Thousands gathered Saturday at Tiger Lane for Sista Strut Memphis, an annual 3K walk that honors breast cancer survivors and raises awareness. Along with the walk, the strut comes with music, dancing and a sea of pink and purple.
Now in its 11th year, Sista Strut Memphis continues to unite families, friends and supporters to bring attention to the disease that disproportionately affects Black women. Organized by iHeartMedia Memphis, the event featured activities for all whether they choose to walk or not. There were vendors of all sorts, health and wellness resources, musical entertainment and tributes to survivors and those lost to the disease.
Among the participants was Kay Young, who perfectly captured the energy of the morning: “We come every year. We celebrate for the people we lost, and we celebrate for the people that are here. And we’re gonna keep strutting, ’cause that’s what we do!” she said, her words bursting with enthusiasm as she clasped hands with loved ones ready to walk.
Katrina Newsom, a six-year breast cancer survivor, shared how personal the walk is for her: “It means a lot because I am a breast cancer survivor. This walk means everything to me and my family. It’s a time for us to come out and support the other survivors and all the warriors out there,” she said.
Backed by local organizations and sponsors, Sista Strut also serves as an educational platform, providing essential information about early detection, access to screenings and health care resources.
Newsom encouraged others to be aware of their breast health. “I would say early detection is key — so please be aware and get your mammograms. It means the world to me for my friends and family to be out here supporting me, which they do all day, every day,” she stated.
Sista Strut is more than just a walk — From laughter and music to shared tears and tight hugs, it’s a celebration of sisterhood and solidarity and lots of fun, too.
Memphis entertainer Chick Rodgers, dressed in pink with her hair dyed pink, performed as did the Craig Wright Line Dancers, among others.
As the walk kicked off and the crowd poured onto East Parkway, music thumped, sneakers hit the pavement and hearts beat in unison.
“This right here is sisterhood. This is support. This is strength. This is for all the mothers, sisters, aunties, cousins — this is love in action,” said one participant proudly, pausing to wave at fellow walkers adorned in coordinated shirts and glittered sashes.
