Dear John,

So much of Caring Across’ work is focused on making sure we’re uplifting the folx most affected by a lack of caregiving. This year, we’ve engaged with two black women celebrities uplifting their work—Yvette Nicole Brown and Brandee Evans. As a Black woman caregiver myself, I can’t tell you how important this is. Representation matters - and it feels good to finally be seen.

This summer, we held a Twitter Spaces talk with Brandee Evans that was so popular, it prompted our Culture Change team to organize a Black Women & Caregiving Hollywood Screenwriters event just a few short weeks later in September. My colleague Aisha—who also participated in the Twitter Spaces conversation—joined us in Los Angeles.

In addition to being former care fellows, Aisha and I are both full-time employees and full-time caregivers. The screenwriters truly listened to our experiences in an effort to realistically depict care challenges in media. It was the first time I was in a space with decision makers in the media and could honestly share what we need represented. Caring Across Generations gave me this opportunity. 

It’s about sharing our experiences in a way that creates inertia and will to change the status quo. 

Let’s work to change the status quo.

Black families are currently spending more time and money on caregiving than other caregivers and Black women represent a disproportionate number of the 53 million unpaid caregivers in the US. A real investment in care will get us a more equitable economy and country for all. Many of these women, like Aisha and myself, are leading the charge for paid leave, affordable child care, and accessible home and community-based care for all. Because when those among us most impacted by the inequities in care are uplifted, all of us will be. 

Make your 2022 gift today!

With Care,

Rebekah A. Alexander-Fishburne
Senior Individual Giving Manager
Caring Across Generations