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Hey John,
Last August, I re-read All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks and… the amount of disrespect in that book—in the best way. Remember, last month I wrote about challenges and hard truths we all need. Well, bell hooks was never a stranger to offering hard truths. In the book, she dives into the idea of cultivating the “art of loving” by being devoted to the holistic nurturing and thriving of one’s self and/or another person.
“Living by a love ethic we learn to value loyalty and a commitment to sustained bonds over material advancement. While careers and making money remain important agendas, they never take precedence over valuing and nurturing human life and well-being.” (bell hook, All About Love: New Visions)
That’s a difficult kind of love to commit to—love that isn’t transactional or for selfish gain. But I think at the root of that love is justice, which is what we’re all about. So, let’s talk about what we love…
So, About This Open SCOTUS Seat
Justice Stephen Breyer recently announced his retirement and Bridget Winkler, Reproductive Rights and Health Fellow, wrote about what his legacy and what his retirement means for reproductive rights, particularly abortion access. In the coming weeks, we’ll learn who President Biden will appoint to the Supreme Court, and if he’ll keep his promise to appoint a Black woman.
Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO, recently wrote about why Biden’s promise is crucial and the impact a Black woman Supreme Court Justice could have on our country.
“Biden's promise to appoint a Black woman is an effort to break this harmful tradition, bringing not just a diversity of race and gender but also diversity of experience, viewpoint and jurisprudence that will strengthen the Supreme Court as an institution.”
It is time for the Supreme Court to look more like the makeup of this country.
“Biden's pick will carry the promise of a Supreme Court that rightly reflects the lives of the people most exposed to the impacts of their rulings while correcting for the erasure and discrimination that continues to harm Black women in the legal profession.”
Read: What a difference a Black woman on the Supreme Court could begin to make.
Read: The Supreme Court Nominee Shortlist: Nothing Short of Impressive.
Must Do’s:
Must Reads:
- Celebrate Black History Month this month, and every month. Black history is happening every day, all around us, by Black authors, artists, and movement leaders. Read all Black History is Right Now blogs.
- We released a report, Forced Sterilization Of Disabled People in the United States, and Ma’ayan Anafi, Senior Counsel, shared Kirsten’s story and why it is time we do something about the issue. Read: Forced Sterilization Is Legal in 30+ States, and It’s Time to Do Something About It.
- Speaking of embracing the highs and lows (with glitter!), Lark Lewis, Manager of Creative and Digital Strategies, recaps Euphoria every week. Read the latest!
- I recently went ice skating with a friend and, while I did not fall, I can say that figure skating has to take a ton of athleticism that most people do not have. My ankles weren’t made for that life! Jade Hurley, Creative and Digital Strategies Associate, wrote all about this and more on feminized sports in the Olympics.
- And Just Like That… I didn’t grow up on Sex And The City—I was too busy Living Single in a ‘90s kind of world. But, I watched the reboot and wrote about multidimensional characters, emotional labor, and Carrie’s unrealistic (wealthy) life as a writer. Read And Just Like That… I Have A Few Thoughts About This SATC Reboot.
Moment of Joy
This month’s moment of joy comes from Oludara Adeeyo, a Psychiatric Social Worker and author of Self-Care for Black Women: 150 Ways to Radically Accept & Prioritize Your Mind, Body, & Soul. I had the chance to sit in on a conversation between Oludara and Permission to Write founder, Ashley Coleman, and spent about 30-minutes scrolling through her Instagram feed and receiving all of the serotonin! She advocates for and models self-care with authenticity and accessibility—aka void of advice about taking bubble baths or downloading meditation apps you never use. If you’re looking for ways to show yourself a little love, check out her book and regular self-care tips on Instagram.
I enjoyed receiving emails from many of you after last month’s newsletter about the balance between justice and joy, and would love to continue this space for dialogue. So, what did you do (or will you do) for joy or self-love this month? I’ve been testing my chef skills—making clams for the first time with garlic butter, encrusted salmon, and piquant collard greens! I don’t always feel like cooking, but I definitely wow myself when I do. I can’t wait to hear from you!
For Justice (& Joy),
LySaundra Campbell
she/her/hers
Writer and Editor
National Women’s Law Center
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