Notable African-Americans Who Battled Breast Cancer, Pt. 2

These notable black women also fought breast cancer in their lifetimes

As we continue listing notable African-Americans who fought breast cancer, we add to the list... the first black woman to win an Academy Award, the first black woman with a television show in primetime (that was not a stereotypical role of maid or servant), the first black supermodel and several very notable writers and playwrights.

*Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. You can click the link to purchase the books, music, etc. created by (or featuring) these outstanding survivors.*

Robin Roberts, news broadcaster.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007,

Everybody's Got Something

Hattie McDaniel, actress, singer, songwriter. 

First African-American to win an Academy Award (Gone with the Wind). 

Passed away from breast cancer in 1952.

Hattie McDaniel: Black Ambition, White Hollywood

Minnie Riperton, singer. (mother of Maya Rudolph, actress)
Best known for her 5-octave singing range.
Passed away from breast cancer in 1979.

Love Lives Forever, Minnie Ripperton

Naomi Sims, model, businesswoman, author. 

Known as the first African-American supermodel. 

Passed away from breast cancer in August 2009.

Naomi Sims, All About Health and Beauty for the Black Woman

Shirley Graham Du Bois, author, playwright, activist. 
Wife of W.E.B. Du Bois. Died of breast cancer in 1977.

Race Woman: The Lives of Shirley Graham Du Bois

Audre Lorde, writer, poet and activist.
Died of breast cancer in 1992.

The Cancer Journals: Special Edition

Lorraine Hansberry, playwright and author.
Best known for her play, A Raisin in the Sun.
Passed away from breast cancer in 1965. (aged 34)

To Be Young, Gifted and Black, Lorraine Hansberry

Part 1:  Notable African-Americans who battled breast cancer, pt. 1

Part 3: Notable African-Americans who fought breast cancer, pt. 3