MINNEAPOLIS — This Christmas will be especially meaningful for well-known Minneapolis social justice activist Nekima Levy Armstrong.
In September, Armstrong underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor, which tests showed to be cancer-free.
"I didn’t know if I’d be able to see my family again. I’m very grateful to be able to have a successful outcome," she said.
Armstrong is the founder of the Racial Justice Network and is executive director of the Wayfinder Foundation, a small national nonprofit with a mission of supporting black and brown female activists. She gained recognition by being at the forefront of social justice activism in Minneapolis over the last 10 years.
Last summer, Armstrong began to experience blurriness in one eye. She got it checked out at a routine visit to LensCrafters, but the optometrist referred her to a specialist. When she was finally able to see the the doctor at M Health Fairview in September, he ordered an MRI, which revealed the tumor.
"The best I could do was pray and talk to family and those closest to me about it then face the reality I was going to have neurosurgery," Armstrong said.
The following Monday, Armstrong underwent surgery. Doctors were able to remove the bulk of the tumor and confirm it was not cancerous. Armstrong's vision has improved, but the recovery has been long and tiring.
"It’s a joy to do that work but I definitely had to slow down significantly after my surgery," Armstrong said.
Besides continuing her social justice work, Armstrong is now also inspired to advocate for health equity, particularly focusing on women of color who face medical crises.
"Who may need support, resources and tools to know how to navigate those types of situations," Armstrong said.
Additionally, Armstrong encourages anyone with irregularities to their health, such as blurry vision, to immediately get it checked out.
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