Planned Parenthood Partners with BET Her to Honor Champions of Reproductive Health Care

Washington, DC —  Today, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) — in partnership with BET Her — hosted its 8th annual brunch as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) 49th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC). Planned Parenthood’s annual CBCF brunch honors lawmakers, activists, and influencers who are champions of reproductive health care and who have unapologetically supported the right to bodily autonomy for Black communities. Entertainment was provided by Bowie State University Gospel Choir and Grammy Award-Nominated & Multi-Platinum R&B Singer/Songwriter, Deborah Cox.  

This year’s recipients of the Champions of Reproductive Health Care award include:

• The Black freshwoman class of Congress & newly elected women of the CBC:
  • Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-7),
  • Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-5),
  • Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT-5),
  • Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA-6),
  • Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14);
• Andrea Stewart-Cousins, State Senator (D-NY)
• Aurora James, Designer of the Brother Vellies Beret to support Planned Parenthood;
• Camille Hackney, Chief Partnerships Officer, Atlantic Records for her years of support, including leading the efforts to sign onto the NYTimes Ad to protest abortion bans;
• Jada Thompson and Jayla Ross, founders and co-presidents of Planned Parenthood Generation Action at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, for their youth organizing work on the "We Matter + You Matter Period" campaign;
• Yamani Y. Hernandez, Executive Director, National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF)

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, acting president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America: 

Each year, Planned Parenthood welcomes the opportunity to deepen relationships with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation during the annual legislative conference. We look forward to collaborating with Black communities and leaders who are proud to stand in solidarity with us to protect access to reproductive health care. The fact is, systemic racism continues to block Black people from health care and opportunities and Black women continue to lead the work to ensure their communities can live healthy and full lives. That’s why Planned Parenthood is honored to award congressional leaders, influencers, partners, and advocates who are dedicated to creating an equitable world for our communities. We are thankful for the Black women and leaders who won’t tolerate assaults on our health and rights.

"Planned Parenthood is deeply committed to standing with Black women — our patients, our fearless providers and staff, and our fierce partners, supporters, and advocates. Without the leadership and support of our CBCF awardees, the movement toward equity and equality wouldn’t be as far as it is today. At Planned Parenthood, it’s our mission to provide affordable, quality, and equitable health care for all communities.  We know that our mission is not attainable unless we prioritize and uplift the work of Black women who are champions of reproductive health, justice, and rights.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America also hosted and participated in additional CBCF ALC events: 

Issue Forum

On Wednesday, Planned Parenthood hosted an issue forum titled “Our Bodies. Our Lives. Our Destiny.” The conversation covered the various forms of systematic violence affecting the health, rights and lives of Black women, girls, and femmes and was moderated by Nia Martin-Robinson, Director of Black Leadership and Engagement at PPFA. The diverse group of panelists included:

• Alicia Sanchez Gill, Interim Executive Director of Collective Action, Safe Spaces
• Chastity Bowick, Executive Director,Transgender Emergency Fund of Massachusetts
• Chelsea Fuller, Senior Communications Manager, Blackbird Communications
• Dorianne Mason, Director of Health Equity, National Women’s Law Center
• Jenn Stowe, Deputy Director, Priorities USA
• Jessica Pinckney , Vice President, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda

Exhibit Showcase

Throughout the conference, Planned Parenthood Federation of America had a booth at the CBCF ALC’s exhibit showcase where attendees had the opportunity to sign up for our Black organizing program.

Statement from Jacqueline Ayers, Vice President, Government Relations & Public Policy, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:  

The health, rights, and lives of Black people are under constant attack from the Trump administration and state legislators. Politicians are trying to ban abortion, make birth control harder to access, and get rid of sex education programs — and Black communities often end up suffering the most. We know that health care is less accessible without legislative champions of reproductive health care. That’s why Planned Parenthood appreciates the support of all members of the Congressional Black Caucus, and we’re pleased to honor new Black women leaders to Congress.

"Planned Parenthood is committed to strengthening our relationship with state caucuses throughout the nation. The Congressional Black Caucus is filled with reproductive health care leaders looking out for constituents in their district. We are proud to have congressional champions who stand up for reproductive health care access for the people in their districts.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.