AN OPEN LETTER TO THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS
An Open Letter to the United States Congress:
Founded in 1977, The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. is a national organization with a mission of educating and protecting the rights of African American women and their families, and represents more than 3 million women.
This Open Letter is being sent in support of women throughout the United States and the World. We understand the importance of recognizing the “person-hood” of women and their complete dominion over their bodies, including matters of pregnancy and reproductive health.
The statement from Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg expresses our feelings about the recent direction taken by states that could lead to revisiting the longstanding Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision regarding women and their reproductive rights. She stated: “The decision of whether or not to bear a child is central to a woman’s life, well-being, and dignity. When the government makes that decision for her, she is being treated as less than a full adult human responsible for her own choices.” Ruth Bader Ginsberg (2019).
The recent decision by Alabama lawmakers to make those who participate in performing an abortion guilty of a felony punishable with up to 99 years in prison portends a violation of civil and human rights.
OTHER NEWS
ESSENCE VENTURES ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS FROM TIME INC.
Essence Ventures LLC, an independent African-American owned company focused on merging content, community, and commerce, recently announced that it acquired Essence Communications Inc. from Time Inc. ESSENCE President Michelle Ebanks will continue at the helm of the company and join its board of directors. In addition, ESSENCE’s executive team, comprised of Black women, will also have an equity stake in the business.
GRATITUDE & GIVING
As we enter the season of gratitude and giving, The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. (BWA) gives thanks for the 21 women’s organizations – sororities, civic, service, and faith-based – that serve as its National Collaborating Organizations (NCOs) and partners in protecting, securing and advancing the rights of millions of women worldwide. Together with our NCOs, BWA has established numerous programs to support Black women and their families.
ASCENSION SUPPORTS BWA’S “BECAUSE WE CARE” INITIATIVE
One of the highlights of The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc.’s 40th Annual Symposium Workshop & Awards Luncheon was the announcement of a $50,000 donation to BWA made by Patricia A. Maryland, Dr.PH, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ascension Healthcare, Vice President, Ascension, and BWA’s 2017 Health Award recipient.
Ascension, the nation’s largest non-profit health system, is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care.
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