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Hey John,
What can I say? From Cosby’s release to The New York Times revealing how the Trump White House and the FBI mishandled the investigation into Kavanaugh during his confirmation—we wish we were shocked—to Simone Biles calling out of the Olympics to prioritize her mental health, we have ALL of the feelings. But to start? We need to do better for survivors, athletes, and oh, the wage gap! So you’re getting another ragey newsletter, plus some encouragement to rest (yeah, keep reading!).
“Don’t act like you forgot…”
It’s that time of the year again. Rihanna is playing through my speakers, my new NWLC tee is freshly ironed, and we’re recognizing Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. Black women have had to work (work, work, work, work, work—sorry, I had to!) until today, August 3, to make what white, non-Hispanic men made last year. Black women are still facing disproportionate economic impacts of COVID-19—like unemployment and caretaking—and will typically lose nearly $1 million in their lifetimes due to the wage gap!
This wage disparity has closed by only three cents in the past 30 years, meaning that at this rate, Black women won’t receive equal pay until 2130. I know a lady never tells her age, but I’m a lady with rage—I would be 140 years old by then! And y’all, life expectancy is not set up that way—or climate change, tbh. We need to pay Black women what they’re owed TODAY! Can you imagine what we could do if we had equal pay? I tell you, I’d be able to afford a lot more than some Fenty highlighter. But here we are. Read our latest report about how the wage gap impacts Black women.
LFG—Our Champs Need Equal Pay
Speaking of equal pay, last week we filed an amicus brief in support of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. The 4x gold medalists and 4x World Cup champs have been in a lawsuit since 2019 as U.S. Soccer claims both the men’s and women’s teams are paid equally—which is a whole lie.
For example, the men’s team received a $5.375 million bonus in 2014 for losing early in the tournament, but the women’s team only received a $1.725 million bonus for winning the 2015 World Cup—the most watched soccer game in American history. While both teams play 20 non-tournament games each season, male players can receive an average of $13,166 for winning a game, but female players only $4,950.
Make it make sense, because something just isn’t adding up.
Thankfully, my colleagues break down the district court’s mistakes in our amicus brief and this blog. The team’s fight for equal pay is game-changing and can inspire other athletes and working women everywhere.
Must Reads:
- Sharyn Tejani, Director of the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund, was quoted in an NBC article about Chicago paramedics who won their lawsuit against the city, which was funded by the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund. “These paramedics want to do their job and help the community; enduring sex harassment should not be the cost of doing their jobs.” Read the full article.
- Gretchen Borchelt, Vice President for Reproductive Rights and Health, was quoted in The Washington Post about the impact of abortion restrictions on people of color. “Abortion restrictions create a harsh burden on people of color and those who can least afford the health care they need... It’s time to remove these barriers to care for good.” Read the full article.
- Amy Matsui, Senior Counsel and Director of Income Security, spoke with C-SPAN about the new child tax credit payments that started this month. Watch her interview and read 5 Things You Need to Know About the Child Tax Credit This Year.
- HuffPost cited our new child care report in an exclusive piece about women’s invisible labor and quoted Fatima Goss Graves. “What isn’t always measured or seen is the invisible labor and burden asked of so many women who have been trying to hold it together. It’s a real cost, in short term and in the long term, on their careers and on their financial security, for themselves and their families.” Read the article.
Feminist Moment of Joy
Despite all the fires, I am actually joyful. No, really, I am. Britney has control over her IG now. Issa Rae is a caption queen—and, you know, Black love. Suni Lee became the first Hmong American to win gold at the Olympics. And Christina, ehem, I mean Sandra Oh has a new series coming to Netflix this month!
I’m happy, everybody’s happy. Well, almost. I could use a nap.
Life as a plant mom isn’t always blooming and thriving. Remember the hopeful soon-to-be sunflower greenery I showed you a few months ago? Well, when I started writing this newsletter, I was down to one hopeful bud. And now, they’re all dead. I was trying hard to find an analogy that didn’t reveal the truth—in my zeal, I overwatered my sunflowers. I was doing the most, but the whole “helicopter parent” thing doesn’t always work well with some plants. Much like this work, sometimes plant mom life means pausing and going back to the drawing board, or simply, resting. There is such a thing as overworking and overextending, or in the case of my sunflowers, over-watering. We must rest, otherwise the things we want to see bloom will be harmed. I’ll be on vacation for a couple of weeks this month and the Law Center staff will be off every Friday this month for our traditional “August Fridays.” The work will keep piling, but more grit, hustle, or water isn’t always the solution. So, I’ll leave you with a few playlists I plan to enjoy during my time off:
For justice (and joy) for her and all,
LySaundra Campbell
she/her/hers
Writer and Editor
National Women’s Law Center
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