More than 250 men gathered Saturday morning for the First Annual “Game Plan for Life” Men’s Prostate and Colorectal Cancer Health Summit, an event aimed at reducing the high rate of cancer-related deaths among Black men in South Carolina. The summit was sponsored by CityLight Men on the Wall, Trinity Educational Community Center, and the South Carolina Cancer Alliance.
Councilman E. W. Cromartie, chairman of City-Light Men on the Wall, led the event and shared his own testimony as a survivor of colorectal cancer. Cromartie, who underwent life-saving surgery after doctors removed a large
L to R Front Row: Councilman E.W. Cromartie, Chairman, CityLight Men on the Wall; Back Row: Tyron Wilson, SC Cancer Alliance; Rev. Dr. Thurman Bowens, Trinity Educational Community Center; Kirk Shields, Trinity Education Community Center; Bishop Redfern II, Ecumenical Church; Nicole Echols, CEO, SC Cancer Alliance; Brenda Thorpe, SC Cancer Alliance:
polyp and 10 feet of his colon, said early detection is essential. “Screening saved my life,” he told the crowd. “Today, it will save the lives of many more.”
A total of 100 men received free screenings during the summit — 50
for prostate cancer and 50 for colorectal cancer. Organizers also distributed $25 and $50 gift certificates to encourage participation in preventive care.
Local officials attended and offered remarks, including Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, City Councilmen Tyler Bailey and Ed McDowell, State Representative Leon Howard, and City Council candidate Sam Johnson. Each spoke to the importance of men’s health, early detection, and community engagement.
A panel of health experts provided information on cancer prevention, treatment options, and mental wellness. Panelists included Monnieque Singleton of Singleton Healing Center, Angie Woods, Nicole Echols of the South Carolina Cancer Alliance, retired pharmacist Carl Dunn, Dr. Marvella Ford of MUSC, and Brian Cronin of Shields.
The program was moderated by Bishop Redfern II of the Ecumenical Church, with Rev. Dr. Thurmond Bowens, Jr., chairman of the Trinity Educational Community Center, offering additional leadership. Event logistics were coordinated by Rev. Barrien Henderson and Vivian Clark James, ensuring a smooth and wellorganized summit.
Organizers say this event marks the beginning of a longterm effort to improve early cancer detection and reduce health disparities among Black men across South Carolina. Additional screening events and community workshops are planned for later this year.
“This is more than an event,” Cromartie said. “This is a mission — a movement to make sure every man knows his numbers, gets screened, and lives to see the future God has for him.”
with new Nike duffel bags and $15,000 in gift cards—$500 per player for team shoes and gear.
In addition, one senior from each team will receive a $20,000 college scholarship ($5,000 per year for four years) and the opportunity to
join Hibbett and Nike’s connected internship program at the company’s Birmingham headquarters.
“I cannot put my excitement and gratitude into words,” said Principal Tameka S. Nicholson. “This is how you change the trajectory of a
