WSSNews | Volume 39 No. 48

Letter to the Editor:

Cervical Cancer Shouldn't be a Death Sentence

February is National Minority Health Month -a time to bring attention to a disease that should no longer be taking lives, yet con- tinues to do so, especially those of black women in Black and rural communities. In Georgia, Black women are nearly one and a half times more likely to die from cer- vical cancer than white women. This is not because cervical can- cer is inevitable. In fact, it is one of the most preventable and treat able cancers when people have access to the HPV vaccine, rou- tine screening, and timely follow- up care. What puts lives at risk is not biology it is barriers created by policy, systems, and inequality.

Before becoming a Southern Rural Black Women's Initiative (SRBWI) Cervical Cancer Am- bassador, I did not know how common HPV is or that it is the leading cause of cervical cancer. I also did not realize that cervical cancer is largely preventable with early vaccination and regu- lar screening tools that so many

By Nadia Surry women still cannot easily access.

Research conducted by SRB- WI, in collaboration with Human Rights Watch, shows that many women in Georgia face serious obstacles to cervical cancer pre- vention and treatment. SRBWI's research across Georgia, Ala- bama, and the Mississippi Delta reveals a regional crisis affecting rural Black Belt and Delta com- munities areas with high young people. Large parts of Georgia, especially rural counties, lack ad- equate gynecologic care. Nearly half of the state's counties do not have an OB-GYN. As a result, many women must travel long dis- tances, take unpaid time off work, or delay care altogether because they cannot afford it. These chal- lenges are compounded by Geor- gia's refusal to expand Medicaid, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without affordable health insurance.

To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA--- The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra invites audiences to ex- perience a powerful and celebra- tory musical journey with Ameri- can Voices: Lift Every Voice and Sing! a concert that honors the depth, diversity, and enduring in- fluence of Black musical excel- lence in America. Blending clas- sically inspired orchestral works with contemporary compositions, the program offers an immersive exploration of sound, history, and culture.

Under the direction of Anthony Parnther, the Symphony will bring to life works by legendary com- posers including Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Scott Joplin, Wynton Marsalis, Florence Price, Richard Smallwood, Damien Sneed, William Grant Still, and more. The performance promises a rich tapestry of musical styles, weaving together jazz, gospel, classical, and modern influences that have shaped the American musical landscape.

Adding to the emotional depth of the evening, Maestro Parnther and the Symphony will be joined by renowned vocalist Dedrick Bon- ner alongside the acclaimed Sing- ers of Soul, whose powerful voic- es will elevate the concert into a moving tribute to resilience, cre- ativity, and collective expression. The concert will take place at the WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

SB Symphony presents

American Voices: Lift Every Voice and Sing!

historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts, located at 562 W. 4th Street in downtown San Bernardino. The venue offers free, lighted parking directly adjacent to the theater, ensuring convenient access for concertgoers.

Single-concert and same-day tickets are available ranging from $20 to $100 per seat and may be purchased online at sanbernardi- nosymphony.org or by phone at (909) 381-5388, Monday through Friday.

Students accompanied by an adult are always eligible for a spe- cial $15 ticket price. Beginning this season, patrons may also take advantage of new money-saving ticket bundles that allow the pre- purchase of seats for two or more concerts at a substantial discount. Depending on the number of tick- ets purchased, discounts can reach up to 35 percent, offering greater flexibility without the commit- ment of a full season subscription.

While venue box office sales are planned prior to performances, seating availability on concert days cannot be guaranteed, and early ticket purchases are strongly encouraged.

For additional information, pa- trons are invited to email the Sym- phony or call (909) 381-5388, where staff will be happy to assist with ticketing and concert details.