2018 HOLIDAY MESSAGE FROM BWA’S PRESIDENT GWAINEVERE CATCHINGS HESS
Dear Sisters and Friends:
On behalf of The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc., I wish you a safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season.
This has been a busy year for BWA. Along with our National Collaborating Organizations, we were actively involved in getting out the vote and were thrilled with the pivotal role Black women played in electing candidates on the state and local level, and also running for office. According to the blackwomeninpolitics.com database, Black women ran for 58 federal seats, 180 state offices, 213 local positions, and 17 unspecified seats. We are the change we want to see in the world, and our sisters are serving notice!
In September, during our 41st Annual Symposium in Washington, DC, BWA hosted “Living Your Best Life At Every Age: I Am The Change” — a town hall for more than 600 participants that encouraged participants to consider where they are and want to be from a financial, education and health perspective, and to be a catalyst for change for themselves, their families, and communities. The wildly enthusiastic response the event received inspired BWA to take the forums on the road. With support from AARP, we hosted “Living Your Best Life At Every Age: I Am The Change” workshops in St. Louis and Baltimore. Check our website for information about future forums.
With 2019 just days away, BWA is focused on the road ahead and how we move forward. As an organization, we will continue our work to secure, protect, and advance the rights and well-being of Black women and their families. We will be vocal, visible, and vigilant in reminding those who serve in elected office of our agenda, and a proactive force and resource for helping Black women to live their very best lives.
Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and the Warmest of Wishes for the New Year!
Gwainevere Catchings Hess
OTHER NEWS
FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH
This year, as our hearts fill with pride while we celebrate Black History Month, let us also remember to focus on our heart health. And not just on Valentines Day – the entire month of February is American Heart Month.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States and certain minority groups face a greater risk than others. Deaths from heart disease are higher in Black Americans than in White Americans and other ethnic groups, and heart disease develops at a younger age in African Americans.
But, heart disease can often be prevented when people know their risks, make healthy choices and manage their medical conditions. So this month, learn the signs and symptoms and the steps you can take to make a difference in your life and the lives of your loved ones at https://www.goredforwomen.org
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
According to The American Cancer Society, “Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. The cervical cancer death rate dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test for screening. But the death rate has not changed much over the last 15 years.” And several studies show that a disproportionate number of women that die each year from cervical cancer are Black women.
The American Cancer Society also stresses the importance of regular screening for the disease, emphasizing that, “Screening tests offer the best chance to have cervical cancer found early when successful treatment is likely.
I AM THE CHANGE FORUMS
The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. is taking its “Living Your Best Life At Every Age: I Am The Change” town hall on the road! Introduced with support from AARP at its 41st Annual Symposium in September 2018, the forum encourages participants to consider where they are and want to be from a financial, educational and health perspective, and to be a catalyst for change for themselves, their families, and communities.
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JOIN US LIVE NOW for our 46th Annual Symposium moderated by @SymoneDSanders
Click the youtube link to join!
BWA 46th Annual Symposium Townhall
Live Stream opens at 8 am EST Live Program begins at 9am - 11am ESTModerated by Symone Sanders-Townsend, Host of...
youtube.com
Join @SymoneDSanders and @BWA3 live for BWA's Annual Symposium Townhall!
LIVESTREAM: Friday, September 22, 20203, @ 9 am EST.
https://youtube.com/live/X81rZZ65wd0?feature=share
#bwabettertogether #bwaiamthechange #bwainc
Today in #BlackHistory — Unbought and Unbossed, Shirley Chisholm became the first Black Presidential nominee.
She shattered the glass ceiling and I'm beyond proud to represent part of her district! I am because she was.
We fought hard for this because birth control is essential to our reproductive freedom.
This victory will empower folks to make decisions about their bodies & their futures.
Congress must now pass our bill to #FreeThePill & make OTC birth control free for all who need it.
Be the Change this World AIDS Day 🌍
Change starts with you. Change starts with us. Together, we can:
❤️ Break the stigma around HIV.
🩺 Promote testing, prevention, and treatment for all.
📢 Advocate for equal access to healthcare worldwide.
💡 Share knowledge to build understanding and compassion.
Be the change that ends HIV/AIDS. Take action today.
What step will you take to make a difference? Let’s inspire change together!
Learn more by visiting our community partner Gilead Sciences @ https://www.gilead.com/
#WorldAIDSDay #BeTheChange #EndHIV
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones with Vaccines! 💉
Vaccines are your best defense against serious illnesses. Stay up to date on your:
✔️ Flu Shot
✔️ COVID-19 Booster
✔️ RSV Vaccine
Let’s work together to keep our communities safe and healthy.
Talk to your healthcare provider today!
#VaccinesWork #StayProtected #RiskLessDoMore
Paid Partnership
📢 Tonight`s the Night! Join us for an Important Townhall Webinar!
Don’t miss @theblackwomensagendainc and a panel of distinguished experts discussing “I Am The Change: Vaccines For Your Best Health” 🌍.
This Town Hall will increase awareness of critical prevention, testing, and treatment resources for respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
🗓️ Date: November 12th
🕣 Time: 8:30 pm ET
Let’s work together to stay informed and healthy. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C5pIyDF8Swmsayy8PiMT2Q
#RiskLessDoMore #VaccinesForYourBestHealth #IAmTheChange #BWAInc
You inspired. You encouraged. You remained steadfast.
We thank you being you.
"The fight for the ideals that reflect America at its best: Freedom, opportunity, fairness, and dignity. That is a fight I will never give up." - Vice President Kamala Harris, 2024 Presidential Candidate
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