Planned Parenthood Celebrates Local Chapters of NAACP and National Coalition of 100 Black Women During Black History Month and Beyond
 

Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey (PPAFNJ) is taking the opportunity this Black History Month to celebrate two of its partners in health and education in New Jersey, the Gloucester County NAACP, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women - Southern NJ Chapter (NCBWSNJ). These two organizations have decades of experience in protecting civil  rights and access to health care and sex education, work that PPAFNJ is proud to highlight.

“One of my favorite quotes is from Mahatma Gandhi: ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world,’' says Dr. Marguerite K. Hall, President of the NCBWSNJ. “Our organization exists to effectuate change for black women and girls in health, education and economic empowerment. Through programs and advocacy, we consistently address inequalities based on race and gender. Collaboration and partnerships with like-minded organizations allow our voices to be louder, demanding a seat at the table to make the hard decisions.” 

"The Gloucester County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a part of the largest and oldest civil rights organizations in the nation. We know that numbers give us strength and excellence. Together with like-minded organizations, we can achieve so much more in our fight for education, equitable health, economics, housing and the pursuit of happiness," said Loretta Winters, President of the Gloucester County NAACP. 

In recent months, these partner groups have led initiatives to promote health, education, and rights such as:

• Cancer awareness and prevention events

• Health disparities round table

• Implicit bias training for medical professionals

• Maternal mortality advocacy and discussions

“Throughout U.S. history, Black women have organized communities, led social movements, and reimagined fields like the arts and sciences,” said Fatima Heyward, Reproductive Justice and Community Partnerships Manager at PPAFNJ. “As the past year has dramatically illustrated, Black communities and Black women, in particular, are the backbone of justice and social change. Planned Parenthood recognizes the importance of investing in Black communities and working with Black-led partners to advance policies that support Black communities. This Black History Month and beyond, we honor our partners’ leadership and dedication in the fight for our rights.”

Racial inequity, the result of centuries of systemic racism, is at the core of health care inequity. One cannot be addressed without the other. This Black History Month, we celebrate our community partners and thank them for their leadership.