Posts Tagged ‘ women ’

Are Anti-Abortion Groups Targeting Black Women?

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By Jill Nelson
On March 10 the judiciary committee of the Georgia House passed the Georgia Pre-Natal Non-Discrimination Act, HB 1155, which seeks to ban the solicitation of women of color by abortion providers, even though there is no evidence that abortion providers do so.



No Money in the Bank: Black Women, Wealth and Assets

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By C. Nicole Mason
If the average single black woman went to the bank and withdrew her wealth, she would only withdraw $100.00. And nearly half of single black women have zero or negative wealth—meaning if they inserted their cards into an ATM machine, it would more than likely be rejected.



International Women’s Day: Crossing Bridges for Women Around the World

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By TaRessa Stovall
Each step I took across the Brooklyn Bridge on a sunny Monday, March 8, brought me closer to survivors whose strength and resilience are as miraculous as they are uplifting. With hundreds of women and men of all colors and ages, we crossed this landmark in unison to pay tribute to women who have survived every atrocity of war and whose lives and stories invite each of us to stand and walk and work for peace.



Will the ‘Real’ Michelle Obama Please Stand Up?

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By Jill Nelson
One could ask that question of Michelle Obama, but without expectation of the satisfying “reveal” provided by the game show. Not only are the stakes way too high, but the object of our attention and affection is too smart, pragmatic, in control, and cognizant of history and her own recent experience to fall for the fleeting drama of full disclosure.



The Business of You: Fat Chance of Survival

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By Jackie Jones
Over the past 20 years, cancer death rates for men have decreased by 21 percent for men and 15-16 percent for women, but increasing obesity rates threaten to reverse those trends, especially for African-American women, according to Otis Brawley, M.D., chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society.



From Orange Mint and Honey to Sins of the Mother: The Power of Story Endures

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By Carleen Brice
It is 2002, 2003, 2004 or 2005 and I am listening to Jill Scott’s song, Try, a lot. I’m writing my first novel while holding down a job, and editing an anthology about black women and midlife.



From Don Imus to Michelle Obama, the 2000s Will Go Down as a Decade to Remember for Black Women

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By C. Nicole Mason
The 2000s were a mixed bag for African-American women. From Venus and Serena Williams to Condoleezza Rice to Michelle Obama to Don Imus’ infamous nappygate, the 2000s will go down as the decade of both opportunity and setbacks for black women. This decade retrospective looks at the top ten events that shaped how we view black women in society, our communities, and in pop culture.



Chemical Relaxers: The Facts Might Not Be So Relaxing

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By Janet Singleton
Chris Rock’s documentary Good Hair caused bad feelings last summer for many black female film-goers, who felt more betrayed than they did fairly portrayed by the film. Lost in all of the earsplitting debates and viral blog posts, was any deeper discussion of the health implications for black women and girls who use hair straightener



Better to Have Reproductive Rights and Not Need Them: The Scary Truth About the Stupak-Pitts Amendment

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By Rev. Susan Newman
One of the best lessons my mother taught me as a child is “It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.” This is how I feel about the looming threat of abortion restrictions being reintroduced in the Health Care Reform bill when debate begins on the Senate floor.



To Chris Rock and Beyond: Reactions, Responses and Ruminations on ‘Good’ Hair

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By The Editors
Comedian/actor Chris Rock’s documentary, Good Hair, reportedly inspired by his daughter crying and asking him, “Daddy, why don’t I have good hair?” opened last week to great acclaim. Here, a group of black women writers share their varying reactions and responses to the film and their insights into the perpetually controversial topic of the politics and dynamics of hair.