Business mogul Rihanna is celebrating three breast cancer survivors as part of her latest Savage X Fenty campaign, which dropped on the brand’s Instagram page last night.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Savage X Fenty showcases ‘survivors and thrivers’ Cayatanita, Ericka, and Nykia; who were all diagnosed with aggressive forms of cancer and faced disparate healthcare owing to their age and race.
In encouraging them to tell their stories, Rihanna hopes to spread awareness of the barriers Black women face when it comes to gaining access to adequate healthcare and support.
Cayatanita was diagnosed with breast cancer at 32 in 2018. She began blogging about her experiences in a bid to create a community; and to ensure others like her did not feel alone.
Ericka, who found out she had two types of cancer at 28, wrote about her changing relationship with her body. “It’s important for you to appreciate the body you’re in for getting you where you are right now.”
“And that was really moving to me, because it wasn’t all about beauty, it wasn’t about ‘Oh I love myself’. It was: ‘I appreciate the vessel that has carried me’. I really give all kudos to Black femmes and Black queer people for holding me down.”
With the campaign’s collection set to be sold throughout October and into November; Rihanna is donating a portion of proceeds up to $250,000 to her Clara Lionel Foundation. Check it out in the gallery above and learn more on how to check your own breasts for lumps here.