To raise awareness about the dangers of breast cancer and showcase its commitment to the community, the Muslim Student Association of Henry Ford Community College hosted Pink Hijab Day on Oct.27.

Participants wore pink hijabs in support of breast cancer awareness. PHOTO: Natasha Dado/TAAN

About 130 gathered for dinner at HFCC and listened to expert advice from Karmano’s Cancer Center registered nurse and community educator Phyllis Nelson. According to Nelson, 200,000 cases of breast cancer have been reported in the U.S. since 2009, and about 1500 men in the country are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. Nelson says although white women are diagnosed with breast cancer more frequently, statistics show African American women are at greater risk of dying from it.  

Muslim Student Association supervisor Dr. Talwat Pasha hopes the event helped break down the negative stereotypes surrounding American Muslims in today’s mainstream media.

“The Muslim Student Association is part of the community so they want to show that they share the pains and gains of the community. We are for the people and the community, we are a part of it. The general image of Muslims in the media is that they’re not a part of the community and we want to correct the negative images surrounding Islamophobia,” Dr. Pasha said. 

According to Khalilah Rashid, Modest Gems Apparel (MGA) representative, Pink Hijab Day is celebrated internationally and is about five years old. “We’re happy to have it here for the first year in Dearborn,” Khalilah said.  

 All proceeds from the event benefited the Karmanos Cancer Center and the Susan G. Comen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.  

“I really have a lot of admiration for this group. I think that they are so willing to contribute to society and to such a special cause that is important to all of us,” HFCC Fine Arts and fitness instructor Bonnie Jobe said.