Black women celebrate historic Biden-Harris inauguration

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

WASHINGTON — In response to the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda President and CEO Marcela Howell issued the following statement:

“Congratulations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on becoming the 46^th president and vice president of the United States. As they take their oath of office today, we already have seen dramatic change. In the days leading up to the inauguration, while many were focused on increased security and the threats of white supremacists, Biden and Harris were focused on assembling a diverse team of seasoned leaders to take our country forward. Rather than cower to threats, they doubled-down on inclusion and showed with their appointments that they are committed to governing for all people with a Cabinet and administration that look like all of us.

“While we know that we must be vigilant in resisting the efforts of white supremacists, we know, too, that a diverse, inclusive and talented team, such as the one Biden and Harris are assembling, is the only way to heal our nation. As we look ahead to the next four years, we must remain true to our ideals and values of equality and justice for all people. We must be resolute in our promise to make America deliver on our Constitution’s promises.

“Tomorrow, we look forward to continuing our work to hold our elected officials accountable to deliver on the promises that put them in office. But today, we’re celebrating the historic new administration, with the first Black, first South Asian and first woman vice president and the most diverse Cabinet in history. We wish President Biden and Vice President Harris great success in their efforts to heal the country.”

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In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda is a national-state partnership focused on lifting up the voices of Black women leaders at the national and regional levels in our fight to secure reproductive justice for all women, femmes and girls. Our eight strategic partners are 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.