In Our Own Voice Honors Rep. Barbara Lee with the Inaugural Reproductive Justice Champion Award

After 26 years of service to Black women, girls, gender-expensive people and the Reproductive Justice movement at large, it was an honor to celebrate U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee and give her, HER flowers.

From pulling every lever within the halls of Congress to defend the human right to make our own health care decisions, to advocating for economic justice, and pushing for justice reform, affordable housing and higher education — Congresswoman Lee knows all of these issues are inextricably connected to Reproductive Justice. For all of these reasons and more, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda was thrilled to honor Congresswoman Lee with our inaugural Reproductive Justice Champion Award.

Surrounded by steadfast advocates and allies, we listened to reflections about her journey into and within Congress, the work we have accomplished, and the path that lies ahead of us. If that night reinforced anything, it’s that our voices hold power and we must continue to raise them.

With the new Administration, the fight for Reproductive Justice intensifies and we find ourselves at a critical crossroads where every aspect of Reproductive Justice is on the line. Together, through future-focused legislation, like the EACH Act, and our work to protect key social determinants, such as equal pay and affordable childcare, we’ve championed the full spectrum of rights that directly impact Black communities, and Black women in particular. Now that the stakes are higher, our commitment to justice must rise to meet them.

Until full access to quality, reproductive care is no longer under threat, In Our Own Voice will continue to fight. Standing on the shoulders of champions like Rep. Lee, there’s no doubt that we can build a world where all Black women, girls, and gender-expansive people have the freedom to make decisions about their lives, families and futures.