"I'm a two-time breast cancer survivor," said Renee Joyner.
Organizers say the annual gathering provides a space for survivors and advocates to connect and share resources while encouraging early detection and regular screenings.
"When you walk into this room of women, you feel inspired. You feel motivated. You feel cared for. You feel like somebody knows what you are going through, and that gives you comfort," Joyner said.
The event was organized by Sisters Network Triangle NC, which is a local chapter of Sisters Network Inc., the country's largest Black breast cancer survivorship organization.
Its Pink Ribbon Awareness campaign focuses on encouraging women to get screened.
"It's extremely important because African-American women, among other things, they are an underserved population when it comes to a lot of health care avenues," said Portia Scott Hedgepeth, president of Sisters Network Triangle NC.
Hedgepeth said her own experience underscores the importance of early detection. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31.
"This October, I'll be a 33-year breast cancer survivor," Hedgepeth said.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new female cancers each year. Though incidence rates are lower overall among non-Hispanic Black women, they are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive, advanced-stage cancers at younger ages and have higher mortality rates.
Advocates at the event emphasized the importance of both clinical screenings and self-exams.
"Mammograms and monthly self-breast exams save lives. That allows women to find abnormalities in between your regular doctor checkups, and believe it or not, it makes a world of difference," Hedgepeth said.