Dear John,

Today is Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the last people who were enslaved in the United States learning of their freedom, two years after emancipation. It’s a historic day that centers Black people’s struggle for justice and is an opportunity for all of us to act in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Racial justice is reproductive justice. Inherently racist, anti-abortion laws disproportionately impact communities of color. Just as we work to lift up patients facing abortion restrictions, we equally need to speak out against racism.

Join us in taking action with the Movement for Black Lives this weekend. Find hundreds of local events or participate digitally.

Also, here are a few additional actions you can take this weekend to defend Black lives:

• Learn: Sign up for more information on #SixNinteen mobilization and beyond.
• Donate: Support Black-led, reproductive justice organizations like SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, and In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda.
• Share: Use the following hashtags to honor Black lives: #SixNineteen | #DefendBlackLives | #BlackLivesMatter | #DefundPolice

We must follow the lead of Black-led, anti-racist groups to end the needless violence in our communities. This is something we can actively work on here and now.

Thank you,

Kristyn Brandi, MD
Board Chair