From the desk of Debra Ness

Dear John,

It's been 94 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the annual commemoration that would become Black History Month - a time to recognize the historical roles and contributions of Black Americans to the development of this country.

It's also a time to ask ourselves who gets to decide which version of history survives?

For generations dating back hundreds of years, Black history has been distorted - if not completely erased - by people determined to absolve white America of its crimes against humanity and to safeguard the white superiority and privilege deeply
entrenched throughout our society and institutions.

As a person living with white privilege, it's incumbent upon me to sit in that truth every single day - not just during Black History Month - and to actively question norms and traditions that reinforce injustice and inequity.

That's why I want to acknowledge a few of the incredible Black leaders and Black-led organizations (featured below) who are disrupting the status quo, restoring the historical record and fighting year-round to center Black and Brown people in this country's narrative. If you
aren't already doing so, please follow and get to know Color of Change, Vanessa Daniel (Groundswell Fund) and Nikole Hannah-Jones.

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And please keep reading for new updates on the important work you're supporting at the National Partnership, including our feminist State of the Union featured by Ms. Magazine and a Congressional hearing in support of the Women's Health
Protection Act.

Thank you! As always, I hope you will reply to this email and share your thoughts with me. I'd love to hear from you.

- Debra

Debra Ness
President

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A Feminist State of the Union

Before Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union, the National Partnership delivered a feminist State of the Union that was featured by Ms. Magazine.
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In our version, we cover the issues that women today are most concerned about: paid family and medical leave, ending the Black and Native maternal health crisis, reproductive health care and equal pay.

While the Trump administration pursues an agenda designed to further marginalize people of color and disempower women, the National Partnership is fighting around the clock for policies and solutions that support equality for all women. Because of your generous support,
our resolve gets stronger every day. Thank you!

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Women's Health Protection Act

When the nearest clinic is hundreds of miles away ... when waiting periods require multiple clinic visits ... when access to medication abortion is restricted ... it becomes nearly impossible for women to exercise their constitutional rights.

This is real life for millions of women - like Holly Alvarado - who live in states with one or more abortion restrictions.
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The National Partnership met Holly earlier this month at a Congressional hearing on the Women's Health Protection Act - federal legislation that would stop the wave of disingenuous regulations, outright bans, dangerous obstacles, and medically
unnecessary restrictions on abortion care. Listen to Holly's powerful testimony here: [link removed]

In real life, Roe v. Wade only set the foundation for access to safe and legal abortions. So much more needs to be accomplished to ensure that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, have equal access to abortion care. Accomplishing that goal is
central to the work you're funding here at the National Partnership.

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Partner spotlight: Black Youth Project 100

In honor of Black History Month, the National Partnership invited BYP100 (Black Youth Project 100) to take over our Twitter account for a day.

This courageous, youth-led organization mobilizes, develops and empowers Black 18-35 year-old activists and organizers dedicated to creating justice and freedom for all Black people. Please learn more about BYP100 and support its important work.
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National Partnership for Women & Families
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Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 986-2600
Fax: (202) 986-2539
Email: [email protected]
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