Good evening,

As we close out March, the month known as Women’s History Month, I want to take a few minutes to celebrate the achievements of American women – Black women – who have been in the news lately. 
  
In true Black women's history, we make our own magic, and instead of waiting for an invitation to the party, we’ve had to crash the party. Even when no one else was celebrating us, we pulled out the streamers and champagne to celebrate and embrace the “first” for our sisters. Here’s a look at just a few of the amazing Black women we are shouting out in 2022: 
  
  • Ketanji Jackson Brown: When confirmed by the U.S. Senate, she will be the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. 
  • Kamala Harris: The first woman and Black woman to become vice president of the United States and the highest-ranking woman in the history of the American government. 
  • Rep. Cori Bush: This Missourian is the first Black woman to represent the Show-Me State in Congress. She took a bold stand on behalf of people on the verge of losing their housing during COVID by sleeping outside of the U.S. Capitol in protest of the Eviction Moratorium.  
  • Amanda Gorman: Her literary talent and Black Girl Magic landed her on the stage of the 2021 presidential inauguration as the country’s first national youth poet laureate. Her stirring poem “The Hill We Climb” received national acclaim. 
  • Maya Angelou: This brilliant and inspirational writer, this year became the first Black woman to be celebrated on an American quarter as part of a series that will commemorate female pioneers in a variety of fields.
 
While In Our Own Voice celebrates Black women far beyond March, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating these phenomenal women and others all year long. For us, the celebration never stops for our sisters. Join us! 

In solidarity,
Marcela Howell
President & CEO
In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda
Tell Your Senator to Confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson
The Senate Committee on the Judiciary has begun confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court, which will conclude today. Intersections of Our Lives submitted a letter to the Senate Judiciary in support of Judge Jackson’s nomination.

Women’s Health Protect Act Vote Fails in Senate
The Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA) failed to obtain the 60 votes necessary to pass the Sen. Joe Manchin was the only Senate democrat present who did not vote for the bill to advance past debate.
In Our Own Voice Condemns Attacks on Trans Texans
In solidarity with Texas trans- and gender-diverse youth and their families, In Our Own Voice signed a statement condemning Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton‘s order to the Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate gender-affirming care as child abuse.
Black Women Condemn Fiscal Year 2022 Federal Spending Bill
Congress passed the appropriations bill for the fiscal year 2022. The omnibus spending bill included the Hyde Amendment, banning the use of federal funding for abortion services. The legislation also did not include an increase for Title X funding which would have helped provide affordable contraception and family planning services to those who are uninsured or underinsured.
We bid a warm farewell to the 2020-2022 class of our Next Generation Leadership Institute fellows. This year's graduates will be celebrated during a graduation ceremony on April 2, 2022, in Washington, DC.

We are delighted to celebrate the fellows' commitment to Reproductive Justice and applaud their dedication and advocacy throughout this fellowship. Completing the program signifies that they can successfully apply the Reproductive Justice framework within their careers and advocacy efforts.

Stay tuned as we continue to highlight their many accomplishments.

Apply to Become a Next Generation Leadership Institute Fellow
  
The application for the next class is open and we are eager to welcome new HBCU students into this fellowship! Apply today!
In Our Own Voice President and CEO Marcela Howell joins Black Mamas Matter Alliance Co-Founder and Executive Director Angela Doyinsola Aina; National Birth Equity Collaborative Founder and President Dr. Joia Crear-Perry; and Mamatoto Village Co-Founder and Executive Director Aza Nedhari for 'Ensuring Black Maternal Health and Wellness,' a Radio One virtual panel. Tune in on April 12, 2022 at 6 PM EST!
In Our Own Voice is proud to partner with organizations that work 24/7/365 to advance Reproductive Justice on a state level. Take a look at our partners in action:
COVID-19 Storytelling Research

The Afiya Center is seeking research participants to share their experiences with COVID-19 to identify unanswered questions about the virus and help advocate for better healthcare policies. People interested can sign up for the remaining available slot on March 25 at 1 PM CST. Participants will receive $50 for the session.
Taking Stock Youth Focus Group

Black Women for Wellness is inviting Black girls ages 13-17 on March 26 at 12 p.m. PT to share their experiences with beauty products, hair care, and being a thriving young woman in today’s society. Participants get a $25 gift card.
Now Hiring: Associate Director/Program Manager

Black Women’s Health Imperative is hiring an Associate Director/Program Manager for their Rare Disease Diversity Coalition.

New Voices for Reproductive Justice welcomes Kelly Davis as its new Executive Director. Kelly comes to New Voices with 15 years of public health experience.
Blind Angels

SisterLove was featured on CNN and Gilead’s HIV history series “Blind Angels.”
Pearl's Pantry Community Giveaway

SisterReach is hosting a clothing and shoe giveaway in Memphis on April 2 at 12 p.m. CT. Community members are invited to enjoy the giveaway, free food, music, and fellowship.
Now Hiring: Deputy Director

SPARK Reproductive Justice Now is hiring for a Deputy Director to serve as a strategic thought-partner and exceptional manager working collaboratively with staff and stakeholders to build and sustain both the organization and the Reproductive Justice movement’s infrastructure in service to SPARK’s base.
Deep South Decrim

Women With a Vision continue its advocacy for decriminalizing sex work in Louisiana to improve public health, increase safety for sex workers, combat sex trafficking, and more.