Black History Month is not just a time of remembrance—it is a reminder of the ongoing struggle, resilience, and triumphs of Black Americans. However, the education and celebration of Black history should not be confined to February. It must be a continuous, daily commitment to reclaiming and preserving the legacy of our ancestors, understanding our critical role in shaping the United States, and actively working toward a collective future of empowerment and prosperity.
The Importance of Black Historical Education Understanding Black history is crucial because it reclaims a narrative that has been intentionally distorted, ignored, or erased. Black Americans have been integral to the economic, cultural, and political foundations of this nation, from building the wealth of America through enslaved labor to leading movements for democracy, justice, and civil rights. Education is a powerful tool that upholds pride, awareness, and agency in our community. Yet, we see a concerted effort to erase or dilute this education. Affirmative action, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and Black history itself are being systematically dismantled across institutions. This is not coincidental—it is a calculated move to maintain existing power structures and suppress Black progress. Without knowledge of our past, Black Americans become more susceptible to misinformation and systemic oppression. Therefore, we must take responsibility for teaching our history in our homes, communities, and institutions, ensuring that younger generations understand their worth, contributions, and potential. Black Americans and Systemic Oppression Despite our undeniable contributions, Black Americans remain disproportionately impacted by systemic oppression, particularly in the realms of the prison industrial complex, socioeconomic status, and healthcare. 1. The Prison Industrial Complex Black Americans, particularly Black men and women, are incarcerated at significantly higher rates than their white counterparts due to systemic racism embedded in policing, sentencing laws, and prison labor exploitation. The 13th Amendment legally abolished slavery “except as a punishment for crime,” which has allowed mass incarceration to function as a modern form of enslavement. Black Americans, who make up about 13% of the U.S. population, account for nearly 40% of the prison population. 2. Economic Disparities Centuries of institutional racism have created a massive racial wealth gap. From denied access to land ownership (e.g., Black farmers losing land), redlining, discriminatory banking practices, and lack of generational wealth, Black Americans have been systemically blocked from economic mobility. Even today, Black workers face wage discrimination, and Black businesses struggle due to limited access to funding and resources. 3. Health Disparities Black Americans experience higher rates of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and maternal mortality due to systemic healthcare neglect, medical racism, and environmental injustices (e.g., Flint’s water crisis). The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed these disparities, proving that health inequities are deeply rooted in structural racism. The Need for Daily Action and Collective Unity If Black Americans are to reclaim their power, education must become a daily practice, not an annual observance. This means:
Incarcerated Black Women and Black History When discussing Black history, the experiences of incarcerated Black women must not be overlooked. Black women are the fastest-growing prison population, often victims of intersecting oppressions related to racism, sexism, and economic disadvantage. Many are incarcerated for non-violent offenses, often tied to survival crimes (e.g., theft due to poverty, drug-related offenses due to addiction or coercion by abusive partners). The criminalization of Black women has historical roots—Black women were subjected to brutal treatment during slavery, denied protections during Reconstruction, and continue to be ignored in modern justice reform efforts. The neglect of Black women’s incarceration in mainstream discussions mirrors the broader disregard for Black women’s contributions and struggles. Final Thoughts: A Call to Action Black History Month must be a launchpad for lifelong education, unity, and resistance against oppression. Black Americans must control their narratives, uplift their communities, and forge paths toward economic and social liberation. The fight for justice includes addressing mass incarceration, economic disparities, healthcare inequities, and historical erasure. Incarcerated Black women, often the forgotten voices of the justice system, must be recognized in Black history discussions. Their stories reflect the ongoing struggles of Black Americans and the urgent need for systemic change. Black history is every day. Our future depends on what we do now.
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World Breast Pumping Day, observed annually on January 27, highlights the importance of breastfeeding and the challenges faced by lactating individuals, including those who pump milk to support their infants. The day brings attention to workplace accommodations, access to resources, and the need for equity in breastfeeding support. For incarcerated women, the ability to breastfeed or pump milk is often severely limited or nonexistent, adding another layer of inequality in reproductive health and parenting rights.
The recent anniversaries of Roe v. Wade, which was overturned by Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in 2022, continue to generate intense discussions about reproductive rights in the United States. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion significantly reshaped the reproductive health landscape, with many states implementing restrictive laws or outright bans on abortion. These changes disproportionately impact marginalized groups, including incarcerated women, who face additional barriers to reproductive care. Breast Pumping in Prisons For incarcerated women, access to breast pumping is limited by logistical, institutional, and systemic barriers. Many prisons lack policies that support breastfeeding or pumping milk, despite the well-documented benefits for both mothers and infants. Programs that allow incarcerated mothers to pump and send breast milk to their babies are rare, even though such initiatives have been shown to improve maternal health, enhance bonding, and contribute to better infant outcomes. When these programs are unavailable, incarcerated mothers face the pain of being separated from their newborns without a means of providing nutrition or maintaining a connection. This lack of support reflects broader inequities in how reproductive health is addressed within the criminal justice system. Abortion and Reproductive Rights in Prisons The overturning of Roe v. Wade has profound implications for incarcerated women. Access to abortion is already restricted within prisons due to logistical, legal, and financial hurdles. With new state-level bans and restrictions, incarcerated women in many jurisdictions face insurmountable obstacles to obtaining an abortion. These barriers can include a lack of access to transportation, inadequate medical care, and limited legal recourse. For incarcerated women who wish to carry pregnancies to term, prison environments are often hostile to reproductive health. Inadequate prenatal care, lack of autonomy during childbirth, and the trauma of being shackled while giving birth are well-documented issues. Broader Implications Both breast pumping and abortion access are critical aspects of reproductive health that are often overlooked in discussions about incarcerated women. The broader climate of reproductive rights highlights systemic inequalities that disproportionately affect women of color, low-income individuals, and those entangled in the criminal justice system. Advocates argue that addressing these issues requires systemic change, including:
By bringing attention to these issues, World Breast Pumping Day and the continuing debate around Roe v. Wade can serve as calls to action to address the unique reproductive health challenges faced by incarcerated women. The Women’s CARE Act (WCA) is a legislative effort that seeks to address the unique challenges faced by incarcerated women, particularly around reproductive health, parenting, and maternal care. It advocates for deferred and alternative sentencing for pregnant and parenting women, emphasizing the importance of family preservation, maternal autonomy, and improved health outcomes for both mothers and their children. WCA was passed in Colorado 2023. How the Women’s CARE Act Supports Reproductive Health and Breastfeeding 1. Autonomy Over Pregnancy and Reproductive Health Deferred or alternative sentencing would allow pregnant women to remain in their communities rather than being incarcerated, granting them greater access to prenatal care, childbirth services, and reproductive health resources. Many prisons are ill-equipped to provide the consistent, high-quality medical care that pregnant individuals need, often leading to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. By keeping women out of incarceration during pregnancy, the CARE Act enables them to:
WCA would empower mothers to breastfeed and bond with their infants in ways that incarceration often prevents. Women allowed to serve alternative sentences can pump milk or nurse their babies directly, fostering physical and emotional well-being for both mother and child. These bonding opportunities are crucial for early childhood development and maternal mental health. 3. Support for Parenting and Family Preservation Alternative sentencing programs often include comprehensive parenting support, education, and community resources that help women maintain family connections. By avoiding incarceration, mothers can stay actively involved in their children’s lives, reducing the intergenerational effects of incarceration and improving long-term outcomes for their families. 4. Mitigating the Impact of Abortion Restrictions With the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the patchwork of abortion laws across states, incarcerated women face even more significant challenges in accessing abortion care. Deferred sentencing allows women to seek reproductive healthcare, including abortion, without the logistical and legal barriers posed by the prison system. This approach respects their reproductive autonomy and reduces the harm caused by restrictive abortion policies. Broader Implications of the Women’s CARE Act WCA aligns with the principles of reproductive justice, which emphasize the right to have children, not have children, and parent children in safe and supportive environments. By addressing the intersection of incarceration and reproductive health, the act promotes:
Call to Action Advocates for reproductive justice, maternal health, and criminal justice reform are urging policymakers to support the Women’s CARE Act as a critical step in addressing the inequities faced by incarcerated women. By prioritizing deferred and alternative sentencing, WCA provides a pathway for mothers to maintain autonomy over their pregnancies, breastfeed their infants, and parent their children with dignity and support. This approach not only benefits individual women and their families but also represents a more humane and equitable vision for the criminal justice system. WCA has bipartisan support from the ACU and ACLU. If you’d like to more information, visit: https://www.restoreher.us/womenrsquos-care-act.html ![]() Today, January 20, 2025, is a historic and multifaceted moment in American life, combining reflection, celebration, and critical social commentary. On one hand, the nation honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a champion of civil rights, justice, and equality, whose dream continues to inspire generations. On the other hand, it also marks the inauguration of Donald Trump, whose political ideology of populist conservatism has sparked deep debate over the future of American democracy, social policies, and the pursuit of equity. Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King’s legacy as a leader of the civil rights movement is being recognized nationwide through acts of service, educational programs, and discussions on justice and equality. His calls for nonviolent resistance against systemic racism and his dream of a nation judged by the “content of character” are being highlighted in speeches, marches, and public service projects. Many communities are using this day to address modern challenges tied to racial and economic inequality, voter suppression, and systemic bias. Donald Trump’s Inauguration Simultaneously, Donald Trump is being inaugurated as president, representing a resurgence of populist conservatism in American politics. His policies and rhetoric, which emphasize national sovereignty, economic protectionism, and cultural conservatism, have galvanized a significant portion of the electorate. However, his administration has also faced criticism for its approach to civil rights, particularly regarding immigration, healthcare, and criminal justice reforms. Gender Inequities in Incarceration On this day of reflection and political transition, it’s essential to spotlight an ongoing civil rights issue often overlooked: the gender inequities faced by incarcerated women, particularly those who are pregnant. The number of incarcerated women in the U.S. has risen dramatically in recent decades, disproportionately affecting women of color and those from low-income communities. Many pregnant women behind bars face inadequate healthcare, poor nutrition, and insufficient support during and after childbirth. In some cases, they endure the trauma of giving birth while shackled or being separated from their newborns immediately postpartum. This issue highlights broader systemic problems, including the criminalization of poverty, lack of access to reproductive healthcare, and limited rehabilitation opportunities for women. RestoreHER US.America advocates for the Women’s CARE Act offering alternatives to incarceration for pregnant women, access to comprehensive prenatal care, and policies that prioritize family unity and rehabilitation over punitive measures. Reflection and Action Today’s convergence of honoring Dr. King’s vision and inaugurating a president with a vastly different ideological outlook underscores the tensions within America’s ongoing pursuit of justice and unity. It’s a moment to reaffirm commitments to equity, whether by addressing racial injustice, challenging policies that exacerbate inequality, or advocating for the rights of the most marginalized—including incarcerated women. As the nation navigates these complexities, Dr. King’s words remain a guiding light: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Pamela Winn President RestoreHER US.America ![]() As we reflect on 2024, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for your unwavering support. This year, RestoreHER US.America achieved incredible milestones in the fight for justice, equity, and dignity for women impacted by incarceration, domestic violence, and systemic inequities. Your partnership made these successes possible. Highlights from Our Transformative Year 1. Advancing Legislative Change: We introduced the Women’s CARE Act in California, Alabama, and Georgia, successfully advancing through the Public Safety and Judiciary Committees. This crucial legislation moves us closer to ending the inhumane practice of prison births and ensuring equitable treatment for incarcerated pregnant women. 2. Hosting the First T.R.A.S.H. HERvalue Symposium and Retreat:We brought together women from across the country directly impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and pregnancy behind bars. Through art, film, poetry, and spoken word, these women shared their stories, raising awareness of the challenges they have faced. The symposium concluded with a healing retreat, where participants found community and fellowship, followed by a “Lunch n Learn” focused on advocacy. This event was a testament to resilience and the power of collective action. 3. Supporting Senator Ossoff’s Investigation: We worked alongside Senator Jon Ossoff, providing written testimony for his investigation into the abuse of pregnant women in prison, further amplifying the voices of those who have endured these injustices. 4. Advancing Research on Maternal Healthcare Costs: In partnership with Columbia University students, we led a groundbreaking project researching maternal healthcare costs, quality of care, and the total number of incarcerated women in the states where our legislation is active. 5. Empowering Future Leaders: We provided training for Spelman College’s Social Justice Program, supporting the next generation of advocates dedicated to social equity and systemic change. 6. Expanding Our Team and Leadership: We welcomed Kaila Pouncy as our Program/Policy Manager, strengthening our capacity to drive meaningful change. Our President, Pamela Winn, was appointed Commissioner for the Women’s Justice Commission and joined the HARP Advisory Council, further expanding our influence and advocacy. 7. Celebrating International Women’s Day in Abu Dhabi: In partnership with Forbes, we celebrated International Women’s Day in Abu Dhabi, elevating our mission on a global stage and advocating for women’s rights worldwide. 8. Enhancing Civic Engagement and Voter Education in Georgia:IMPPACT (Informing Marginalize Peoples’ Power And Cultivating Transformation) engaged millions of Georgians through traditional and digital outreach through campaigns focused on voting rights for eligible justice-impacted people, including those eligible under the SB105 Probation Reform Act and organizing civic engagement events that reached and registered thousands of Georgians. Looking Ahead… As we move into 2025, we remain steadfast in our mission to dismantle inequities and build a world where women are treated with dignity, justice, and care. Thank you for standing with us through every step of this journey. Your support has been the driving force behind these accomplishments, and we are excited to continue this work together. With gratitude and hope, Pamela Winn President RestoreHER US.America P.S. Let’s keep the momentum going! Please consider making a year-end contribution HERE to support our work in 2025. Every action you take makes a difference. |
AuthorPamela Winn – President and Founding Director Archives
February 2025
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