February is Black History Month. As we celebrate the legacy of African-American trailblazers and the promise of a new generation of leaders, we must recommit, this month and every month, to support Black New Yorkers and fight for reproductive justice.
Reproductive justice recognizes that social, political, economic, and racial inequalities affect one’s ability to access reproductive health services. It is a human right to have or to not have children, and to raise the children we do have in safe and healthy communities.
This movement began in the 1990s, as many women of color, poor women, and queer women felt marginalized from the broader women’s movement. SisterSong, an organization led by legendary activist Loretta Ross, developed the concept of reproductive justice and called for an intersectional framework fighting for gender equity and reproductive control beyond the “pro-choice” paradigm.
At Planned Parenthood of New York City, we are proud to be allies to the reproductive justice movement and to Black women and communities. We owe so much to Black thought leadership in activism, advocacy, and the ongoing fight for gender equality.
Please join us in honoring the incredible organizing by Black community leaders across NYC who work tirelessly to fight for equity:
- SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective strengthens and amplifes the collective voices of indigenous women and women of color to achieve reproductive justice by eradicating reproductive oppression and securing human rights.
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Black Women’s Blueprint works to place Black women and girls’ lives as well as their particular struggles squarely within the context of the larger racial justice concerns of Black communities.
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Black Youth Project 100’s NYC chapter led actions at the statue of J. Marion Sims in Central Park demanding that this monument to racism be taken down. Eventually, the statue was removed and relocated to Greenwood Cemetery.
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Audre Lorde Project is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, Two Spirit, trans and gender non-conforming people of color community organizing center, focusing on the New York City area.
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Black Alliance for Just Immigration organizes and advocates for racial, social and economic justice and has a local organizing committee in New York that builds coalitions and initiates campaigns to push for racial justice.
We will continue to work together with our partners to expand access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health care services and programs, and to break down health disparities.
We’ll be highlighting Black leadership in social justice in New York and beyond all month on social media. Share other organizations you’re uplifting this Black History Month on Facebook using #StandWithBlackWomen.
Tags: Black History Month