Clad in pink formal wear and accompanied by live smooth jazz, the Miami-Dade Charmettes and their sister chapters came together Sunday to commemorate their 70th anniversary.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Charmettes’ annual Pink Luncheon always doubles as both a celebration and fundraising event for cancer research initiatives. But this year, it took on a third meaning: looking back on how far the Miami-Dade chapter has come.
“When you look at that and then you look at where we are today with 20 chapters and 500 members and $1.1 million invested to Howard University for cancer research, $50,000 to the University of Miami-Sylvester for cancer — it’s amazing what just a little bit of hope and optimism will do,” said Cecily Robinson-Duffie, 22nd national president of the Charmettes.
Charmettes sit and chat during the luncheon’s social hour.
(Rafael Hernandez for The Miami Times)
But as they raised their glasses, the Charmettes acknowledged that their fight against breast cancer was far from over. They are not only looking to expand their reach across South Florida, but also tackle issues beyond breast cancer.
The Charmettes, Inc. organization was first founded in West Palm Beach in 1951, originally by a small group of African American women who wanted to unite community service with meaningful philanthropic work. The Miami-Dade chapter opened in 1955.
Two guests read through articles of the Charmettes’ history.
(Rafael Hernandez for The Miami Times)
Robinson-Duffie said the milestone was a testament to the persistence of the Charmettes that came before her.
The organization, she said, has endured eras of social change, standing as a space of empowerment for Black women through segregation, integration and modern challenges.
“Our organization was founded during segregation,” she said. “And with integration, we embraced the opportunity to host events on Miami Beach and in Coral Gables. I think that’s what it signifies, that we have been able to be a group of people for all seasons.”
Charmettes National President Cecily Robinson-Duffie opens the event on stage.
(Rafael Hernandez for The Miami Times)
Now, Robinson-Duffie says the Charmettes are looking to broaden their footprint across the country. They’ve begun supporting new causes like mental health awareness and anti-human trafficking.
Even as their mission expands, though, she emphasized that cancer research will remain a priority, and will always be the foundation of their legacy.
“Much of the research that’s done is on white males,” she said. “Having an opportunity to invest in research targeted towards women and African Americans means that we can invest in the longevity of women in our community.”
Member Emma Glass joined the Miami-Dade Charmettes in 1962. More than six decades later, she credits the organization with giving her a sisterhood that carried her through some of the hardest moments of her life.
“I’ve had cancer twice. They were there for me through that,” said Glass. “When my mom was sick, they were there for me. It’s just a close-knit group of women that care about each other.”
Glass, who first faced breast cancer in 1996 and then stage 4 colon cancer in 2005, said the Charmettes’ commitment to funding cancer research has always been personal for her and many of her sisters.
Looking ahead, she hopes the next generation of Charmettes will maintain the same love and closeness that kept the group together in its early years.
“Now seems to be a time when people need people,” she said. “Our goal is to find a cure for cancer, but I just want us to continue our love for one another. I love my Charmettes. I love my sisters.”
Among those who joined the Miami-Dade celebration were members of the Broward County chapter, including Betty Somerset, who said she was proud to stand alongside her sister chapter as they honored decades of dedication and progress.
“To be here today is an honor,” Somerset said. “I’m very proud of all of the accomplishments that we’ve made as Charmettes. This chapter was the second one founded, and it’s just wonderful to be here to celebrate along with them.”
Somerset said the Charmettes’ national efforts have grown beyond breast cancer awareness to include scholarships for college students and initiatives addressing health and wellness, sex trafficking, and slavery awareness.
Through these programs, the organization is broadening its reach and tackling pressing issues while staying rooted in community service.
“We’re looking to grow our organization by chapters,” she said. “And we’re also looking to build partnerships so that we can give to more charitable organizations.”
Somerset hopes the Charmettes will serve as a guide for other community groups to follow, and hopes to see advocates make change in their own communities.
“I hope that everybody is able to look around and see what it is that we’ve done,” she said. “Maybe they can follow our leadership and do some things too that are going to make a positive impact in our local and global community.”
Robinson-Duffie echoed this hope, urging others in the community to carry the torch the Charmettes have lit.
“I want to challenge small organizations to step up and not be intimidated,” she added. “When we have the buy-in from our friends and social circle, there’s pretty much nothing we cannot accomplish.”