Honoring Dorothy J. Reed The Legacy of Sister2Sister and a Circle of Care

By Tyrone Z. McCants | Photographer & Interviewer | May 7, 2025 | Blink NJ Magazine

A Promise Carried Forward

During her BLINK NJ interview, Dorothy J. Reed reflected on the final words of her colleague Pearl Grace: 'Keep this organization going.' Looking toward Pearl's portrait, Reed answered quietly, 'I did my best, Pearl.' The exchange held twenty-five years of grief, duty, and fulfilled commitment.

A Question That Became a Mission

Reed's journey began with her own breast cancer diagnosis. Her doctor told her he was glad she arrived early, then asked why so many Black women were dying from the disease. The question moved beyond medicine and into public responsibility.

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Building Sister2Sister

Dorothy Reed, Pearl Grace, Lareatha Payne, and Rosa Davis created a circle of care that grew into Sister2Sister. What began as an affiliate of Sisters Network, Inc. became an independent New Jersey organization serving underserved women through education, support, resources, advocacy, and direct human connection.Building Sister2Sister

Dorothy Reed, Pearl Grace, Lareatha Payne, and Rosa Davis created a circle of care that grew into Sister2Sister. What began as an affiliate of Sisters Network, Inc. became an independent New Jersey organization serving underserved women through education, support, resources, advocacy, and direct human connection.

Founders of Sister2Sister, Ms. Davis, Ms. Reed, and Ms. Payne, reflect on a 25-year legacy during documentary filming in the Somerset facility, New Jersey. The trio gathers around a table, illuminated by sunlight filtering through windows. Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media

Inside the Sister's House

The organization's space in Somerset is more than an office. Survivors, founders, caregivers, volunteers, and supporters gather there with a shared understanding of diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and advocacy. Laughter and testimony exist beside fear and loss. The house carries institutional memory and emotional safety.

Ms. Dorothy J. Reed, the President and Founder of Sister2Sister, gestures warmly toward the framed portrait of the late Pearl Grace, her dear friend and co-founder of Sister2Sister. Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media

Twenty-Five Years of Presence

Sister2Sister's legacy rests in the lives of women who received information, transportation, guidance, financial support, encouragement, and companionship. The work demonstrates that health advocacy must be both practical and relational.

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Ms. Lareatha Payne, Founder of Sister2Sister, points to her wrist, drawing attention to a bracelet that reads "Woman of Faith." Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media

A Community Record

The BLINK NJ photography and interviews preserve the women behind the institution, not only the programs. Dorothy J. Reed's story shows what happens when personal experience becomes organized service and when a promise is honored through decades of consistent work.

Ms. Lareatha Payne, Founder of Sister2Sister, and Tress J. Parker, Executive Director of Sister2Sister, engage in a conversation in a well-lit kitchen at the Sister2Sister Somerset facility in New Jersey. Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media

Ms. Rosa Davis, Ms. Dorothy J. Reed, and Ms. Lareatha Payne, the Founders of Sister2Sister, are captured during a documentary filming session in Colonial Park, New Jersey. The trio is seen walking arm in arm along a paved path in the park, dressed warmly, hinting at cooler weather. Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media

Tress J. Parker, the Executive Director of Sister2Sister, and Chris Daniel of Daniel Productions are captured at Colonial Park, NJ, by a picturesque lakeside. Mike operates a drone camera while Tress and Chris walk down the pathway winding through the lush, grassy park area, surrounded by blooming trees. Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media

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