Dear Anti-Violence Movement
The absence of Black women in leadership positions not only perpetuates harm but also undermines the efficacy of our collective efforts. Our experiences offer unique insights and perspectives that are essential for developing holistic approaches to addressing violence. By relegating Black women to the margins, we fail to harness the full potential of our movement and perpetuate the very power imbalances we seek to dismantle.
It is time for the anti-violence movement to confront its complicity in perpetuating systems of oppression and commit to meaningful change. This requires diversifying leadership and actively challenging the structures and norms that uphold exclusionary practices. We must create spaces that center the voices and experiences of Black women, providing opportunities for leadership, representation, and decision-making power.
In doing so, we not only strengthen our movement but also honor the principles of equity, justice, and liberation that underpin our work. Let us heed the call to action, recognizing that our liberation is bound together and that only by centering the most marginalized among us can we truly achieve a world free from violence for all.
As a self-proclaimed child of the Reproductive Justice movement, I’d be remiss if I did not include the framework that taught me intersectionality before I had the language. Reproductive justice within the anti-violence movement is not merely an option but an imperative for the liberation of Black women (all folx). To grasp its necessity, one must acknowledge the multifaceted nature of violence against Black women, which extends far beyond physical harm. It encompasses systemic oppression, economic exploitation, and reproductive control.
Historically, Black women have been subjected to various forms of violence, including forced sterilization, coerced contraception, and inadequate access to reproductive healthcare. These injustices are not isolated incidents but are deeply rooted in the legacy of slavery, colonialism, and institutional racism. They represent a systematic denial of bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom.
In the anti-violence movement, reproductive justice serves as a radical framework that goes beyond traditional notions of reproductive rights. It recognizes that the ability to control one's reproductive destiny is intimately tied to broader struggles for social, economic, and racial justice. It demands not only the right to choose whether or not to have children but also the right to parent in safe environments, free from oppressive violence.
Reproductive justice is essential for challenging intersecting systems of oppression that perpetuate violence and inequality. In essence, reproductive justice is not just about individual choices but about collective liberation. It demands an end to all forms of violence and affirms one’s inherent dignity and worth. It requires dismantling oppressive systems and creating communities where Black women are valued, heard, protected and supported. Only through a commitment to reproductive justice can we truly achieve liberation and build a more just and equitable society for all.
In conclusion, the time for radical revolution within the anti-violence movement is now. We cannot afford to continue operating within the confines of oppressive systems, perpetuating the same cycles of exclusion and marginalization that we claim to oppose. It is imperative that we center Black women's voices and lived experiences, recognizing them as the guiding force in our fight for true liberation. We must trust their leadership, amplify their voices, and follow their lead without hesitation. This is not a mere suggestion; it is a call to action, a rallying cry for all who claim to stand against violence and oppression. Together, let us forge a new path forward, one built upon the foundation of radical inclusivity, equity, and unwavering solidarity. Only then can we truly dismantle the systems of violence and create a world where all are truly free.
To my ancestors, whose resilience and sacrifice paved the way for the battles we continue to wage today, I offer my deepest gratitude. Your courage in the face of adversity fuels my determination to keep fighting for liberation. To my sister-friends, whose unwavering support and camaraderie sustain me through the darkest of times, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your solidarity is a beacon of hope in a world too often plagued by division. And to my fellow movement coconspirators, who stand shoulder to shoulder with me in the liberation struggle, I am endlessly grateful for your tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to the cause. Together, we are building a better world for future generations, one where justice, equity, and love reign supreme. Thank you for your courage, your passion, and your relentless pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.
In solidarity,
Akayla Galloway J.D.
Kay Keaux Thee Social Justice Heaux
Musings of a Hoochie
Black women encompass a rich and diverse tapestry of identities, experiences, and expressions, transcending rigid definitions of gender. In recognizing Black women, we must acknowledge and affirm the full spectrum of gender diversity within our community, including trans women, non-binary individuals, and gender-expansive folx. Black womanhood is not confined to binary notions of femininity but rather embraces a fluidity that encompasses all gender identities and expressions. It is a space where individuals are free to authentically be themselves, unapologetically embracing their multifaceted identities while navigating the intersections of race, gender, and class. By centering the experiences of all gender minorities within the Black community, we honor the resilience, strength, and beauty inherent in our collective identity.