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John, we wanted to make sure you saw Megan Thee Stallion’s latest masterpiece.
“I recently used the stage at ‘SNL’ to harshly rebuke Kentucky’s attorney general, Daniel Cameron, for his appalling conduct in denying Breonna Taylor and her family justice. I anticipated some backlash. [...] But you know what? I’m not afraid of criticism. And it’s ridiculous that some people think the simple phrase ‘Protect Black women’ is controversial. We deserve to be protected as human beings.”1
Meg is 100% right — the phrase “Protect Black Women” shouldn’t be controversial. But the truth is, we live in a country where protecting Black women and gender non-conforming folks is NOT the norm. Here’s how Color Of Change is fighting to change that:
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We’re still demanding justice for Breonna Taylor. As Meg points out, Attorney General Cameron denied Breonna and her family justice — but if you think one crooked prosecutor will stop us, think again. Color Of Change has already organized 1.5 million people across the country to demand justice for Bre. Now, we’re calling for a new prosecutor in this case and investments in Louisville communities. We’re in this fight for the long haul, John.
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We’re fighting for reproductive justice — regardless of the outcome of this election. With reproductive rights and Roe in jeopardy, Black people will be criminalized first. We’ll need to put increased pressure on prosecutors who have the power to ensure no one is thrown in jail for seeking critical reproductive health care.
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We’re protecting protestors and lifting up the voices of people with incarcerated loved ones. Right now, Black women in America are targeted by two life-threatening crises: COVID-19 and racism. Color Of Change has pushed for criminal charges against anti-racist protestors to be dropped — and for the voices of Black women with loved ones behind bars during COVID to be lifted up.
In her op-ed, Megan Thee Stallion goes on to name more challenges Black women face every day: Sexism and double standards in the workplace and in the music industry. Violence against Black trans women. Body dysmorphia. The lack of Black women leaders in positions of power.
There’s no question: This system wasn’t designed to protect Black women, much less champion them. That’s why these campaigns are so critical in our mission to build a more just world for all of us. John, we know that you stand with Color Of Change and our efforts to protect Black women. But the fact is, changing the status quo and winning these tough fights is hard. It takes resources — and committed supporters like you who can fight with us in the months to come.
YES, I’LL CHIP IN TO PROTECT BLACK WOMEN
For years, Color Of Change has heard the call to “Protect Black Women” loud and clear — from Megan Thee Stallion, activists in the streets, and supporters like you, John.
We hope we can count on you to continue the fight with us, John.
Thank you for standing with us — today, next month, and until justice is real.
-- Scott, Rashad, Arisha, Erika, Malachi, Marybeth, Ernie, Leonard, Madison, McKayla, Ariel, Ana, and the rest of the Color Of Change team
References:
1. Megan Thee Stallion: Why I Speak Up for Black Women. The New York Times, 13 October 2020.
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