Honoring a Champion for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice

In Our Own Voice honors Congresswoman Robin Kelly with the 2025 Reproductive Justice Champion Award on Capitol Hill.

At a time when Black women, girls, and gender-expansive people face escalating attacks on bodily autonomy, healthcare access, and economic security, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda gathered on Capitol Hill to celebrate leadership that continues to move Reproductive Justice forward.

In partnership with the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, led by Co-Chairs Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, Yvette Clarke, and Robin Kelly, In Our Own Voice proudly presented Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) with the 2025 Reproductive Justice Champion Award, recognizing more than a decade of unwavering leadership advancing maternal health equity and comprehensive reproductive justice policy.

From elevating the Black maternal mortality crisis as a national public health priority to championing legislation that expands postpartum Medicaid coverage, strengthens maternal health data collection, supports doulas, and combats systemic bias in healthcare, Congresswoman Kelly has consistently advanced policies rooted in care, equity, and justice.

Her leadership reflects a fundamental truth of the Reproductive Justice framework: the ability to make decisions about our bodies and families is inseparable from economic stability, community safety, and access to quality healthcare.

Surrounded by congressional colleagues and movement partners, the evening celebrated not only Rep. Kelly’s legislative accomplishments, but also her deep commitment to ensuring Black women and families can thrive.

Members of Congress, advocates, and movement leaders gathered to celebrate Reproductive Justice leadership at the start of the 119th Congress.

Dr. Regina Davis Moss reflects on the urgency of advancing Reproductive Justice amid ongoing attacks on Black women’s health and autonomy.

Opening the program, Dr. Regina Davis Moss, President and CEO of In Our Own Voice, reminded attendees that Reproductive Justice remains grounded in human rights and collective liberation.

As attacks on civil rights and social safety nets intensify, gatherings like this serve as essential moments to affirm shared purpose and recognize leaders who expand opportunity when others seek to restrict it.

The Reproductive Justice Champion Award was created to honor policymakers who fight alongside communities and intentionally build connection, hope, and resilience during moments marked by political hostility and uncertainty.

Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman and Yvette Clarke recognized Congresswoman Watson Coleman for more than 50 years of public service and leadership.

The evening also included a special tribute to Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, honoring her historic leadership and more than five decades of public service advancing civil rights, economic justice, and maternal health equity.

As New Jersey’s first Black woman elected to Congress and a founding leader within the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, her legacy continues to shape the path toward justice for future generations.

Champions of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls continue advancing policies that protect Black women and families.

As the 119th Congress begins, the stakes for Black communities remain high. Yet the evening served as a powerful reminder that courageous leadership endures and that collective action remains our greatest strength.

Standing alongside champions like Congresswoman Robin Kelly, In Our Own Voice will continue fighting to ensure Reproductive Justice is not an aspiration, but a lived reality for Black women, girls, and gender-expansive people nationwide.

Until full access to equitable, compassionate reproductive care is secured, our work continues.