Black Reproductive Justice Futures: Lexis
Black Reproductive Justice Futures: Lexis
Lexis' leadership, whether externally or internally, is focused on creating sustainable, nourishing movement spaces. Creating an environment where young Black leaders are truly given the space to flourish is nothing short of revolutionary. Lexis is so talented in cultivating elastic, cross-movement relationships. Her intention in building Black power & resistance has been a critical force in every aspect of our work. We could not be prouder to learn from her leadership and grow alongside her.
Her theory of RJ is based in the real-world implementation of intersectionality and connection. As she so rightly put it, "We are not meant to love alone, heal alone, or live in silo—we need one another."
Who’s an RJ leader you admire & why?
"My lovely, fierce friend Larada Lee-Wallace! As a doula, storyteller and organizer, Larada consistently cares, supports and advocates for those who our society consistently deems as unworthy. Larada has also taught me the importance of community, which is the heart of Reproductive Justice. We are not meant to love alone, heal alone or live in silo—we need one another!"
What value does solidarity play in RJ & other Black-led movements?
"Intersectionality is the basis of Reproductive Justice. Under an RJ Framework, every person has the ability to live and raise their family (whatever that may look like) safely, healthily, and with support - think about how much that entails! This requires access to housing and all forms of healthcare, it requires our environment to be cared for, it requires an end to mass incarceration and state-sanctioned familial separation, it requires freedom of violence, it requires food security, it requires access to equitable education, and so so much more, for ALL people, not just people who look a certain way or have more resources than other. As Audre Lorde said, 'There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.'
Reproductive oppression is a product and tool of other forms of oppression like racism, classism, ableism, colonialism, and transphobia. RJ forces us to look between the lines, see the connections across movements, and collaborate amongst different social struggles, while prioritizing the most vulnerable to achieve liberation.”
-Lexis
Black Reproductive Justice Futures: Taren
Black Reproductive Justice Futures: Taren
Today, in looking toward Black futures, we're highlighting our Program Manager, Taren!
Taren perfectly encompasses the heart & future of RJ. She builds the future of RJ from a place of love, while still acknowledging the very real injustices we’re fighting. She’s best described as a resilient, authentic, and humble leader, talking to patients with the same genuine care she shows her friends and family. Already, Taren’s work in this movement has been invaluable, and we’re ecstatic to be part of her journey.
How would you like to see RJ grow in the next 5 years?
"I would love to see more movement spaces look to RJ as a guiding framework. When we approach issues through an RJ lens, we see the bigger, clearer picture. We're able to understand that while rights and laws are important, they’re not enough when we consider the barriers in place that prevent folks with marginalized identities from exercising those rights, and I think that reaches far beyond just repro. This will allow us to better build solidarity and power."
-Taren
Black Reproductive Justice Futures: Symone
Black Reproductive Justice Futures: Symone
As Black History Month closes out, we're shifting our focus towards Black Reproductive Justice Futures. The best way to do just that is by showcasing the astonishing Black leaders we have on staff!
Today, we're celebrating Symone (she/her).
Symone is a multi-talented organizer, storyteller, and patient-navigating expert! As a doula and former care provider, her passion for non-judgemental, down-to-earth care is abundant in all she does. She dreams of a world where trauma-informed, culturally competent doula care for all is the standard, not the exception. We know that if anyone can make it happen, Symone is leading the way.
She provides ONLY the utmost compassionate & patient-centered care. Whether supporting a patient or sharing her abortion story, her genuine thoughtfulness always shines through. Symone has been with AFO for about 2 years now, and we're thrilled to have her on our team. Ever-growing, she uplifts the communities around her as she blooms. We can’t wait to support in however she’ll flourish next!
How would you like to see RJ grow in the next 5 years?
"I would like to see more culturally competent, trauma- informed, and accessible doula care for low income folks. We need medicare in all states to cover Doula services like, yesterday. I would LOVE to see young people gaining more autonomy and being apart of the conversation! A program that allows teen parents to access personalized full spectrum doula care at no cost is a dream of mine. I would love to see that happen soon."
-Symone