#NNPA BlackPress

Jeffco Judge Pat Stephens-Moss, Breast Cancer Survivor, Backed By Her ‘Sistahs-In-Law’

By Keisa Sharpe-Jefferson The Birmingham Times For a decade, Jefferson County Judge Patricia Stephens Moss has supported the Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies (BBBB) Sistah Strut, held annually at Birmingham’s Legion Field. While her support has strengthened, she now participates as one of the “Pink Sisters,” a breast cancer survivor who knows firsthand what women face […]
The post Jeffco Judge Pat Stephens-Moss, Breast Cancer Survivor, Backed By Her ‘Sistahs-In-Law’ first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 years ago

December 5, 2023

admin

Judge Patricia Stephens-Moss backed by an army of supporters during the Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies Sistah Strut outside Birmingham’s Legion Field. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

” data-medium-file=”https://www.birminghamtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/DSC_5272_0-300×194.jpg” data-large-file=”https://www.birminghamtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/DSC_5272_0.jpg” />

By Keisa Sharpe-Jefferson

The Birmingham Times

For a decade, Jefferson County Judge Patricia Stephens Moss has supported the Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies (BBBB) Sistah Strut, held annually at Birmingham’s Legion Field. While her support has strengthened, she now participates as one of the “Pink Sisters,” a breast cancer survivor who knows firsthand what women face in this personal health crisis.

“I had no idea I’d be one of her Pink Sisters,” Stephens Moss said in a recent interview with The Birmingham Times.

On Saturday, September 30, Stephens Moss not only continued her support but also brought a team of others, including police officers, judges, and judicial assistants—known as the “Sistahs in Law.”

“This is more than a walk, it’s a movement,” Stephens Moss said on Saturday. “… And I’m thankful to be a part of the movement. I’m thankful that others who work in the legal field and others came out today.”

In addition to bringing her team the judge brought some life-saving advice, too.

“Always have your yearly mammograms. I couldn’t feel the lump, so if it hadn’t been for the mammogram and if it hadn’t been for the early detection, I might not be here today,” she said.

Sistah Strut is just one of many events heralding the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is marked in countries around the world every October to help increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection, and treatment, as well as palliative care of this disease.

The Fight Begins

In 2016, Stephens Moss married the Rev. Ira Moss, pastor of New Mount Zion in Tuskegee, Alabama, who she met in 2014 after being set up by a mutual friend at football game of her alma mater, Auburn University. Their union has produced a blended family of five children, 10 grandchildren, and three bonus grands.

Fast forward three years from their wedding date, in 2019, and an unexpected diagnosis—Stephens Moss learned she had breast cancer after a routine mammogram at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center.

“I had to go back [for a follow-up visit], and [during the exam] the tech would go back to that same spot, so I got suspicious. Later, I was told that I needed a biopsy. I went in on a Monday and they called me on Friday. That’s when I learned I had breast cancer,” she said. “I’m gonna tell you that I think the lights went out for a few minutes. [The doctor] thought I was panicking, but in my mind, I was thinking, ‘Tell me what to do to get rid of it.’”

Shortly after learning about the diagnosis, Stephens Moss called a couple of breast cancer survivors and asked about their oncologists, doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer. That’s when she chose her team at the Kirklin Clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, which included oncologist Erica Stringer-Reasor, M.D., a recent recipient of the Dean’s Excellence Award in Diversity Enhancement and last year’s Ambassador of Hope for Sistah Strut.

“There are all types of breast cancer, and mine was a very aggressive form—HER2 positive,” Stephens Moss said of her illness, described by the Mayo Clinic website as “a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This protein promotes the growth of cancer cells.”

She added, “I was told I needed chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and radiation. My chemo started on Halloween of 2019. I started chemo, and there were four different drugs put into my body on a Wednesday every three weeks. It would literally take all day. That went on from October 2019 to February 2020.”

Despite the challenges, there were some beautiful memories, Stephens Moss recalled.

“On Feb. 15, 2020, my son flew in from Arizona with his daughter and wife as I was finishing up my chemo treatment at Kirklin Clinic, and they were there when I rang the bell. Ringing the bell marks an opportunity to celebrate for cancer patients after they complete their treatment,” she said.

Click to view slideshow.

Strong and Steady Support

There was one constant throughout Stephens Moss’s fight: “My husband was with me every single visit to the doctor,” she said.

“Chemo was on Wednesday every three weeks, and it took all day. I wouldn’t schedule anything on Thursday and Friday, I’d rest Saturday, and we’d drive to church in Tuskegee on Sunday.”

While Stephens Moss’s husband would lead services, he gave her “no duties at church other than to sit and look pretty,” she said. “I said to my husband, ‘You didn’t sign up for this.’ And he said to me, ‘God just gave you to me, so I know He’s not gonna take you away from me now.’”

With her husband’s support, Stephens Moss persevered, even though the road to recovery still presented a few twists and turns and some hurdles to overcome.

One Day at a Time

Stephens Moss is an alum of Auburn University and Miles College School of Law, graduating from the latter honored as cum laude, a Latin phrase that indicates the level of distinction with which an academic degree has been earned. Before taking the bench, she was a prosecuting attorney for the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office and held a general practice law firm. She was elected to the 10th Judicial Circuit Court, Domestic Relations, 10 years ago.

While undergoing treatment, Stephens Moss continued serving on the bench, even on days when she didn’t feel her best.

“Actually, I [was] in my office one Monday and my judicial assistant walked in and saw me lying on the floor. She flipped the light on, moved some cases, and told me I was going home,” the judge recalled.

“A lot of times after treatment, melons, [watermelons, cantaloupe, and honeydew], were the only thing I could keep down,” said Stephens Moss. “The fifth day [after chemo], I could eat regularly, but not a lot of greasy foods. I ate a lot of veggies—greens, including collard, cabbage, and turnip—and a lot of baked foods. It was easier on the palate because you get to the point where there’s a metallic taste in your mouth all the time because your taste buds are off.”

Through all of her recovery, the judge managed to keep her docket going the entire time. “A lot of attorneys feel there weren’t any hiccups,” she said.

Stephens Moss also had to have 30 radiation treatments Monday through Friday, which she had to do alone because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I would leave work, get radiation treatment, and come back to work. I did that for six weeks,” she recalled.

Another challenge manifested as she underwent treatment: “Toward the last two weeks, the radiation started to burn my skin,” Stephens Moss recalled. “I endured the broken skin and open wounds because I wanted to finish the radiation. I put cream on it, and I had a T-shirt on underneath so my clothes wouldn’t rub it.”

“For that one, I had to ring the bell by myself because of [the pandemic],” she said.

The Last Leg of the Journey

One of the most interesting things about her breast cancer fight was the timing of her diagnosis and treatment. Her surgery was March 13, 2020, just prior to the COVID-19 shutdown.

“After the surgery, you go home [the next day] with drains, which are inserted so fluid can drain out of your body where they made the incision. I kept those drains for two to three weeks,” Stephens Moss said.

One of the biggest lessons she learned had nothing to do with breast cancer: “[I began] allowing people to support me. It was difficult at first for me to accept, but eventually I did.”

“I had a friend who started a list for people to bring me meals,” said Stephens Moss. “That same friend offered for people to come to my house to help clean, and I jokingly told her, “[You’re] taking me too fast. Let’s take one step at a time, starting with the meals.’ I was thankful for the friends who helped with the meals, but I would not allow the cleaning.”

Although she remained strong for most of her treatment, Stephens Moss remembered one emotional moment when she learned of additional treatment.

“My doctor told me I had to continue infusions until December of that year, [2019]. When she told me I had to continue those infusions, it was the only time I broke down and cried,” Stephens Moss said. “It was disappointing to know I had to continue. But [my doctor] assured me that those infusions were necessary because they were a barrier to make sure the cancer didn’t come back.”

To find out more about Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies or to donate, visit https://brendasbrownbosombuddies.org.

This article originally appeared in The Birmingham Times.

The post Jeffco Judge Pat Stephens-Moss, Breast Cancer Survivor, Backed By Her ‘Sistahs-In-Law’ first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

admin

Posts by admin

Up Next

Diagnosed 3 Times, Taliesha Harris-Cash ‘Lives Life On Purpose, With Purpose’

Don't Miss

Birmingham (AL) Homicides Drop by Double-Digits in Third Quarter of 2023

admin

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

Published

3 days ago

March 2, 2026

Oakland Post

By First Five Years Fund

New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

The national survey was conducted by UpOne Insight on behalf of the First Five Years Fund from January 13–18, 2026.

Key findings include:

• Parents need help: 80% of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is either in a state of crisis or a major problem.

• This is an affordability issue: 82% believe federal child care funding will help lower costs for working families — including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.

• And there continues to be strong support (62%) for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a federal program that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families to afford safe, quality care for their children while parents work or go to school, including a majority of Republicans, 63% of Independents and 72% of Democrats.

• Support for funding child care programs remains strong: 75% believe child care funding should be increased or kept at current levels — including 75% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 97% of Democrats.

• 74% say funding for child care is an important and good use of tax dollars, including a majority of Republicans, three-quarters of Independents, and nine in ten Democrats.

FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling said, “Voters across the country are sending a clear message: federal child care and early learning programs work. These investments help parents stay in the workforce, strengthen families, and support healthy child development. They have also long had strong bipartisan support in Congress. At a time when affordability is top of mind for families, continued federal funding is essential to ensure child care remains accessible and within reach.”

First Five Years Fund works to protect, prioritize, and build bipartisan support for quality child care and early learning programs at the federal level. Reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning and child care can be transformative, not only enhancing a child’s prospects for a brighter future but also bolstering working parents and fostering economic stability nationwide.

We work with Congress and the Administration to identify federal solutions that work for families with young children, as well as states and communities. We work with policymakers to identify ways to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning programs for children. And we collaborate with advocacy groups to help align best practices with the best possible policies. http://www.ffyf.org

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

Trump’s MAGA Allies are Creating Executive Order Plan to Steal the 2026 Midterms

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2026

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A group of MAGA pro-Trump activists, who say they are working in coordination with the White House, are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that would claim without evidence that China interfered with the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential to President Joe Biden by over 7 million votes. Since Trump lost to Biden in 2020, he has repeatedly claimed that the election was “stolen” without evidence. The report of a group of “Trump allies” preparing an executive order to give Trump power over elections was first reported by The Washington Post.

The lies around the right-wing campaign that pushed falsehoods that the 2020 election was stolen was trafficked through right-wing media, particularly Fox News. Fox News was then sued for defamation for the claims by Dominion Voting Systems. Fox lost the case and had to settle for the largest defamation amount on record of $787.5 million in April 2023.

The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

The story in The Washington Post arrives as Trump increasingly signals that he may take actions that would alter the result of the 2026 midterms. The Republicans are widely expected to lose as their approval ratings plummet as a result of a failing economy under Trump. Over 50 members of Congress have announced they will retire this year and not return in 2027.

The Trump Department of Justice, which now has a large image of Trump on the side of it, “sued five new states Thursday [Feb. 26, 2026] demanding access to their unredacted voter rolls — escalating a campaign that has been rejected by multiple federal courts and faces resistance from Republican-led states as well,” according to Democracy Docket, a group that works to protect voting rights.

Trump claimed back in late 2020, the last year of his first term, that he had the authority to issue an executive order related to mail-in voting for the 2020 elections — which he would then lose. But the Constitution states that control of elections lies with the states. As the GOP works to place hurdles in front of voting, Democrats worked to make voting easier.

In March 2021, President Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of the Biden Administration’s effort “to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.”

Trump’s focus is clearly on altering the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s polling numbers and the elections and special elections that have taken place around the U.S. over the last year clearly indicate that Republicans are about to be hit by a blue wave of Democratic victories.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and hosts the show LAUREN LIVE on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

PRESS ROOM: NBA Hall of Fame Nominee Terry Cummings Joins 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to Launch Victory & Values Initiative

NNPA NEWSWIRE — NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th.

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2026

admin

Cummings becomes an honorary member, joining other role model sports stars

NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking a powerful new chapter for the 100 Black Men and youth development across the region.

Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th. The moment signified more than membership — it marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative.

The Victory & Values Initiative is a groundbreaking youth development program designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and STEM exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity — creating pathways for long-term academic and personal success.

“This is about more than sports,” said Cummings during the ceremony. “It’s about using the platform of athletics to teach life lessons, create access, and build the next generation of leaders.”

The induction ceremony also featured notable guests including NASCAR’s newest Star Driver, Lavar Scott and NASCAR Director of Athletic Performance, Phil Horton, who joined Cummings for a powerful Victory & Values Town Hall discussion. The Town Hall was moderated by renowned Sports Emcee John Hollins and focused on leadership, resilience, discipline, and the importance of mentorship in shaping young lives.

A “Day at NASCAR” for 75+ Youth

Cummings wasted no time getting to work. On his first full day as an honorary member, he joined his new brothers of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to host a “Day at NASCAR,” escorting more than 75 youth to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at EchoPark Motor Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

The youth participants received behind-the-scenes access including: an exclusive tour of Pit Row, access to the Garage Area and exploration of the interactive Fan Zone.

The experience culminated with a surprise meet-and-greet and Q&A session with NASCAR Superstar Bubba Wallace, who shared insights on perseverance, preparation, and breaking barriers in professional sports.

The day served as a living example of the ‘Victory & Values’ Initiative in action — exposing youth to new industries, expanding their vision for the future, and connecting them directly with high- level mentors and role models.

Building Leaders Through Access and Mentorship

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County – a chapter of the largest, national mentoring organization in the county – continues to expand its footprint with programs focused on academic excellence, economic empowerment, leadership development, and health & wellness.

The launch of ‘Victory & Values’ represents a strategic expansion of the organization’s impact

intentionally integrating athletics and STEM to engage youth at an early age while reinforcing core principles such as integrity, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance.

“Our mission has always been to mentor the next generation,” said Vaughn Irons, President-Elect of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. “With Terry Cummings joining the brotherhood, along with partners in NASCAR and professional sports, we are creating unprecedented access and exposure for our youth. Victory & Values is about turning inspiration into structured opportunity.”

By connecting elementary and middle school students to professional athletes, executives, STEM professionals, and community leaders, the initiative aims to:

Increase youth exposure to careers in sports business, engineering, and performance science
Strengthen mentorship pipelines
Promote physical wellness and mental resilience
Build character-driven leadership at an early age

Open Invitation to Youth and Families

All youth are invited to participate in the Victory & Values Initiative, along with the other countless, impactful programs offered by the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.

Parents and guardians seeking mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, and transformative exposure opportunities for their children are encouraged to connect with the organization.

As NBA Legend Terry Cummings’ induction demonstrates, Victory & Values is more than a program — it is a movement designed to build champions in life, not just in sports.

For more information about the Victory & Values Initiative or to enroll a student, contact: 100 Black Men of DeKalb County at Phone at 404.241.1338, info@100bmod.org or Tee Foxx at 404.791.6525,