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Author: Jennifer R Farmer

Ohio NAACP Hosts Lobby Day at the Ohio Statehouse

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For Immediate Release

Feb. 28, 2024

The nation’s leading civil rights organization unveiled 2024 legislative priorities

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Conference of the NAACP hosted a Legislative Advocacy Day on Wednesday, Feb. 28. The one-day event was held at the Ohio Statehouse and included members of the Ohio State Conference of the NAACP as well as other local voting rights advocates. The group of roughly 50 Ohio NAACP members then participated in a photo unveiling of former Ohio Senate Minority Leader Rhine McLin, who also served as mayor of Dayton.

“Today was a great day for the Ohio Conference of the NAACP,” said Tom Roberts, president of the Ohio State Conference of the NAACP. “We met with several legislators and their staff and shared our policy priorities. We also discussed the importance of increasing Black civic participation and engagement ahead of the 2024 election cycle.” 

Top policy priorities discussed during state legislative meetings included:

  • Voting Rights
  • Economic Development
  • Police Accountability

“It was important for our members to see and engage legislative leaders. It was a delight to see

and celebrate the honorable Rhine McLin, who has given so much to our state and our fight for democracy,” Roberts continued.

About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.

 

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Race Forward and Americans for the Arts Announce ‘Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy’

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For Immediate Release

Feb. 20, 2024

NEW YORK – Race Forward and Americans for the Arts (AFTA) today announced a Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy which will be held Sept. 27 – Oct. 5, 2024 in communities across the country. The new initiative leverages arts, culture, and creativity to emphasize the need for a just, multiracial democracy.

“As attacks on racial equity and democracy continue to grow locally and globally, now is the time for bold action that inspires new ways of thinking,” said Glenn Harris, president, Race Forward. “This is an opportunity to deepen commitments to racial justice and inclusive democracy through cultural activities.”

The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy will comprise:

  • A week of events and activities that bring together local arts and culture institutions and community-based organizations to explore our history, how it shapes our present, and how everyday people are organizing to build an equitable and racially just future.
  • A national event in St. Louis with performers, leaders, and artists to explore ways to use arts and culture to advance the multiracial democracy we’re trying to build. The event will also amplify the local work happening in communities across the country throughout the week of action.
  • Seeding and popularizing national narratives that tie together the local activities into one comprehensive story about who we want to be as a country and how we get there.
  • Opportunities for local and national organizing and actions.

Race Forward and AFTA will accept proposals from local organizations—local government, local arts agencies, community-based arts organizations, and/or racial justice nonprofits—that want to participate in this exciting initiative. Through a competitive process, 12-15 local communities that represent the diversity of our country will receive $25,000-$40,000 for cultural organizers and community partners to design and implement projects. Participation in the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy will also be encouraged and open to organizations not requesting funding. 

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Florida Legislature Attempts to Mandate the Teaching of Communism in K-12 Schools

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For Immediate Release

Feb. 16, 2024

 

ORLANDO – When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis forbade advanced placement courses in African American Studies, Rev. Rhonda Thomas of Faith in Florida created toolkit and encouraged congregations to teach Black history themselves. More than 500 congregations signed up to teach using her toolkit. Now, she is responding to another challenge. The Florida legislature is considering bills which will mandate all Florida public schools (K-12) to teach about the history of communism, including communist policies in Cuba and Latin America. The measures under consideration are SB 1264 and HB 1349.

“The mandate is an attempt to cast anything that doesn’t fall within the governor’s worldview as communist. It is an effort to indoctrinate Florida’s youngest minds,” Thomas said. “It is also a missed opportunity to teach Black history.”

Rev. Thomas and partners will host a convening Feb. 29 through March 2 to plan their response and prepare for the upcoming legislative session. For more information, or to speak with Rev. Rhonda, please contact press@spotlightpr.org or llyons@faithinflorida.org.

“The state’s priorities are off track and out of alignment with Florida and the rest of the nation,” Thomas concluded.

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United Women in Faith to Release Short Film, “Never Give Up: Cynthia and Michelle’s Faithful Fight Against Mass Incarceration”

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For Immediate Release

February 16, 2024

United Women in Faith Will Host Screening and Media Call on the Impact of the Carceral System on Women

ATLANTA – United Women in Faith, the largest denominational organization for women end Black History Month and kick off Women’s History Month with a short film on the carceral system’s impact on women. “Never Give Up: Cynthia and Michelle’s Faithful Fight Against Mass Incarceration,” highlights the harrowing impact of America’s carceral system on Black women. The film was shot, produced and directed by Ania Freer, an award-winning Australian-Jamaican filmmaker and founder of Goat Curry Gallery. 

“Never Give Up” centers the story of Michelle Morrison, an Atlanta-based Black woman victimized by the carceral system. It weaves together her story of incarceration, the atrocities of the carceral system for women of color, and how the support of her mother, Cynthia Morrison Holland, a leader in United Women in Faith, helped her overcome the odds.

The story begins with the 2007 arrest of Michelle on felony counts of murder due to driving a friend who was involved in an altercation that resulted in homicide via gun violence. Despite not participating in the violence, Morrison was charged on 12 counts of felony murder and received a life sentence, requiring a minimum of 30 years in prison. This over-sentencing aligns with the disparities inflicted on Black women who are incarcerated at 1.6x the rate of white women, and account for one-third of the female prisoners serving life sentences.

This film shares the intimate journey of one faith-filled mother who overcomes incredible odds to win her daughter’s freedom. In doing so, Never Giving Up: Cynthia and Michelle, A Mother, A Daughter and the Faithful Fight Against Mass Incarceration invites the whole church, and especially Christian women, to join this mother-daughter duo in the ongoing work of ending mass incarceration.

The film also touches on the abuses women face in the prison system and the terrible conditions. “That place is terrible. If you don’t have a strong support system, or strong belief system, or a strong foundation in God you will rot away” explains Michelle.

But, at the end, this is a story of persistent and faithful action in the face of overwhelming injustice as lived by one mother who was committed to “never giving up” on her daughter. Despite the sentencing, Cynthia never forgot or abandoned her daughter. She supported her through her thirteen excruciating years of incarceration and ultimately secured her release by getting her daughter’s sentence reviewed and modified by a state-level integrity task force. Michelle continued her education, even throughout her incarceration, obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Life University. Michelle believes that “having a mom that stood beside me, came to see me every weekend, and never gave up meant more to more to me than anything.”

United Women in Faith is a faith-based organization that aims to help connect and nurture women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership, development, creative fellowship and education to inspire their local and global communities.

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New Profit Invests $1.6 Million into 16 Organizations, Including Memphis Artists for Change

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For Immediate Release

Jan. 30, 2024

New Profit Invests $1.6 Million into 16 Organizations, Including Memphis Artists for Change

MEMPHIS – The arts-centered, community and economic development organization, Memphis Artists for Change (MAC), today announced it received an award from New Profit for its work in Memphis. MAC is a Black-led, place-based advocacy organization that champions community-directed change in underserved neighborhoods. Founded and run by Tameka Greer, MAC provides a vehicle for artists and community members to advocate for positive change. The recognition from New Profit includes a $100,000 grant, access to coaching and development, and inclusion into a network of like-minded leaders. New Profit is a national venture philanthropy organization dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity. It invested $100,000 each into 16 innovative organizations – including MAC – for their work driving economic mobility.

“As a Black woman, it is deeply gratifying to be recognized for our work but also to receive funding to deepen our impact,” Greer said. “Our work at MAC has always centered around partnering with the community to improve the quality of life for her residents. We cannot advance change without the support of donors and funding institutions, so this award is deeply meaningful.”

From its Arthouse Café, to its transitional housing for women recently released from incarceration to its advocacy to preserve and expand democracy, to its work to hold utility companies accountable for unreasonable rake hikes and their impact on working people, MAC is a trusted voice and partner in Memphis.

“With this funding, we will continue to meet critical needs in our community, promote community engagement within the artistic and non-profit community, and mobilize Memphis residents to protect public values,” Greer said.  

In addition to leading Memphis Artists for Change, Greer is also a member of the Black Southern Women’s Collaborative.

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Every Movement Needs a Soundtrack: 28 Artists Unite to Raise Money for Baltimore Changemakers

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For Immediate Release

Jan. 30, 2024

BALTIMORE – CLLCTIVLY today announced the return of its second annual ‘28 Days of Black Futures.’ The crowdfunding campaign is designed to advance narrative power, platform local artists, and raise funds for Black-led social change entities in Baltimore. It coincides with Black History Month, but offers a unique spin. In addition to focusing on Black historical figures who no doubt made a difference, CLLCTIVLY will spotlight local artists who will incorporate the principles of Nguzo Saba. Each artist will write a cypher, one for each day of February. The effort will be produced by Von Vargas, a multi-faceted musician, songwriter and DJ. JP Morgan Chase & Co. is a presenting sponsor. 

“There can be no overstatement of the importance of music in propelling social and racial justice movements,” said CLLCTIVLY founder Jamye Wooten. “Music is incredibly important in fueling movements, raising critical issues and ensuring our communities feel seen and heard. We are excited because this effort will highlight the ingenuity within the Baltimore region, while giving Baltimore residents an opportunity to financially support Black-led changemakers.” 

CLLCTIVLY will showcase local artists and their cyphers via its website, social media and press outreach. It will then host a culminating event on March 9 featuring these artists as well as the beneficiaries of the funds raised during the inaugural ‘28 Days of Black Futures’ campaign. 

“Our community has a wealth of creative, trailblazing, and thoughtful leaders,” said Krystle Starvis, COO of CLLCTIVLY. “We rest on the shoulders of those who came before us, and will intentionally honor the past, the present and future. We are excited to platform local changemakers and invest in their work and vision. 28 Days of Black Futures will enable us to do just that.”

 Sometimes the only thing that determines how high a person ascends, or how much they can accomplish, is the resources and support they receive from their family and community. And historically, Black business owners have struggled to raise capital and start, grow and sustain their businesses. “This project will enable all people – persons who live in and outside of Baltimore – to make donations of any amount and fuel the work of changemakers.” 

“CLLCTIVLY is determined to ensure that no dream is deferred by raising funds and investing in Black-led organizations and changemakers,” Wooten concluded.

 

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CLLCTIVLY is a place-based, social change organization that centers Black genius, narrative power, social networks and resource mobilization. It was developed following the death of Freddie Gray, who died in police custody on Feb. 2015.

 

 

Fourteen Leaders You Should Get to Know This Black History Month

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Heroes don’t always wear capes. And the most amazing leaders don’t always receive the recognition and applause that they deserve.

This Black History Month we honor the leaders who paved the way for future generations while also recognizing contemporary advocates who are doing the same. Below is a list of several leaders in communities across the country who are making a difference one day at a time. 

California

Glenn Harris is the president of Race Forward and has over 25 years of experience working on racial and social justice issues with community groups, foundations and government agencies. Prior to joining Race Forward, Glenn served as President of the Center for Social Inclusion, which merged with Race Forward in 2017. He also supported the start of projects similar to the Race and Social Justice Initiative across the country and helped found the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE).

Florida

Rev. Rhonda Thomas. Thomas is the executive director of Faith in Florida and a member of the Black Southern Women’s Collaborative. She who created a toolkit and asked churches to teach Black history after Gov. Ron DeSantis restricted the teaching of African American history. She recruited 500 churches from Florida and 20 other states to teach the curriculum. In addition to this latest project, Thomas has been a long time advocate on gun violence prevention. She lost a nephew to gun violence and was also present in the aftermath of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida to offer pastoral care to young people and their families. Learn more here.

Georgia

Kendra Cotton. Kendra is the chief executive officer of New Georgia Project Action Fund and its affiliated organization, New Georgia Project. She is a member of the Black Southern Women’s Collaborative. She is a lifelong Southerner and has spent her professional career promoting civic engagement and advocating for underrepresented communities to become more involved in our democracy.

Phyllis Hill. Hill is the national organizing director for Faith in Action. She also founded and runs the Black Southern Women’s Collaborative, which is designed to support the leadership and ingenuity of Black women executive directors in the South. She believes that Black women are often sought out for their talents without recognition of their struggles. In founding the Black Southern Women’s Collaborative, Hill sought to create a safe, supportive space where Black women could be seen and known. The group includes the executive directors of the New Georgia Project, Memphis Artists for Change, the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, One Voice, Faith in Florida and fellows in Alabama. Learn more here and here.

Maryland

Dr. Sabrina N’Daiye. Dr. Sabrina is an author, psychotherapist and trauma expert. She is the founder of the Heart Nest Center in Baltimore, MD. She works with communities that have experienced a natural disaster or mass shooting, helping them process their experience and move towards healing. N’Diaye also works with persons who are living with HIV/AIDS to help them process their diagnosis, live fruitful lives. She is most proud of her work inside prisons where she works with men and women to process the trauma of incarceration and find healing and hope.

Arion Long. After developing a uterine tumor, Arion went into septic shock and eventually lapsed into a coma. Pregnant at the time, her daughter was stillborn. Arion entered her first pitch competition for Femly two weeks after being released from the hospital. While physically and emotionally depleted, she was on a mission to ensure women and girls had access to safe feminine care products. Her sister attended some of Arion’s early pitch competitions to hold her hand and help her stand up. To date, Arion Long has raised more than $2.8 million for her company, Femly, from more than 50 pitch competitions. Femly offers organic period care via dispensers in public restrooms, schools and other establishments. She also patented dispensers that can see and recognize pigmented skin. Learn more here. 

James Wahls. Wahls is an impact investor with Mission Investor Exchange. He also founded and runs the Revolve Fund, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to catalyzing businesses led by people of color. Since many people of color have less disposal income, launching and sustaining a business can be a challenge. Revolve seeks to help businesses with capital but also the network access that would propel their long-term success. He founded the Revolve Fund in March 2022 as a pilot project. He received funding  in March 2022 with funding from institutions such as JPMorgan Chase, Open Society Institute – Baltimore, PNC Bank, and the Rockefeller Foundation. With the Maryland Philanthropy Network as fiscal sponsor, the fund offers recoverable grants to businesses with a social purpose and nonprofits. The hope is that the funding and associated support can help businesses led by people of color get on firm footing before having to repay or return investments. To date, the fund has raised more than $1.9 million and deployed more than $560,000 in capital and technical assistance. Learn more here.

John Holdsclaw IV. Following George Floyd’s tragic murder in 2020, scores of organizations, corporations, financial institutions, and retailers pledged to give their time, money, and resources to close the racial wealth gap. However, the further we move from that summer of racial reckoning, we see less commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Companies have cut their DEI programs, and many people have stopped talking about investing in Black businesses and communities. But Holdsclaw is working hard at community uplift through the entity he founded, Rochdale Capital, an emerging community development financial institution (CDFI). Rochdale works with key stakeholders – such as the Revolve Fund – to increase opportunities for co-op and community ownership in under resourced communities. Rochdale funded Iowa’s first Black-owned grocery store, All In, with a $400,000 loan. Learn more here.

Danielle Torain. Torain is an attorney and leader in the philanthropic space. She previously led the Open Society Foundations’ Baltimore office, OSI-Baltimore. Prior to that, she worked to get resources into the hands of Black and people of color-led organizations in Baltimore with stints at the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund, The Annie E. Casey Foundation and Frontline Solutions. Upon learning that OSI-Baltimore would wind down its funds, Torain raised $20 million in combined contributions to ensure the grantees she long supported at OSI-Baltimore would not be left in a compromised position. She single-handedly ensured that these organizations – which often struggle to find support – had a longer runway to identify other philanthropic partners. Learn more here.

 

Mississippi

Nsombi Lambright-Haynes is an experienced executive director with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. She is the executive director of One Voice, and a member of the Black Southern Women’s Collaborative. She’s done significant work to expand access to the ballot, and promote civic engagement. 

Ellen Reddy is the executive director of the Nollie Jenkins Family Center in Lexington, Mississippi. She is on a mission to educate parents, policymakers and community members on the dangers of corporal punishment. She has noted, “We need a different vision for our children and schools. That vision must include safe spaces for young people.” Reddy has passionately outlined the fear that children experience when they are beaten at schools or at home. She has advocated other models for positive parenting and has broadened the debate around discipline. Learn more here.

New York

Sally Vonner. Sally Vonner is the General Secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith. United Women in Faith is the largest denominational organization for women. In her capacity as General Secretary, Vonner supports programs that center the needs of women, children and youth. Her organization is active in the fight to end the school to prison pipeline. They also work to advance climate justice and ensure a just transition to renewable energy. 

Dr. Omolara Uwemedimo. Dr. Omolara is a pediatrician and co-founder of Strong Children Wellness. She is founder of Melanin and Medicine where she coaches physicians on how to do their work more sustainably. After being hospitalized and diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, she realized that she needed to approach medicine differently. She co-founded Strong Children Wellness to bring practitioners to patients. Rather than asking families to go from appointment to appointment to have their and their child’s needs met, Strong Children’s Wellness brings practitioners to the community. In their model, children can see a pediatrician, a therapist or psychiatrist if they need one and families can receive social services, all in one building. This cuts down on time, travel costs, requests for paid time off. It centers the patient and ensures better service for children and families. Learn more here.

Oregon

Eric K. Ward. Eric is a Senior Vice President at Race Forward. He is a nationally-recognized expert on the relationship between authoritarian movements, hate violence and preserving an inclusive democracy. He has over three decades of leadership experience in community organizing and philanthropy. He is an in-demand speaker, media source and commentator.  

Race Forward Founder Dr. Gary Delgado to Help Advance Health Equity in the Treatment, Prevention and Discussion of Aphasia Rejoining the Organization as Senior Fellow

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For Immediate Release

January 8, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC – Race Forward today announced that its founder, Dr. Gary Delgado, a nationally recognized author, organizer, researcher, and activist on issues of race and social justice, will return to the organization as a senior fellow. In this role, Delgado will advance health equity in the treatment, prevention, and discussion of aphasia. Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate. It can occur suddenly after a stroke or head injury, or develop overtime as a side effect to a brain tumor or other health condition.

In the United States, two and a half million residents live with aphasia, and this number increases by 200,000 annually. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Black and Latino communities are more likely to have strokes than their white counterparts. Additionally, middle-aged Black people (between 45 and 64) are three times more likely than their white peers to have strokes.

“The goal of this project is to center people with aphasia, with an emphasis on people of color. We aim to drive innovation and diverse approaches in treating aphasia,” Delgado said. “We also want to shine a light on the need to train and recruit more diverse speech pathologists, healthcare and social services professionals.”

Dr. Delgado received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California at Berkeley in 1983. Frustrated with the unwillingness of community organizing to explicitly address race at that time, he founded the Center for Third World Organizing, the country’s first organizer training institute with a racial justice focus. He subsequently founded the Applied Research Center (now Race Forward) to give “intellectual ammunition” to organizers and activists working on racial justice.

His latest endeavor was spurred by his own experience. Delgado has lived with aphasia since 2019 when he suffered a stroke. When his speech did not improve as quickly as he wanted, he began looking into alternative therapies. After noticing very few alternative therapies, especially ones designed to address racial disproportionalities, Delgado began thinking about strategies to organize with persons of color directly impacted by aphasia.

“Race Forward recognizes that racial inequities – including within health care – are pervasive and profound. They can impact a person’s quality of life and ability to thrive,” said Glenn Harris, president, Race Forward. “Since so much of the American experience is influenced by race, this is an area that must be consistently addressed.”

“Race Forward’s partnership with Delgado follows our longstanding commitment to racial equity in every facet of life,” Harris concluded. “It also follows our work with the Rise to Health Coalition, where we work with partners to advance policies and solutions to transform the health care ecosystem so all people have the power, circumstances and resources to achieve optimal health.”

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Candace Moore Joins Race Forward as Senior Strategic Advisor

Posted on

For Immediate Release

December 15, 2023

Race Forward today announced Candace Moore, Esq., a policy and systems strategist with demonstrated experience addressing issues of equity and racial justice, will join the organization on January 8, 2024, as Senior Strategic Advisor. Moore brings executive government, legal practice and community-based advocacy experience to this role, in which she will focus on bridging and aligning the placed-based work of Race Forward’s programs and deepening collaborations. She will also lead the expansion into new sites of our place-based strategies, training curriculum  and tools for government and community.

“Race Forward is thrilled to have Candace Moore join our team  during this time when attacks on communities of color continue unabated,” said Race Forward President Glenn Harris. “From efforts to dismantle the Voting Rights Act of 1965, to attacks on reproductive rights, and attacks on public education, we know the importance of local and regional governments working to advance racial justice and democracy. The experience Candace brings with a rich background and expertise in government and community-based work will allow her to develop innovative strategies and initiatives to advance racial equity and democracy in communities across this country.”

Race Forward’s Place-Based Strategy works locally and trans-locally to implement organizational goals in and across places. Collective power building goals include transforming the public sector to govern for racial equity, building governing power of communities of color, and building narratives that advance a just multiracial democracy. Candace’s leadership will help Race Forward to achieve scale and impact in local communities across the country.

“We are in a moment in our fight for racial justice that demands we build new ways of collaborating and demonstrate to our communities that a system rooted in racial inclusion is worthy and can deliver a more fair and just democracy,” Moore said. “This is why I am excited to step into my next chapter at Race Forward. Throughout my career, the work of Race Forward has been an anchor grounding me in ideas, strategies, and tools to drive equity and racial justice in the communities I’ve served. Whether serving in Chicago as a civil rights attorney or the city’s first Chief Equity Officer, my goal has always been to demonstrate that we can make real change toward racial justice. Joining the team as Senior Strategic Advisor is a dynamic opportunity to connect and partner with fellow racial justice colleagues to support their impact in communities across the country. My intention is to learn, connect resources and people, and spotlight the power of our movement.”

Prior to joining Race Forward, Moore served as the first chief equity officer for the City of Chicago; a senior staff attorney for education equity at the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights; and a campaign coordinator for the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.

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About Race Forward

Race Forward catalyzes movement building for racial justice. Working in partnership with communities, community-based and grassroots organizations, and government entities across sectors, we advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture by building strategies to bridge community organizations and government, training individuals and organizations on racial equitable practices, and convening activists, organizers, and leaders in racial justice for shared learning, understanding, strategizing and action.

United Women in Faith Highlights Devastating Impact of War on Women and Children, Pleads for Ceasefire and Women’s Voices and Perspectives to be Included in Peace Negotiations

Posted on

For Immediate Release

Dec. 8, 2023

NEW YORK – United Women in Faith joins voices from across the world in decrying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As an entity committed to the uplift of women, children and youth, the organization highlighted the disproportionate toll of war on women, children and youth. It urges all parties to agree to a permanent ceasefire, abide by international norms, and include women, women’s organizations and gender perspectives in peace negotiations. It also encourages all parties to prioritize the safety and well-being of women, children, and youth.

Its General Secretary and CEO, Sally Vonner, issued the following statement:

“There is no question that Gaza faces a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. It is imperative that President Joe Biden and the U.S. Congress refrain from providing U.S. funding for the siege on Gaza. There must be a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution that promotes just and lasting peace.

“United Women in Faith condemns the violent attacks of Hamas on October 7 that caused the loss of 1,200 Israelis and other nationals, and the kidnapping of more than 200 hostages. We also condemn the Israeli government’s cutting off water, gas, electricity, goods, and supplies to Gaza. We decry the Israeli government’s large-scale air bombardment and ground invasion of hospitals, homes, schools, mosques, and houses of worship.

“As the largest denominational organization for women, United Women in Faith anchors its beliefs on The UMC Social Principles, which state, ‘As disciples of Christ, we are called to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as reconcilers of conflict. We insist that the first moral duty of all nations is to work together to resolve by peaceful means every dispute that arises between or among them. … We believe that human values must outweigh military claims as governments determine their priorities.’

“These actions place women and girls at greater risk for gender-based violence, unwanted pregnancies, and infections and disrupt access to essential resources like food, water, medicine, social services, and medical care. We must not lose sight of the physical, psychological, and spiritual impact war and instability has on women, children, and youth.” “As of December 5, 12,000 of the 16,200 Palestinians killed have been women and children, per UN Women. Over 951,490 women and girls have been displaced. Fifty thousand women in Gaza are pregnant, with over 180 giving birth each day, and many are unable to receive care or access medical resources for emergency C-sections or clean water for mixing infant formula.

“As women of faith committed to peace with justice, we are inspired by the work of Palestinian, Arab Israeli, and Jewish Israeli women who advocate for solutions that minimize bloodshed and provide a path forward. We unite our voices with Palestinian and Israeli women who have long recognized that achieving long-term peace in the region will require a negotiated political solution. The status quo of continued occupation, denial of self-determination, and intermittent war will not lead to just and lasting peace, freedom, and security for both peoples. We also join with Israeli voices who call for the repudiation of extremist language and for the Israeli government to demonstrate that it will not pursue a genocidal program against Palestinians in Gaza.

“We condemn anti-Palestinian, antisemitic, and anti-Muslim rhetoric and the resulting rise in hate crimes targeting Palestinian, Jewish, and Muslim individuals, families and communities in the United States and across the globe. We encourage our members and the broader public to actively speak out against anti-Palestinian, antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate speech and actions.

“We continue to pray fervently for just and lasting peace.”

We urge the Biden Administration and Congress to support:

● An immediate permanent ceasefire.

● Abidance of international humanitarian laws and release of all civilian hostages.

● Lifting the 16-year blockade on Gaza that has subjected 2.2 million Palestinians to collective punishment.

● Full, unhindered humanitarian access and delivery to all parts of Gaza.

● An end to providing U.S. arms to Israel and an overall arms embargo on the whole region.

● The inclusion of women, women’s organizations, and gender perspectives in peace negotiation and future resolution, complying with the global framework laid out in Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

 

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