About Our Conference
2024 Annual Reproductive Justice Conference
A New Era of Justice: Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Freedom.
Join us for an impactful and inspiring event: Black Women for Wellness’ annual Reproductive Justice Conference. This conference brings together a community of Black women and girls to discuss the political and economic climate of our fundamental rights and how they are in jeopardy.
This year’s conference is more important than ever. We will address critical issues facing Black women, such as the Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe v. Wade, Black relationships, healthy births, and maternal access. Black women want to feel safe and heard in every aspect of their lives. Unfortunately, they have the highest mortality rates from giving birth, cancer outcomes, and other health disparities.
We will gather to discuss how to protect Black women, highlight the issues they face, and work towards solutions. By supporting this conference, you are investing in a brighter future for Black women and girls. Join us and be a part of the movement to promote reproductive justice and equity for all.
Call for Abstracts
Conference Schedule
Morning Schedule
- TITLE: Our Vote, Our Future: How Voting Impacts Reproductive Healthcare Access
- DESCRIPTION: As we gear up for what is shaping up to be a historic election year, it is important that we understand the vital role that voting has on the landscape of reproductive healthcare access. When it comes to winning the fight against those who seek to limit our bodily autonomy, our ability to access abortion care, and our right to raise our families in safe, resource rich environments, the outcome of elections are pivotal in determining the policies and laws that are put in place to dictate these issues. In this session, we will have an opportunity to speak to leaders in the reproductive justice and voting rights movements to discuss how elections at the state and national level have contributed to the current reproductive climate, what access looks like today, and how to effectively engage in the civic process to preserve and expand the reproductive rights that are available within our communities.
- TITLE: Housing for Homies & Hunnies: Green Social Housing for Reproductive Freedom
- DESCRIPTION: True reproductive freedom requires that all birthing people have access to clean, safe, and affordable housing. Across the nation, housing is becoming more and more expensive & less and less habitable, and corporations are making a profit off of it. The unhoused population is growing rapidly, climate change is wreaking havoc on already vulnerable communities, and all the while, the ‘American dream’ for homeownership is seeming more like an American nightmare. Join Black Women for Wellness’ Environmental Justice team in collaboration with the CA Green New Deal coalition to talk about a different dream – one for green social housing for all.
- TRACK CHAIR(S): Tianna Shaw Wakeman & Zoe Cunliffe
- Details TBD
- TITLE: Fertile Ground: Empowering Black Women’s Reproductive Health
- DESCRIPTION: Join us for “Fertile Ground,” a comprehensive workshop dedicated to addressing the unique fertility challenges and opportunities faced by Black women. This session will explore the intersection of reproductive justice and fertility, providing vital information on navigating healthcare systems, understanding fertility treatments, and embracing holistic wellness practices. Through expert-led discussions, participants will gain valuable insights and practical tools to empower their reproductive journeys. Whether you’re planning for the future, currently trying to conceive, or supporting someone on their fertility path, this workshop aims to create a supportive and informative space for all.
- TRACK CHAIR(S): Charity Faye
- TITLE: From Eugenics to Equity: Navigating Genetics and Maternal Health
- DESCRIPTION: Join Black Women for Wellness’ Maternal and Infant Health Program and Personal Genetics Education and Dialogue for an engaging workshop where we will explore the intricate relationship between genetics and Black maternal and infant health. This workshop will provide a comprehensive understanding of genetics, emphasizing its intersection with reproductive justice and the historical implications of eugenics on marginalized communities. Participants will delve into the ethical considerations essential in genetic research and healthcare, focusing on autonomy, consent, and informed decision-making. Through interactive and intimate discussions, we will examine the prevalence of genetic conditions among Black mothers, considering the critical influences of race, gender, and socioeconomic factors on maternal health while addressing the significant disparities in access and equity. This workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to advocate for more equitable and ethical practices in genetic healthcare.
- TRACK CHAIR(S): Gabrielle Brown & Adjoa Jones
- TITLE: Overcoming Barriers to Reproductive Health for Black Men
- DESCRIPTION: Join us for an essential discussion on identifying and addressing barriers to reproductive healthcare access and healthy outcomes for Black men. This event will delve into the internal (ie: cultural factors within Black communities) and external (systemic racism, healthcare disparities, discriminatory policies, etc.) challenges that hinder Black men’s access to reproductive health services and explore effective strategies for overcoming these obstacles. To close out the session, we will discuss strategies to combat misinformation, stigma, and norms affecting Black men’s access to reproductive health services. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights, share your perspectives, and learn about practical solutions to improve reproductive health outcomes for Black men.
- TOPIC: Men’s Track
- TRACK CHAIR(S): Nevon Watson
- TITLE: Reproductive Justice 101: Youth Advocacy Jeopardy
- DESCRIPTION: In this Jeopardy-style active learning session, we aim to meet the following goals while educating our youth:
- Understand the Basics of Reproductive Justice:
- Define reproductive justice and distinguish it from reproductive rights.
- Identify key principles of reproductive justice, including intersectionality and human rights.
- Explore Reproductive Health and Rights Issues:
- Learn about various reproductive health issues affecting youth, such as access to contraception, STI prevention, nutrition, environment, and abortion access.
- Discuss barriers to healthcare faced by marginalized communities.
- Empower Youth Advocacy:
- Educate participants on the importance of youth advocacy in advancing reproductive justice.
- Provide tools and strategies for effective advocacy, including grassroots organizing and using social media.
- Promote Inclusivity and Intersectionality:
- Discuss how race, class, gender identity, and sexual orientation intersect with reproductive justice issues.
- Highlight the importance of inclusive advocacy that addresses the needs of diverse communities.
- Understand the Basics of Reproductive Justice:
- TRACK CHAIR(S): Lonnell Schuler
Afternoon Schedule
- TITLE: Non-Toxic, Better Black Beauty Training
- DESCRIPTION: Certain ingredients commonly found in hair relaxers, skin lighteners, and hair dyes marketed to Black women contain harmful chemicals linked to serious health issues such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, maternal health complications, and more. It is crucial for Black women to be well-informed so they can make safer choices for themselves and their families. Thus, we will be tailoring this session for our community members to provide them with the skills necessary to better understand and inform others about the health risks associated with toxic chemicals in beauty products marketed to Black women. Our training will include an overview of the science linking chemicals in Black beauty products to negative health problems impacting Black women and girls, interactive exercises, training tips, and legislative solutions our community can engage in to address the problem. Join us to access easily understandable science-based information, explore our non-toxic Black beauty product database, discover Black-owned beauty products you can trust, and more!
- Details TBD
- TITLE: Tackling Reproductive Health From the Global Perspective
- DESCRIPTION: Join the International Track as we delve into informative discussions surrounding the various ways people across the world are impacted by both negative and positive policies surrounding Reproductive Health. As the United States trails in the women’s health rankings compared to other developed nations, this talk will give us a better understanding of why that is. We will discuss why other countries fall behind in providing reproductive care and access to those who need it. Join us as we connect with trailblazers in international affairs to engage in crucial dialogue that allows us to better understand the fight for reproductive justice across the world!
- TRACK CHAIR: Ifeoma Ajufo
- Details TBD
- TITLE: Health Literacy Education As a Modality to Reproductive Autonomy
- DESCRIPTION: Health literacy plays a crucial role in a patient’s understanding of their medical diagnoses, treatment plans, and healthcare outcomes, including outcomes pertaining to reproductive health. There are various factors that impact the disproportionate health literacy rates within African American communities, including a historic mistrust of the medical system, limited education, and lack of culturally-specific healthcare guidance and care. Numerous studies have indicated that creating culturally-specific health literacy workshops for African American populations led to an increase in health literacy within this population. Thus, the purpose of this workshop is to provide a collaborative space where attendees can work together to understand medical terminology, patterns of inheritance, prevention behaviors, and patient rights so that they feel better equipped to navigate healthcare settings. Attendees can expect to go over the following information:
- Navigating nutrition labels
- Normal vs abnormal vital signs
- Patient History and getting to a diagnosis
- Patient Rights
- Applying the above four topics to Reproductive health
- TRACK CHAIR(S): A. Ja’Nea James
- TITLE: Empowering Black Men in Advocacy for Reproductive Justice
- DESCRIPTION: Join us for the second Men’s Track session of the Reproductive Justice Conference, focused on empowering and engaging Black men in advocacy for Reproductive Justice. This session aims to highlight Black men’s vital role in supporting and advocating for Reproductive Justice, offering practical tools and real-life examples of effective involvement in the movement. Moreover, we will work together to understand the importance of allyship and active participation in the Reproductive Justice Movement, discover practical ways Black men can support and advocate for Reproductive Justice, and listen to success stories about impactful advocacy and community-driven initiatives. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired, gain valuable insights, and learn how you can make a meaningful impact in your community.
- TRACK CHAIR(S): Nevon Watson
- TITLE: Choices: A Film Screening
- DESCRIPTION: This workshop aims to engage attendees in a thought-provoking discussion on reproductive justice and empower them with insights from the film Choices. Overall, this workshop aims to:
- Understand key themes and messages related to reproductive justice portrayed in the film “Choices.”
- Analyze the implications of reproductive rights, autonomy, societal expectations, and friendship dynamics as depicted in the film.
- Engage in critical reflection and discussion on the intersections of reproductive health, social justice, and individual agency.
- Explore diverse perspectives and lived experiences related to reproductive justice through panelist insights and discussions.
- Develop awareness of the challenges and opportunities in advancing reproductive justice efforts within communities.
- Foster dialogue, empathy, and solidarity among attendees to promote collective action and advocacy for reproductive rights.
- Apply insights gained from the film screening and panel discussion to personal beliefs, attitudes, and actions regarding reproductive justice issues.
- TRACK CHAIR(S): Lonnell Schuler & Miyana Evans
Conference Team
Our Impact
Our 2023 Sponsors
SisterSong’s mission is to empower and elevate the voices of indigenous women and women of color to attain reproductive justice by eliminating reproductive oppression and ensuring human rights.
The Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) operates as a global nonprofit organization that delivers high-quality HIV care and services to individuals in need. They employ a network of pharmacies, thrift stores, health and wellness centers, affordable housing locations, and food-service programs to generate fresh and innovative approaches to treating and overcoming barriers to care for their clients.
The Black Maternal Health Center Of Excellence is a Los Angeles County-based organization that offers maternity care and support. It aims to empower Black women, birthing persons, and their families, ensuring they feel safe, respected, and informed throughout their entire pregnancy journey.
Cedars-Sinai operates as a nonprofit academic healthcare organization, extending its services to the diverse Los Angeles community and beyond. They have been at the forefront of pioneering medical research achievements, shaping the future of healthcare through their education programs, and engaging in various community benefit activities. In doing so, they are establishing new benchmarks for quality and innovation in patient care.
Coming Clean operates as a nonprofit environmental health collaborative with a mission to bring about a transformation in the chemical industry, ensuring it no longer poses harm. They are dedicated to securing systemic changes that promote a safe chemical and clean energy economy, fostering an environment where both can thrive. The organization’s membership comprises various entities, including grassroots activists, community leaders, scientists, health professionals, business leaders, lawyers, and farmworker advocates. Through principled collaboration, they are committed to advancing a vision of a nontoxic, sustainable, and just world for all.
L.A. Care Health Plan functions as the largest publicly operated health plan in the nation, catering to the healthcare needs of over 2.4 million members. They specialize in offering a diverse range of affordable health plans tailored to meet the requirements of the various communities in Los Angeles. Through their health plans, individuals gain access to an extensive network of local doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies, ensuring comprehensive healthcare services are readily available.
Planned Parenthood is a widely trusted health care provider, known for being an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a global partner that collaborates with similar organizations worldwide. The organization is dedicated to delivering essential reproductive health care, comprehensive sex education, and valuable information to millions of individuals across the globe.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson takes great pride in representing the Eighth District of Los Angeles and holds the chairmanship of the city’s Planning Land Use and Management committee. Throughout his tenure, Councilmember Harris-Dawson has been proactive in introducing policies aimed at combating homelessness, fostering the creation of quality jobs, enhancing street cleanliness, and promoting community policing initiatives. His dedication to these issues reflects his commitment to serving and improving the lives of the residents in his district and the broader Los Angeles community.
CCF operates as a public, charitable organization with a clear dedication to strengthening communities in Los Angeles County through effective philanthropy and civic engagement.
The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Los Angeles County (PPAP) functions as an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization, serving as the political arm of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA).
PPAP actively engages in legislative and electoral activities, encompassing advocacy, education campaigns, grassroots organizing, and electioneering. Their overarching mission is to enhance the quality and affordability of reproductive and sexual health care, safeguard and extend services that prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and guarantee ongoing access to safe, legal, and confidential abortion care.
First 5 LA is an independent public agency with a goal to support the safe and healthy development of young children so that by 2028, all children in L.A. County will enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and life.
Thank You For your Support
For more information please contact:
Arnedra Jordan
[email protected]
Visit our conference website for updates
www.bwwla.org
323.290.5955