MS
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Healthy Heritage Collective, Bing Turner, MPH
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Roots to Success & Strandz Unlimited, Tonya Fairley, CEO
PAST EVENTS
2022 Bench to Community Symposium
2022 Bench to Community Symposium


BCI Symposium | Beauty Justice and Pregnancy Health Disparities

Bench to Community Initiative: Origin Story

BCI Symposium | Hair Product Use and Breast Cancer Risk
2020 Bench to Community Symposium
2020 Bench to Community Symposium


BCI Symposium | Personal Care Products and Black Women's Health by Dr. James-Todd

BCI Symposium | The Environmental Injustice of Beauty by Dr. Bhavna Shamasunder

BCI Symposium | Welcome by Dr. Rick Kittles | Advocacy for Women's Health by Senator Connie Leyva
Salon Conversations
Salon Conversations


Salon Conversations: Episode 1

Salon Conversations: Episode 2

Salon Conversations: Episode 3
