Black women celebrate Desmond Tutu

Statement by In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda President and CEO Marcela Howell

WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Desmond Tutu died, in Cape Town, South Africa. In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda President and CEO Marcela Howell issued the following statement:

“While we mourn the passing of civil and human rights champion Desmond Tutu, we also celebrate his life. His struggle for justice and democracy in his own country was a reflection of how he saw the liberation of all people throughout the world. Archbishop Tutu understood the intersectionality of oppression and the important role of women in every movement for justice.

‘If we are going to see real development in the world then our best investment is WOMEN!’ — Desmond Tutu

“As we celebrate his life, we find inspiration in his work and words. As we continue our work at In Our Own Voice, we also recommit ourselves to a just and equitable world.”

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In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda is a national Reproductive Justice organization focused on lifting up the voices of Black women at the national and regional levels in our ongoing policy fight to secure Reproductive Justice for Black women, femmes, queer, trans and gender non-conforming people, and youth. Our strategic partners include Black Women for Wellness, Black Women’s Health Imperative, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, SisterLove, Inc., SisterReach, SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW, The Afiya Center and Women With A Vision.