Painting A Portrait Of Prostate Cancer – Part Three

By Terrance Afer-Anderson
The Black Walnut Film

“The Black Walnut” A Terrance-Anderson Film

As National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, I thought I’d end this three-part series on that disarming malady by focusing on the genesis of my docudrama film “The Black Walnut,” its goals and mission, and how it has been presented and received.

In 2016, as I was approaching retirement from the Virginia Department of Health, I learned of an intriguing fellowship program that significantly piqued my interest. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation was recruiting the very first cohort of the Culture of Health Leaders, “an ambitious leadership program designed to identify, cultivate, support and amplify the work of leaders advancing the cause of health equity.”

It was a highly competitive selection process and, frankly, I was quite stunned that I was one of only 40 people chosen from a vast field of applicants from across the country. Then, at our very first session, when I surveyed the room and saw all of those M.D.s, Ph.Ds, ED.Ds, and other folks with advanced degrees, I thought, ‘Oh! Oh! They made a mistake! I shouldn’t be here!’

Later, I discovered quite a few of my new colleagues shared those same thoughts. Most of us emoted a relaxed sigh, relieved to discover we were on the same page.

As each of our three-year terms drew to a close, we had to develop a culminating strategic initiative to demonstrate the knowledge, training and skills acquired. For me, the choice was easy. Having already begun advocacy work to increase awareness of the ravages of the African-American prostate cancer disparity, a short while later myself having been diagnosed, I knew I would bring my creative spirit to bear to explore that pressing topic.

My project mission was “To minimize the impact of the African-American prostate cancer disparity, as a structural barrier to a culture of health, by the creation of sustainable nationwide alliances committed to increasing awareness of the disparity and providing opportunities for periodic, free prostate screenings and health education sessions in targeted communities.”

My first year goals were to: produce a true-to-life, evergreen feature-length, documentary film; deploy a strategy to target 8 U.S. cities; stage premieres of the film, in conjunction with free health screenings, in those cities; and generally increase the number of Black men screened for prostate cancer. I am pleased to report that, since its 2019 production, “The Black Walnut” docudrama, featuring nine actual prostate cancer survivors, has had more than 30 screenings in multiple cities across the U.S., e.g., New York, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Norfolk, etc.. It was also featured in four film festivals, having won three awards in the 2022 Los Angeles Motion Picture Festival.

As for the attainment of its mission and goals, I think the story is best told by representatives of agencies who either played a role in bringing “The Black Walnut” to fruition or presented the film as a health equity initiative, achieving its ultimate goal of increasing awareness of the alarming African-American prostate cancer disparity. Such insightful anecdotes follow.

“’The Black Walnut’ beautifully shows the human heart and experience behind this devastating disease – as well as its disparate impact on African-American men.” Beth Toner, RN, MSN, MJ, MFA, Director, Program Communications, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

“’The Black Walnut’ is a very intriguing and engaging film. It should be seen by all men especially men of color. Being a 29-year, 2-time survivor, it was very emotional for me and touched me deeply.” Herschel Chalk, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center Community Action Board

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“The best part of the film was knowing that the men in the movie were really diagnosed with prostate cancer and were asked to give back to their community with prostate cancer awareness campaigns.” Derrick A. Butts, Prostate Cancer Survivor (diagnosed in 2016), Board President and Co-Founder, Prostate Health Matters

“By sharing these stories, we inspire conversations, encourage early screenings, and bring hope to countless men and their loved ones.” Jessica Stanley, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Brave Men, Inc. Ms. Stanley found Brave Men, Inc. with her husband former Ohio State football receiver Dimitrious Stanley, who was diagnosed in 2019 and lost his battle in 2023.

“Hosting a viewing of ‘The Black Walnut’ in Detroit was a powerful experience that sparked deep, meaningful conversations within a community that truly needed this information presented in a relatable way.” Sari Konstandt, Volunteer, Michigan Men’s Health Foundation

“As someone who has faced this diagnosis, I felt seen – the film speaks truth to the emotions, fears, and hope that come with the journey.” Reverend Nathaniel McFarland, Pastor, Walking in God’s Grace Ministries, Rochester, NY (diagnosed in 2017)

“The documentary flawlessly delivers thought-provoking vignettes (in laymen’s terms) that propel calls to action by facilitating and encouraging prospective discussions.” L. Andre Melvin, PhD., Patient Advocate, Owner, Grace & Mercy Operations, Inc.

“‘The Black Walnut’ is to me an awesome awakening to Black men dealing or going through Prostate Cancer.” Tony Hill, Prostate Cancer Survivor (diagnosed in 2019), Retired Florida State Senator

“Terrance’s creativity and advocacy are nothing short of amazing. He has taken a sensitive subject and raised awareness in ways that are accessible and compassionate!” Victoria A. Love, PhD., Freelance/Contract Regulatory & Scientific Medical Writer (Oncology)

“The Black Walnut shows that prostate cancer spares no one – artists, professionals, or fathers – and reminds us that early PSA testing saves lives.” Kevin S. Beckford, Managing Principal & Operations Executive, Finding Your Cup, LLC

Such formal exposition as the above often includes a foot note. However, in this instance, I will close with what I define as more a “headnote,” still, more appropriately, a “heartnote.”

I noted earlier that 9 actual prostate cancer survivor-warriors appear in “The Black Walnut.” Regrettably, four of the men who either appear or whose stories was told have since died from prostate cancer or related disease. I dedicate this article to them: Roger Copeland, Ed.D, Edward Myles, Mario Marasigan, Rodney Suiter. Brothers, if your life should one day paint a portrait of prostate cancer, become a master artist, every step you, take a brush stroke of survival.

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