Celebrating the Leaders in Black Communities Who Have Fought — and Who Are Fighting — for the Healthiest, Most Just Generation Ever

In honor of Black History Month, Planned Parenthood continues to celebrate the courageous leadership in Black communities — leadership that moves our nation toward a more equal and just society.

“While we celebrate those who have in the past and those who continue to the fight today at the intersections of racial, gender, reproductive, and LGBTQ justice, we must also join in the fight with them. We are grateful for their leadership, courage, and tenacity in breaking down barriers and moving us all closer to achieving full equality.”

—Alencia Johnson, Director of Constituency Communications at Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Now more than ever, the health of Black communities is something we all must be committed to protecting and improving

For more than a century, Planned Parenthood has worked with leaders in Black communities to increase opportunity and provide greater access to health care for all individuals. Why? Because access to health care is a fundamental right for all people — regardless of race, immigration status, country of origin, gender, or sexual orientation. Planned Parenthood will continue to work with communities to dismantle systemic barriers to care.

“During Black History Month, we must recommit ourselves to improving the lives of Black communities through quality education and affordable health care — while celebrating the legacy of past African-American trailblazers and a new generation of leaders in the United States.”

—Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Advancing Health Care Equity in Donald Trump's America

As President Trump continues to sign executive orders that threaten to dismantle the progress that has been made, Planned Parenthood is committed to protecting access to health care for all people, especially people of color.

Millions of people rely on Planned Parenthood for health care every year, including 370,000 who identify as African American or Black.

Among nonelderly Americans who access Medicaid, 19% are Black. If “defunding” legislation prevented Medicaid recipients from accessing Planned Parenthood health centers, many Black patients would have no other place to go for the services Planned Parenthood provides.

Learn More

• Planned Parenthood Black Community
• Health Care Equity
• Black History Month 2016: Don’t Just Be About It….Read About It!
• Black History Month 2015: Telling the Continuing Stories of Our Bold Leaders