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In honor of Black History Month, ACS CAN speaks to long-time volunteer Heddie Sumpter
For Black History Month, ACS CAN is highlighting Heddie Sumpter, a long-time ACS CAN and American Cancer Society (ACS) volunteer who is passionate about advocacy work, especially in African American communities.
Heddie first became a volunteer with ACS in 1989 through her work with ACS’s Black Public Education Committee. Since then, she has been actively involved with Relay For Life, ACS’ Diversity Council and currently serves as ACS CAN’s lead volunteer in Florida’s 14th Congressional District in Tampa, Florida.
When not volunteering for ACS and ACS CAN, Heddie works in human resources for the University of South Florida and is very involved with advocacy efforts for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In 2017, Heddie played a critical role in helping create a new nationwide partnership between Delta Sigma Theta and ACS CAN aimed at working on issues that improve the lives of African Americans affected by cancer. Read more about the partnership here.
We recently spoke with Heddie and asked her a few questions to learn more about her volunteer experience with ACS and ACS CAN and to learn more about the importance of cancer advocacy for African American communities.
Q: Why are you an ACS CAN volunteer?
A: I am passionate about advocacy. In Delta, I began serving on the local level as Chair of the Tampa Alumnae Chapter’s Social Action Committee. I was appointed as the Southern Regional Social Action Coordinator in 2003 and served in this leadership capacity for several years. We have legislative events that are referred to as Delta Days in the state capital and Delta Days in the nation’s capital where members advocate for various issues that affect African American communities and other communities of color that we serve. As an ACS CAN volunteer, I utilize the skills and relationships that I possess to advocate for cancer advocacy and public policy issues. To me, it’s a win-win scenario. Building relationships with state and federal legislators has made me a more effective advocate in both of my roles with the sorority and ACS CAN. 
Q: Can you describe your proudest accomplishment or favorite memory from your time as an ACS CAN volunteer?
A: I received one of the two American Cancer Society's 2019 Volunteer Leadership Awards at the Nationwide Volunteer and Staff Leadership Summit in Dallas, TX. I was truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition for my passion for ACS’ mission. Throughout the summit it was an amazing experience to witness the awards that were presented to other volunteers and the importance of the difference that they make in their communities for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.
Q: What is the importance of cancer advocacy for African American communities?
A: Having the opportunity to partner with other organizations to increase the level of awareness especially regarding the disparate cancer treatment in African American communities is extremely important. We know that politics begin at the local level and affects our daily lives. Public policy is critical on all levels (local, state & federal). Traditionally, the culture of African American communities did not allow for open and honest discussion regarding cancer. There were very few known advocates.
Thank you Heddie for all your hard work and dedication making fighting cancer a top priority in all communities.