Honoring Freedom, Advancing Health: Why Juneteenth Matters to the Black Blood Cancer Community

Every year on June 19th, communities across the United States celebrate Juneteenth — a day that honors the emancipation of the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, in 1865. More than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the promise of freedom finally reached those still held in bondage. Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the ongoing journey toward freedom, justice, and equity — and that journey continues today, especially in health care.

At HealthTree’s Black Health programs, we recognize that while legal freedom was won generations ago, health freedom — the right to equitable access to care, accurate information, and life-saving research — is still being fought for. Juneteenth reminds us that true liberation includes the ability to live healthy lives, make informed decisions, and receive the best care possible, regardless of race or zip code.

Why Juneteenth Matters for Black Blood Cancer Patients

Black Americans are disproportionately affected by various blood cancers, including multiple myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma. For instance:

• Multiple Myeloma: Black Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma, yet face delays in diagnosis, limited access to clinical trials, and fewer treatment options. These disparities are not rooted in biology but in systemic barriers and mistrust shaped by a long history of medical neglect and exclusion.
  
  
• Leukemia: Leukemia is another blood cancer that disproportionately affects the Black community. Black children are more likely to be diagnosed with leukemia than other racial or ethnic groups, and Black adults face challenges in timely diagnosis and receiving advanced treatments. The survival rate for Black patients with leukemia is lower, in part due to barriers in accessing cutting-edge care.
  
  
• Lymphoma: Black patients with lymphoma, particularly Hodgkin lymphoma, are less likely to receive early diagnoses, resulting in poorer outcomes. Disparities in treatment options and access to care remain a significant concern within the Black community.

Juneteenth is a powerful reminder that change is possible — and that we must continue to fight for equity, not just in society, but in health care. It's an opportunity to amplify voices that have historically been silenced, and to uplift the lived experiences of Black patients navigating blood cancer.

Taking Action This Juneteenth

Here are a few meaningful ways to honor Juneteenth and advance health equity this month:

• Learn and Share: Educate yourself and your community about the disproportionate impact of blood cancers on Black communities and why participation in clinical research matters. Check out our new disparities courses in HealthTree University to deepen your understanding of these issues. Also, learn from Black myeloma patients who have openly shared their experiences participating in research and the impact it has had on their health and treatment options.
  
  
• Support Black Patients: Join the Black Health Connect Group, Black Myeloma Health Connect Group, or the Black Myeloma Health Facebook Group to connect with others and offer support. Whether it's education, inspiration, listening, or sharing resources, these groups are designed to provide a space for Black patients to find community and strength during their cancer journey.
  
  
• Join Us for a Special Community Webinar:
  On Tuesday, June 24th, we’re hosting a live community webinar featuring a panel of Black patients who have participated in clinical trials. These courageous individuals will share their personal experiences, challenges, and what being part of research has meant to them. They’ll also answer questions from the audience, offering real insight into what clinical trial participation truly looks like.
  
  
• Save the Date for the Black Health Movement Event in August: This event is about more than just movement. It’s about raising awareness for blood cancers, advocating for greater Black representation in clinical research, and pushing for real change in the healthcare system. Your participation in the 4th Annual Black Health Movement Event for All Blood Cancers makes a direct impact in supporting communities that need it most. Early bird registration is still available — don't miss your chance to be a part of this important event!

This Juneteenth, let’s honor the past by actively shaping a healthier, more equitable future. Freedom means more than the absence of chains — it means access, empowerment, and healing for all.

Register for the upcoming virtual event: Black Voices in Clinical Research for an inspiring panel of Black patients who have participated in clinical research. They'll share their real-life experiences—the challenges, the breakthroughs, and why representation in research matters. This candid conversation will explore what it truly means to be part of medical research as a Black participant, how trust is built, and the impact their involvement is making in advancing equitable healthcare.

REGISTER FOR FREE EVENT