The First City of Selma Lupus Awareness Month Program will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. at City Hall. 

This event aims to support lupus survivors and make the disease-relevant in Selma and Dallas County. 

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. signed a proclamation declaring May Lupus Awareness Month and declared May 10 as World Lupus Day “Purple Day”

Selma resident Karlynn Johnson was diagnosed 21 years ago in Fort Walton Beach. She advocated for increased awareness and support for lupus and its impact on the community.

“This disease disproportionately affects women, with approximately 90 percent of those affected being women diagnosed in their childbearing years,” Johnson said. “Despite its widespread impact, awareness of lupus lags behind many other diseases.”

After the event, a balloon release will be held.