June 13, 2024

Embracing Community, Resilience, and Liberation: Dr. Tawana Davis’s Journey and the Foundation of Soul 2 Soul Sisters

Dr. Tawana Angela Davis is a transformative force in the fight for racial justice and Black liberation. She introduces herself by honoring her elders and those who have come before her. She is the daughter of Rose Lee Davis and the granddaughter of Alice Mack. She is also the daughter of Edward E. Davis Junior. All three have transitioned from this life, and Dr. Tawana also honors her baby sister, Tina Rose Davis, who is no longer with us. She speaks their names in our conversation to respect and acknowledge her family, her community.

Born and raised in Harlem, New York, in the Wagner projects, Dr. Tawana proudly and loudly embraces her roots. She often asks, “What good can come out of the projects?” and she is the answer to that question. The Wagner projects are where she learned about community and unconditional love. Despite the tough times, she and her community stood together. Her resilience, stance in life, care for others unconditionally, activism, and passion stem from her community and her parents. This background led her to co-found Soul 2 Soul Sisters in 2015.

Soul 2 Soul Sisters is a racial justice, love-based revolution focused on Black liberation and liberation for all. Dr. Tawana’s work and dedication are driven by these principles. She has created and fostered an environment where conversations about racial justice, healing, and systemic change are not just encouraged but are central to the mission. Her organization is a testament to her commitment to love, justice, and the holistic well-being of the Black community.

In November of 2016, just as Soul 2 Soul Sisters was about to hit the one-year mark, Dr. Tawana was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. It was a shocking and overwhelming moment, especially since she had a mammogram in May of 2016 that showed everything was fine. The news was a stark reminder of how swiftly life can change. Now, eight years later, she is profoundly grateful to be actively educating others in her community about health and wellness. Surviving metastatic breast cancer is no small feat, and each day she is reminded of her resilience and the strength it takes to navigate such a daunting diagnosis. She credits her family and her community for their unconditional love and support.

Dr. Tawana talks about womanism, a term coined by Alice Walker in her book “In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens”. Womanism provides a platform to delve into our own history, creative prowess, divinity, and humanity.

This foundation is essential for building and understanding diverse ideas, ideologies, and approaches to combating racism, fostering community, and honoring all who have walked the same path.

In a society where Black women face stark disparities—41% of Black women die at a higher rate than white women from breast cancer, a statistic unchanged for decades—womanism becomes a crucial lens through which we can navigate and challenge these inequities. By embracing womanism, she believes it is the best way to pave the way for more inclusive and effective systems of support and resistance.

Dr. Tawana says ” I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by many in our community. When I moved to Denver, I met numerous beloveds from the LGBTQIA+ community, including Black women, Black femmes, and gender nonconforming individuals. These beloveds often feel uncomfortable going to the doctor due to automatic judgment. For example, someone transitioning and taking hormones still needs breast exams, yet they face assumptions and judgments based on their gender identity. This bias can deter them from seeking necessary medical care, highlighting the urgent need for more inclusive and compassionate healthcare environments”. This underscores the significance of collaborating with organizations like the BEA, which offers Bexa Breast Exams at no cost.

In addition to her work with Soul 2 Soul Sisters, Dr. Tawana is a respected voice in the community. Her leadership is characterized by a deep empathy and a tireless commitment to making the world a more just and loving place for all.

Her journey is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering dedication to justice. Dr. Tawana Angela Davis continues to be a beacon of hope and a powerful advocate for change, always rooted in the love and strength of her community.

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What Women Say About the BEA

“This type of examination should be used worldwide. Bring in the Bexa exam to all women!”

Jane D.

“The exam was/is stress free. The examiner made me feel very comfortable. She took her time with me told me about every step-in advance, and before performing each step asked if I were OK and ready. I am thankful for the kindness it made this breast exam very easy/comfortable. I recommend all men be examined we are not immune; and early detection can save your life!”

Jane D.

“I would like to thank the intake person from the bottom of my heart. She was extremely kind, understanding, and thoughtful towards my situation. She is an asset and the perfect face for this business. Thank you for easing my fears.”

Jane D.

“This process was comforting from the time of arrival until the time I filled out the survey. Tiara greeted offered a gracious greeting and was extremely helpful with navigating the check-in process. Jerri, the examiner took time explain the process and addressed all of my questions. She was friendly and professional. It is my hope that this breast examine process will be widely available in doctor’s offices throughout the country. We need this vital service! And Black women will certainly benefit from this exam because of the nature of dense breast. Thank you for making this service available! Lastly, I am grateful to Touch for sponsoring Bexa Equity Alliance to perform this vital service for our community.”

Jane D.

“I absolutely loved this process. More women would get regular screening if this was offered.”

Jane D.

“This was great, and Jerri was so kind! I feel seen and heard. I explained that I am 29 years old, have lost both of my biological grandmothers to breast cancer and have never gotten a mammogram. These ladies were so welcoming, kind, and helpful.”

“The exam was thorough, and the team made me feel extremely comfortable.”

“It was awesome experiencing this new technology for the first time. It was pain free. There was no squeezing, bearing down or pressure. It was very relaxing, like having a massage.”

“I felt a sense of peace with a new sense of support that would ordinarily be a very painful and stressful experience.”

“Thank you for providing a non-anxious breast exam. The music, the warm table and the summary of the examiner were expressions of compassion.”

“The examiner Jerri was gentle, professional, and empathetic, explaining the procedure including possible next follow-up steps. Tiara who did intake was very professional and warm. I needed to change my time slot and the grace with which she handled the inconvenience was exceptional. Thank you for offering this gift to us!”

“Best breast exam I’ve ever received.”

“As close to exam perfection as possible.”

“It was phenomenal the examiner was gentle and professional.”

“I absolutely loved this process. More women would get regular screening if this was offered.”

Support Women

bexaequityalliance

Help us SAVE WOMEN’S LIVES!

This Giving Tuesday, you have an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact with the BEA. Join us in empowering communities by supporting our breast health initiatives.

With each contribution, you’ll be entered to win exclusive BEA swag, and for those donating $6,500 or more we will be raffling a unique experience: a BEA House Party! This special gathering includes small bites, sips, and Bexa Breast Exams for you and up to 10 friends. You can also choose to donate the house party to an under-resourced community.

Let’s come together to make a difference this Giving Tuesday. Your generosity fuels change - every dollar donated goes towards empowering women to take charge of their breast health.

#bexaequityalliance #givingtuesday #givingback #thegiftthatkeepsgiving #tistheseasonforgiving #breastcancer #breastcancerawareness #breasthealth #breasthealthawareness #breasthealthmatters

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Grateful for the little moments, big blessings, and all the love that surrounds us this Thanksgiving. 🍁

#Thankful #Gratitude #Thanksgiving

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Grateful for the little moments, big blessings, and all the love that surrounds us this Thanksgiving. 🍁

#Thankful #Gratitude #Thanksgiving ...

DONATE TO OUR GIVING TUESDAY CAMPAIGN!

Take action today to support our mission in Leaving No Woman Behind and enter for a chance to win exclusive BEA swag.
• $25 donation = win a BEA tote bag
• $50 donation = win a BEA hat or t-shirt
• $100 donation = win a BEA hat or t-shirt inside a tote bag

For those donating $6,500 or more, we’re offering an extraordinary opportunity:

🎉 A BEA House Party! 🎉
This exclusive experience includes:
• Small bites and sips
• Private Bexa breast exams for you and up to 10 friends

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference and enjoy a unique celebration with your loved ones.

To enter our raffle, be sure to:
• Follow @bexaequityalliance on Instagram
• Like and share this post to your Story
• Make a donation (any amount)
• For an additional $25 bonus: tag 5 women in the comments below

Entrants must be 18+ and located in the U.S. Raffle is open to women including those pregnant, breastfeeding, and/or with implants. Participants are responsible for their transportation to the party.

Donate today by tapping the link in our bio and join us in empowering women through health and wellness!

#givingtuesday #donate #donatetoday #givingtuesdaynow #breastexams #breastcancer #breasthealth #breastcancerawareness #leavenowomanbehind #donation

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WE ARE LIVE! DONATE TO OUR GIVING TUESDAY CAMPAIGN!

Take action today to support our mission in Leaving No Woman Behind and enter for a chance to win exclusive BEA swag.
• $25 donation = win a BEA tote bag
• $50 donation = win a BEA hat or t-shirt
• $100 donation = win a BEA hat or t-shirt inside a tote bag

For those donating $6,500 or more, we’re offering an extraordinary opportunity:

🎉 A BEA House Party! 🎉
This exclusive experience includes:
• Small bites and sips
• Private Bexa breast exams for you and up to 10 friends

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference and enjoy a unique celebration with your loved ones.

To enter our raffle, be sure to:
• Follow @bexaequityalliance on Instagram
• Like and share this post to your Story
• Make a donation (any amount)
• For an additional $25 bonus: tag 5 women in the comments below

Entrants must be 18+ and located in the U.S. Raffle is open to women including those pregnant, breastfeeding, and/or with implants. Participants are responsible for their transportation to the party.

Donate today by tapping the link in our bio and join us in empowering women through health and wellness!

#givingtuesday #donate #donatetoday #givingtuesdaynow #breastexams #breastcancer #breasthealth #breastcancerawareness #leavenowomanbehind #donation

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The BEA and Girl Con are two powerhouse organizations that have united on a life-saving mission: bringing early detection breast exams to Bahamian women who need them the most. Through this impactful partnership, we will provide critical Bexa breast exams to 1,000 women in the Bahamas by February 2025—an effort that’s not only raising awareness but is also changing lives. Together, we are making a powerful difference in Grand Bahama, empowering women with access to care that is saving lives.

Both organizations were spotlighted for the incredible work we are doing collectively at the Bahamas Red Cross Society Renaissance Ball, which despite the absence of this major fundraiser for the past 17 years, the ongoing work of The Bahama Red Cross under the leadership of President Edison L. Sumner, has never ceased and continues to provide humanitarian aid for the less fortunate.

The theme was, “The Renaissance - Resilient, Renewed, Recharged,” which embodies the spirit of the Grand Bahama Centre, as well as the people of Grand Bahama. The delightful evening of elegance, excitement, and entertainment reset as Grand Bahama’s premier social event of the year.

#BexaEquityAlliance #BreastExams #BEA #NoWomanLeftBehind #BreastExamsMadeBetter #BexaBreastExam #EarlyDetection #LifeSavingMission #FreeBreastExams #BexaExperience #BreastCancer #BreastHealth #BreastHealthAwareness #Bahamas #BreastExamsinFreeport #Freeport #GrandBahama #GirlCon #BahamianWomen #Savinglives

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Early detection saves lives, and we are here to ensure all communities have access to healthy equity!

We partnered with @touchbbca and Moms of @jackandjill_gftl last month to provide FREE Bexa Breast Exams at the Fort Lauderdale YMCA. Together, we raised awareness, provided early detection breast exams to 18 women, and provided breast health resources from @loveofmygurls

#BexaEquityAlliance #BreastHealth #BreastCancerAwareness #GreaterFortLauderdale #BexaBreastExams #HealthMatters #EarlyDetectionSavesLives #WomensHealth #TouchBBCA #EarlyDetectionBreastExams #jackandjillofamerica #greaterfortlauderdale #HealthEquity #Blackbreasthealth #LatinWomen #BlackWomen #Womenofcolor #communityservice

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Another successful event at National Minority Quality Forum’s @nmqforg Mini Clinic in Houston, Texas! Our friends at @imasurviveher brought us out to perform 18 FREE Bexa Breast Exams to women in the community.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the BEA’s mission in leaving NO woman behind!

#BexaEquityAlliance #BreastExams #BEA #NoWomanLeftBehind #BreastExamsMadeBetter #BexaBreastExam #EarlyDetection #LifeSavingMission #FreeBreastExams #BexaExperience #BreastCancer #BreastHealth #BreastHealthAwareness

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New York City, here we come! In just one week, the BEA will be joining @supportyourgirlfriends @tenenicole and this incredible group of women for the 6th Annual Pow(H)er Experience!

The @bexaequityalliance will be onsite empowering women to take charge of their health, specifically their breast health. Together, we’ll be offering free early detection Bexa breast exams and encouraging proactive care, powered by @imasurviveher.

Our mission is simple: No Woman Left Behind. We reach women by meeting them where they are in order to inspire a healthier future for all.

#earlydetectionallyearlong #PowHerAwards #SupportYourGirlfriends #SYG #TenéNicole #UnapologeticallyHER #6thAnnualPowHerAwards #PowerHimAward #PowerUp #bexaequityalliance

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