The most chilling quote of this story is, “Women are being killed because they are women.”
The Hyde Amendment
Why do reproductive rights look different for womyn of color?
I began asking this question a long time ago and I’m starting to understand the answers.
A resource. A heads up. Helpful reading.
Wherever you are on the spectrum of reproductive issues, this is something to be informed about.
The Failing State of Native American Women’s Health
Learning.
It’s a painful thing, isn’t it?
The fact of the matter is that the debate around reproductive rights spans so widely and it rarely is told from the perspective of segregated, disenfranchised, disempowered, abused, ostracized, illiterate, poor, mentally or physically challenged, lesbians, or womyn of color. Beyond abortion, most US citizens still do not grasp the issues of reproductive justice. RR is beyond the white, middle class need for healthy and safe access to abortions.
Here is a glimpse of Charon Asetoyer, Founder and Executive Director of the Native American Women’s Health Education Resource Center. This interview is a glimpse into the disturbing comblexities lying beneath the proverbial “Choice vs. Life” debate.
Trafficking Across the Border Lines
According to the Center for Women Policy Studies, 640,000 women are trafficked in to the United States for forced labor and sexual exploitation.
Check out this great resource, your state’s laws, and some reports that outline the atrocities that are inflicted upon millions of girls and women in this modern day slavery.
Hands
Picture taken by unknown photographer
A friend was recently married in India and the images of her wedding sent over email were just breathtaking. The traditions, rituals, and color of her celebration are so beautful, so unique from anything I’ve ever experienced.
This picture of Shoba’s hands stunned me. I had to share it. Love, in any culture, between any two people, is art.
Stop REacting, and Just Start Acting
So you wanna do something. You wanna do something that helps this Movement. So many folks have been asking, “What can I do?”
Here’s a start:
DONATE TO AN INTELLIGENT, INSIGHTFUL, ENERGIZED WOMYN BLOGGER OF COLOR WHO IS TRYING TO GET TO THE ALLIED MEDIA CONFERENCE!
BFP has organized a list of bloggers who need funding assistance to attend. The more WOC bloggers that can attend this conference which will be full of meeting, connecting, and raising collective feminist and social justice hell.
Wherever you are, if you close your eyes, you’ll be able to hear the noise coming from Detroit.
Get these womyn to the conference. They are needed. Please.
Click on these blogs and sites and look to the top left or right for the icon.
Fabulosa Mujer
Hermana Resist (donations can be made through her pay pal email: csdistro@gmail.com)
Please Professor Black Woman
Black Amazon
The Primary Contradiction
And, BFP is heading to the US Social Forum and, any and all donations are helpful.
Using my f(p)eminist prophetic skills, I will anticipate some questions you might be asking:
Why should I donate?
Well, my friend, conferences are more than just conferences. Particularly ones with a grassroots focus, conferences are the fertile soil to plant ideas, exchange contacts, and share resources with those who have similar visions of equality, voice and restlessness. Sharing your resources is a way to be active and transporting some really great minds to this event.
Why do these bloggers need financial assistance?
Welcome to the world of progressive writers, thinkers, and activists who must travel and make sacrifices. Several of these wonderful people are parents, caretakers, students, and give their time and energy to projects and jobs that don’t pay a whole lot. As much as we remain committed to activism, the role of monied funding cannot and will never be ignored. We can do this. We ALL can do this.
How do I know that the money will go toward this conference and not something else?
It might just be me, but I tend to trust individuals who spend their free time (when not studying, working, taking care of others, and educating) writing and raising awareness about issues concerning womyn, our planet, and the future. Call it a womyn’s intuition, I trust these people, whom I have yet to look in the eye, with more than just my money. I trust their words and agenda.
Education, Immigration Issues
Out of School, Out of Luck: California’s Immigrant Youth Face Uncertain Futures
Over a quarter of million immigrant youth are out of school. “Children are the future.” If you believe this overused quote, which I personally do, what does this mean for our future, for their future? The cycle of poverty, racism, and unfulfilled potential of our young will surely continue.
It’s Here! The Erase Racism Carnival!
The Angry Black Woman is hosting this carnival. Again, more power for your heart and stimulation for your brain. Get clicking.
It’s Here! Carnival of Radical Action
To hear some of the most progressive and powerful voices on the internet, check out the Carnival of Radical Action posted here. I am simply in gratitude and amazement over the incredible voices and wisdom of so many. There are wonderful links to many fantastic women of color bloggers. Check it out!
Spiritual Inclusion
And because I am a trampoline-bouncing advocate for standing up to binary camps and labels, this specific call in the Reproductive Rights debate struck a chord with me. Though it doesn’t address the issue in the usual angle I like (WOC being in the thrust of the issue), I do resonate with the need for spiritual inclusion.
In a world of Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, it’s tempting for the progressive movement to write off religious people entirely. In this article, pro-choice activist and Christian minister Matthew Fox discusses the importance of including spiritual and religious voices in progressive movements in general, and in the movement for reproductive justice in particular.
By: Rev. Matthew Fox