Minister Louis Farrakhan launches Prostate Cancer Foundation

Jet, June 2, 2003

Nation of Islam leader the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan recently launched the Louis Farrakhan Prostate Cancer Foundation during a gala weekend of festivities in Chicago.

"I am a survivor of prostate cancer," Farrakhan said at a press conference at Mosque Maryam, announcing the prostate cancer foundation.

"I realized that this disease was killing Black men at terrific rates and that as men, we are difficult in terms of allowing ourselves to be tested. But my dear brothers, let me encourage you. In fact, I'm going to spend the rest of my days encouraging men, in general, and Black men in particular. Don't wait."

Farrakhan said by God's grace, he fought the disease and stands today cancer-free and nearly completely recovered from his cancer-related illnesses.

He urged all men to get tested, and if they discover they have prostate cancer, begin immediately to fight it.

"Once you know you have it, then the next thing is aggressively start your war, and since we're warriors, we don't give in to these things. We overcome."

Immediately following the press conference, Black men were offered free prostate cancer screenings at the mosque.

The Farrakhan Prostate Cancer Foundation will assist men who might not have adequate health insurance to get the proper treatment they need. Its endowment will be housed at the Howard University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where a clinic will later be opened to help provide treatment for men with prostate cancer.

Later that evening, veteran soul group Frankie Beverly and Maze performed at a sold-out benefit concert that raised funds for the Farrakhan Prostate Cancer Foundation. Hit singer Tank and comedian Damon Williams opened the show.

The weekend festivities ended with a star-studded black tie benefit gala at the Chicago Hilton & Towers.

Among the celebrities lending their support at the fund-raiser were the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Tavis Smiley, Dr. Cornel West, actress Beverly Todd, singers Kelly Price, Martha Wash, Sarah Dash and rapper Doug E. Fresh. The Muntu Dance Theater and a rising hip-hop group, the Righteous Riders, were among those who performed.