Breast cancer remains one of the most serious health threats facing Black women in the United States, with mortality rates significantly higher than those of other groups. In Houston this spring, thousands of survivors, families, and advocates will gather to confront that reality and raise awareness.

Sisters Network Inc., the nation’s leading organization supporting Black breast cancer survivors, announced it will host the 16th Annual Stop the Silence® National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run on April 18 at Tom Bass Regional Park.

More than 3,000 participants are expected to attend the annual event, which aims to promote early detection, access to screenings, and community support for women battling breast cancer.

The theme for this year’s walk is “The Power of Pink, The Spirit of Strength.”

Why the Walk Matters

Health experts say breast cancer outcomes remain starkly unequal in the United States.

Black women are 42 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, despite having similar diagnosis rates. Those disparities are part of a broader health equity challenge affecting Black women across the country. Bayou Beat previously featured the issue in a report, “Why are we leaving Black women’s health behind?”

Younger Black women also face a disproportionate burden: women under 35 are diagnosed at twice the rate of white women and die at three times the rate.

Organizers say events like the Stop the Silence walk are designed to bring those disparities into public conversation while connecting survivors to resources and support.

“Now in its 16th year, the Stop the Silence Walk is a living reminder of what happens when Black women choose community over fear and action over silence,” said Karen E. Jackson, founder and CEO of Sisters Network Inc.

“The Power of Pink, The Spirit of Strength is more than a theme. It symbolizes the love we wrap around survivors and the courage it takes to keep showing up for ourselves and each other.”

A National Movement With Houston Roots

Founded in 1994, Sisters Network Inc. is the largest national organization dedicated to supporting Black breast cancer survivors.

The Houston-based nonprofit was established by Karen Eubanks Jackson, a four-time breast cancer survivor who launched the organization after recognizing the lack of culturally focused support systems for Black women battling the disease.

Since then, the organization has grown into a national network with more than 25 survivor-run affiliate chapters across the United States.

The annual Stop the Silence walk, first launched in 2010, has become the first and only national breast cancer walk created specifically to address the impact of the disease on Black women.

Funds raised through the event support the Karen E. Jackson Breast Cancer Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance and access to 3D mammogram screenings for uninsured and underinsured women.

To date, the program has distributed more than $2 million in financial support and early detection screenings nationwide.

Event Details

16th Annual Stop the Silence® National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run

Tom Bass Regional Park
3452 Fellows Road, Houston

Saturday, April 18, 2026
9 a.m. – Noon

Early bird registration is open through Feb. 3, with regular registration continuing through April.

Participants can register at:
www.stopthesilencewalk.org

16th annual Stop the silence walk