2024 Texas Black Womxn Reproductive Justice Summit: Full Schedule

7:00am CDT

Registration

Thursday May 23, 2024 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Landmark Foyor CD

Registration

8:00am CDT

Breakfast

Thursday May 23, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Landmark C

Breakfast

9:15am CDT

Welcome + Opening Gathering

Speakers

Marva Sadler

Senior Director of Clinical Services, Whole Women's Health

Meet Marva Sadler, the dynamic Senior Director of Clinical Services at Whole Woman’s Health. Originally from the vibrant streets of Detroit, she was molded by the tenacity of her upbringing in Waco, Texas, where her single mother and grandmother instilled in her a fierce determination.Since... Read More →

Thursday May 23, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Landmark D

Opening Gathering

10:30am CDT

Breaking The Chains of Human Trafficking

This presentation aims to educate participants about the complexities of human trafficking as it intersects with race, gender, and reproductive justice. Through a comprehensive exploration of systemic barriers, societal perceptions, and the unique vulnerabilities of Black women, participants will gain insights and tools to advocate for and support survivors of human trafficking. The presentation will challenge participants to consider the role of trust in building supportive, justice-oriented communities and systems with the outcome of the reduction of human trafficking victims.

Speakers

Deondriea Cantrice

Life Coach, Confidence is Key

In a world that often silences the marginalized, Deondriea Cantrice speaks volumes—not only with her voice but through her impactful actions. With a professional background that spans marketing, global leadership, and project management and change management, Deondriea has seamlessly... Read More →

Thursday May 23, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Sanger B

Breakout Sessions

10:30am CDT

Having Our Say: Including Black Women In HIV Prevention, Treatment and Service Navigation

In this session will explore the challenges faced by women living with HIV in breastfeeding decisions, including the lack of information and clinical support. We'll also discuss the risk of criminalization, with involvement from Child Protective Services.

Speakers

Dr. Sharita Ambrose

Thursday May 23, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Sanger A

Breakout Sessions

10:30am CDT

Medication Abortion Knowledge and Access

The session will feature data from SisterLove’s community-led Georgia Medication Abortion (GAMA) project, examining medication abortion perceptions and experiences among Black and Latinx women in Georgia. Findings from this study have been disseminated to BIPOC communities in Atlanta through various formats, including a psychoeducational video explaining medication abortion and its accessibility in a state with restrictive abortion policies. A legal analysis of medication abortion access in restricted states will be provided, along with proposals to adapt and implement GAMA findings in communities across the U.S.

Speakers

Grabiela Hernandez

Reproductive Justice Legal HIV Fellow, SisterLove, Inc

Grabiela Hernandez, serves as the If/When/How Reproductive Justice Legal HIV Fellow at SisterLove Inc. At SisterLove, Grabiela works on issues relating to health inequity, racial and gender-based discrimination, birth justice, contraceptive justice, Black maternal morbidity and mortality... Read More →

Parie Bhandari

Community Engagement Coordinator, SisterLove, Inc.

Parie is a recent Master of Public Health graduate in Global Health from Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, where she concentrated in Sexual and Reproductive Health and earned a certificate in the Social Determinants of Health. Parie has developed a strong passion... Read More →

Thursday May 23, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Gaston B

Breakout Sessions

10:30am CDT

Texas Abortion Funds: Building a Foundation for Access

Texas abortion funds and practical support organizations have always had to contend with some of the harshest abortion restrictions in the country. These barriers have been exacerbated in recent years with the passage of S.B. 8 and the overturning of Roe v. Wade. In this time, Texas abortion funds and practical support organizations have been tirelessly adapting and navigating through a series of significant legal shifts that drastically changed the landscape of abortion access for Texans. Session attendees will walk away with an understanding of: (1) the current legal landscape for abortion access in the state of Texas - taking into consideration pending SCOTUS cases and state law; (2) strategic ways Texas abortion funds have adapted their work in a post-Dobbs legal landscape and how Texas abortion funds are meeting the needs of Texans traveling for abortion care; and (3) tangible ways to support the current work of abortion funds on the ground that are continuing to facilitate whole-person care.

Speakers

Kamyon Conner

Executive Director, Texas Equal Access Fund

Kamyon Conner is a queer Black activist, writer, and social worker with her roots firmly planted in grassroots organizing and medical case management. She serves as the Executive Director of Texas Equal Access Fund, an abortion fund serving West, East and North Texas. She served as... Read More →

Lucie Arvallo

Executive Director, Jane's Due Process

Lucie Arvallo currently serves as the Executive Director of Jane’s Due Process. She is the proud granddaughter of Mexican immigrants and was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She received her bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University and graduated cum laude with a Juris... Read More →

Zaena Zamora

Executive Director, Frontera Fund

Zaena Zamora (she/her(s)) is the Executive Director of Frontera Fund, where she has played a pivotal role in supporting the Rio Grande Valley and border communities in Texas. A native of the Rio Grande Valley, Zaena completed her higher education at the University of Texas Pan American... Read More →

Anna Rupani

Executive Director, Fund Texas Choice

Thursday May 23, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
McMillan

Breakout Sessions

10:30am CDT

The Importance of Sensual Self-Care

Sensual Self Care enhances sexual wellness for the mind, body, and spirit. Self-care is important for a woman's overall health and well-being, but oftentimes, the focus isn't placed on sensuality, intimacy, or sexuality. For a more rewarding sex life, it is important to cultivate positive and healthy relationships with our sexuality. As women of color, it is extremely important that we take care of ourselves for a rewarding sex life. Far too often, sex and pleasure aren't our focus, as we are taught in our community to take care of others, be strong in all areas of our lives, and ultimately neglect ourselves. Sensual Self involves mindful pleasure, also known as mindfulness or pleasure mapping, and involves all 5 senses. My purpose is to show and tell women why it is important, explain to them why they are deserving of pleasure, and how to practice consistently for a rewarding sex life. Sensual Self Care is for singles and women in all relationship dynamics.

Speakers

Twila Goode

A Taste of Sex Intimacy Coaching

Twila B. Goode is a Certified Clinical Sexuality Coach and owner of A Taste of Sex Intimacy Coaching. As an intimacy and sex coach, she works with individuals and couples who are wanting to enhance their sex life. Twila's main focuses are sensual self care, the importance of intimacy... Read More →

Thursday May 23, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Gaston A

Breakout Sessions

10:30am CDT

Trusting Our Bodies and Each Other

“Trusting Our Bodies and Each Other” is a workshop, panel, and networking session that will provide an engaging space for Black womxn to practice healing and garner resources to support their maternal health and mental health.

Speakers

Edna Henderson

Assistant Director for School Mental Health, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute

Edna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 10 years of experience working with diverse populations in nonprofit and educational settings. Her focus throughout her work has been the well-being of students and their families.Edna started her career working with a Chicago-based... Read More →

Thursday May 23, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Reverchon A

Breakout Sessions

12:15pm CDT

Lunch

Thursday May 23, 2024 12:15pm - 1:15pm CDT
Landmark D

Lunch

12:30pm CDT

Medication Abortion Knowledge and Access

Speakers

Grabiela Hernandez

Reproductive Justice Legal HIV Fellow, SisterLove, Inc

Parie Bhandari

Community Engagement Coordinator, SisterLove, Inc.

Thursday May 23, 2024 12:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Gaston B

Breakout Sessions

1:30pm CDT

Having Our Say: Including Black Women In HIV Prevention, Treatment and Service Navigation

Speakers

Dr. Sharita Ambrose

Thursday May 23, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Sanger A

Breakout Sessions

1:30pm CDT

Risk to Reasons

Speakers

Goody Howard

Thursday May 23, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Sanger B

Breakout Sessions

1:30pm CDT

Texas Abortion Funds: Building a Foundation for Access

Speakers

Kamyon Conner

Executive Director, Texas Equal Access Fund

Lucie Arvallo

Executive Director, Jane's Due Process

Zaena Zamora

Executive Director, Frontera Fund

Anna Rupani

Executive Director, Fund Texas Choice

Thursday May 23, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
McMillan

Breakout Sessions

1:30pm CDT

The Importance of Sensual Self-Care

Speakers

Twila Goode

A Taste of Sex Intimacy Coaching

Thursday May 23, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Gaston A

Breakout Sessions

1:30pm CDT

Trusting Our Bodies and Each Other

Speakers

Edna Henderson

Assistant Director for School Mental Health, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute

Thursday May 23, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Reverchon A

Breakout Sessions

3:15pm CDT

Close Out Session

Artists

Agnes Nkhata

Thursday May 23, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT
Landmark D

Closing Session

7:00pm CDT

Mothers of the Movement Fireside Chat

Join us for an evening of celebration honoring the trailblazing work of the "Mothers of RJ." Marsha Jones, Executive Director of The Afiya Center, will lead a live conversation with Byllie Avery, Dr. Toni Bond, and Dr. Loretta Ross, recounting the work and conversations that catalyzed the iconic gathering of womxn during the 1994 Pro-Choice Alliance meeting.

In addition to sharing the radical history of reproductive justice, our legendary guests will reflect on the current state of reproductive justice and their visions for its future. This event presents a rare opportunity to hear directly from the Mothers of RJ about how they revolutionized women's healthcare and their invaluable wisdom for new generations dedicated to continuing the movement.

Speakers

Toni Bond

Marsha Jones

Co-Founder & Executive Director, The Afiya Center

Marsha Jones, a Texas native, is co-founder and executive director of The Afiya Center, the only reproductive justice organization in North Texas founded and directed by Black women. She is a national grassroots organizer, community mobilizer, professional speaker, and health educator... Read More →

Loretta Ross

Loretta J. Ross is a Professor at Smith College in the Program for the Study of Women and Gender where she teaches courses on white supremacy, human rights, and Calling In the Call Out culture. Loretta also is a recipient of a MacArthur Fellow, Class of 2022, for her work as an advocate... Read More →

Byllye Avery

Thursday May 23, 2024 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Landmark D

Closing Session

7:00am CDT

Registration

Friday May 24, 2024 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Landmark Foyor CD

Registration

8:00am CDT

Breakfast

Friday May 24, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Landmark C

Breakfast

9:15am CDT

Opening Gathering

Speakers

Tori Cooper

Friday May 24, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Landmark D

Opening Gathering

10:30am CDT

AB + Abortion Plug Training

An AB+ Plug is the one folks can come to for real life-saving information. An AB+ Plug, is someone who has your well-being in mind and is available to be a compassionate, supportive, and informed friend and aid. It’s our job to point people in our community toward safe abortion options. We are pro abortion, pro queer and trans, pro black liberation, and pro feminisms! Come learn some ways to organize in this moment and practice compiling resources and talking to your people.

Speakers

Erin Smith

Black Feminist Future

Yemisi Combahee

Constellation Hive Organizer, Black Feminist Future

Yemi (she/her) is a Black Queer Femme liberation strategist, abortion advocate, and reproductive justice organizer. Yemi is currently the Constellations Hive organizer at Black Feminist Future. Previously, Yemi worked as the Local Campaign Manager for Amplify Georgia Collaborative... Read More →

Friday May 24, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Sanger B

Breakout Sessions

10:30am CDT

Abortion Recovery: The Gift of Choice & Healing through Kink & Bondage

In this session, I will guide the audience participants through the principles of B.D.S.M. And offer them the opportunity to journey alongside me as I teach them to reframe their relationship with Abortion trauma. Through empowering tools such as Ceremonial Rope Self-Tying (swaddling) Sessions. In this session, I will cover the original definition of BDSM & follow-up with DarkYogi's proven method to healing Sex-Organ/Spirituality-based traumas via Holistic Kink & BDSM practices through (B)reath (D)iscipline (S)elf (M)astery. Items Required: Ropes (will be provide), Open Mind & Heart, Breath, Hydration

Speakers

Taisha Hooks

The Self Center LLC

Taisha "DarkYogi" Hooks is a Dual-Spirited Holistic Service Domme who specializes in Relief Care for Womxn. Services include: Thai Yoga Massage, Shibari/Kinbaku Ceremonies for Grief, Anxiety and Intimacy Building, Kemetic Yoga & Intuitively Guided Therapeutic BodyWork.

Friday May 24, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
McMillan

Breakout Sessions

10:30am CDT

Celebrate Black Parents: Joy & Community

Parenting as a Black parent in the USA entails unique challenges, including encountering racism and navigating unsafe spaces amidst stressful environments. It is believed to be essential to establish a nurturing environment where Black parents can feel celebrated, encouraged, and supported. This workshop aims to alleviate stress, celebrate the joys of parenting, and empower Black parents to seek support from their community.

Speakers

Quanisha McGruder

CEO, Butterfly Rose Village

Deanna Vonbartheld

San Antonio Black Doula Collective

Friday May 24, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Gaston B

Breakout Sessions

10:30am CDT

Creativity is The Seed

The session will examine Black women’s health disparities through the historical lens of slavery and the ways in which Black women's health was exploited, using analyses to identify critical indicators and warning signs. Additionally, this session will draw upon insights into the firsthand experiences of black enslaved women and the nuances in the explicit care they received. Black women are met with overt expressions of medical racism, creating impediments to a safe journey into their health. As a result, this session aims to examine Black women’s health disparities through the history of slavery and the ways in which (enslaved) black women's health was exploited. By the end of the session, the goal is to provide actionable insights that will challenge historical narratives and describe key factors for an equitable health landscape for black women.

Speakers

Stacey Allen

Stacey Allen is an award winning performance artist, curator, and advocate for arts education, educational equity, and reproductive justice all while being a wife and mother to three beautiful children. Maintaining her artistic practice while navigating Motherhood has come with challenges... Read More →

Friday May 24, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Sanger A

Breakout Sessions

10:30am CDT

Pass The Yams: Shift Systems and Ourselves

Drawing from bell hooks 1993 book, "Sister of the Yam" this workshop ignites connections between transformational healing, systemic policy, and community development. Participants will be led to rekindle strategies for our enduring reproductive, economic, and gender freedoms. Through ceremony and practice, we recall ancestral and imagine futuristic healing-ways, chart paths against past and present inequities, and link restorative practices for personal well- being to fuel our collective liberation.

Speakers

Raven Freeborn

Executive Director & Founder, Legacy Healing

Raven is a queer savvy healing justice practitioner raised in the beloved south. A native Texan following the legacy of Black Feminist leadership, Raven fosters transformation as a seasoned full spectrum doula, perinatal mental health therapist, and policy strategist. Raven is an... Read More →

Friday May 24, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Reverchon B

Breakout Sessions

10:30am CDT

Sex With Ashely - Healthy Love

Speakers

Ashley Cobb

Ashley Cobb, is an Atlanta based sex educator, writer, and HIV activist known for her open and forward-thinking approach to sexual freedom, sexual pleasure and practical sex advice. Ashley is the millennial microphone for women of color seeking sexual liberation and ultimate pleasure... Read More →

Friday May 24, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Reverchon A

Breakout Sessions

10:30am CDT

Trap Herbalism: a Black Ass parTEA

This session will focus on reclaiming our power and bodily autonomy through ancestral medicine.

Speakers

Robyn Lockett Brown

Herbalist, Trap Naturals Homeopathic Medicines dba Robyn Cares Birth & Wellness Services, LLC

Robyn is the owner of Trap Naturals Homeopathic Medicine and Robyn Cares Birth & Wellness Services, LLC. She is an ancestral guided student of herbal medicine and birth work in North Grand Prairie,TX. Over the last 7 years, Robyn has emerged herself in traditional pathways of postpartum... Read More →

Taylor Huntley

Creative Founder & Lead Herbalist, Mama Mangos Care

Friday May 24, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Gaston B

Breakout Sessions

12:15pm CDT

Lunch

Friday May 24, 2024 12:15pm - 1:15pm CDT
Landmark D

Lunch

1:30pm CDT

AB + Abortion Plug Training

Speakers

Erin Smith

Black Feminist Future

Yemisi Combahee

Constellation Hive Organizer, Black Feminist Future

Friday May 24, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Sanger B

Breakout Sessions

1:30pm CDT

Abortion Recovery: The Gift of Choice & Healing through Kink & Bondage

Speakers

Taisha Hooks

The Self Center LLC

Friday May 24, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
McMillan

Breakout Sessions

1:30pm CDT

Celebrate Black Parents: Joy & Community

Speakers

Deanna Vonbartheld

San Antonio Black Doula Collective

Quanisha McGruder

CEO, Butterfly Rose Village

Friday May 24, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Gaston B

Breakout Sessions

1:30pm CDT

Creativity is The Seed

Speakers

Stacey Allen

Friday May 24, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Sanger A

Breakout Sessions

1:30pm CDT

Pass The Yams: Shift Systems and Ourselves

Speakers

Raven Freeborn

Executive Director & Founder, Legacy Healing

Friday May 24, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Reverchon B

Breakout Sessions

1:30pm CDT

Sex With Ashely - Healthy Love

Speakers

Ashley Cobb

Friday May 24, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Reverchon A

Breakout Sessions

3:15pm CDT

Loving Intergenerational Conversations between Black Trans & Cis Women

Speakers

Jason Brock

Marsha Jones

Co-Founder & Executive Director, The Afiya Center

Angela Montgomery

Angela L. Montgomery, MPH, has been working in the fields of behavioral and public health for over 30 years. She has served on the HIV Prevention Planning Councils for both San Francisco and Alameda Counties. For five years, she served as the West Coast Chair of the National Steering... Read More →

Tori Cooper

Friday May 24, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT
Landmark D

Closing Session

6:30pm CDT

The People's Party (off-site)

Friday May 24, 2024 6:30pm - 11:45pm CDT
The Quixotic World Magical Event Space 2824 Main Street, Dallas, Texas 75226

8:00am CDT

Breakfast

Saturday May 25, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Landmark C

Breakfast

9:15am CDT

Reflections + State of Black Womxn Report

Saturday May 25, 2024 9:15am - 10:45am CDT
Landmark D

Opening Gathering

11:00am CDT

A Release Valve for Wellness

In this engaging expressive writing and poetry ‘building’ workshop, conference attendees will learn the power of self-expression and how to create rhythms with their words. More than just a poetic interlude, this workshop will introduce a form of expressive writing that when practiced, becomes a creative self-care tool and catalyst for fostering emotional well-being. For Black women living with the ongoing stress largely caused by racism, intersectionality, reproductive injustice and other life challenges, expressive writing is an easily accessible and effective emotional management tool to have in our wellness arsenal.

*Attendees DO NOT have to be poets or experienced writers to participate.
**Attendees are also welcome but not required to bring their own writing material to the workshop.

Speakers

Linda Jones

Writing consultant

I am a writing doula and creative healer. I provide writing support, emotional wellness, and grief recovery coaching.. My signature coaching program--Rebirthing Royalty--empowers Black women to rebound from grief and other life challenges with resilience, prioritize self-care, and... Read More →

Saturday May 25, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Sanger A

Breakout Sessions

11:00am CDT

Centering Trust in Black Women

This 90-minute three-part intermediate panel explores 1) “Who are the Black Womxn that we trust?” discussing whose work is trusted but who are unsung heroes, 2) “These are the black womxn that I trust” through creative spoken media and audience engagement, and 3) “how do you bring someone along? how do we foster trust amongst Black womxn and gain trust in a capitalist white supremacist system?” through facilitated discussion about opportunities for reconciliation and reduction of harm.

Speakers

Noelle Spencer

Research Coordinator, SisterSong

Ana'Neicia Williams

KY State Coordinator, Sistersong

Dr. Ana’Neicia Williams DSW, LCSW is a therapeutic storyteller that holds mothers’ and centers their experiences to impact practice and policy. She is the and Founder and Clinical Director of Momology Maternal Wellness Club, LLC where she uses her certification in perinatal mental... Read More →

Nea Richard

SisterSong

Nea is a researcher, organizer, and a proud HBCU graduate of Claflin University. She has a passion for empowering youth to create change in their community. She is also a researcher who thrives on creating room at the table for her community and learning ways to center the experiences... Read More →

Estee Dillard

Faith Coordinator, SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective

Reverend Iyalosa Estee Nena Dillard is a SpiRitualist Scholar, Ancestral Storyteller and Queer Sexologist. Estee's work is harnessing the ways that theological formation, embodiment, sexuality, ancestral spiritual care and ritual transform wellness. A proud almuna of Spelman College... Read More →

Saturday May 25, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
McMillan

Breakout Sessions

11:00am CDT

chosen•kin: a circle honoring black, queer, + trans parenthood

During this space, panelists will explore the intersections of Blackness, queerness, + transness in relationship to birth and reproductive justice movements. In what ways have our communities held the weight of historical, intergenerational, and collective trauma? How might these experiences impact conception, birthing, lactation, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and parenting? We will close by calling in the ancestral wisdoms and remedies for liberation that have held us, healed us, and kept us whole.

Speakers

Yarrow Briggs

Chosen Kin

yarrow (they/them) is a black agender storyteller embedded in their practices of land stewardship, songwriting and visual art. they nurture regeneration by way of curiosity, nature and fantasy. they are a new papa/mama to a lil jawn. yarrow was born and nurtured on lenapehoking land... Read More →

Victoria Hinton

Chosen Kin

Victoria Ramlalsingh-Hinton (they/she) is a Queer, West Indian multidisciplinary artist, Community Engagement Manager, and parent of three based in Pittsburgh. Their deep commitment to social justice, especially for Black Queer and Trans birthing individuals, is evident in their work... Read More →

Nia Samuels

Chosen Kin

Nia Samuels (they/them) is a Black/Pasifika/queer/trans artist and parent. Nia’s personal experiences with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders sparked their interest in and passion for connecting pregnant and postpartum parents with the individualized resources and support needed... Read More →

zara raven

Chosen Kin

zara raven is a mad, Black Caribbean queer mama, educator, and organizer. zara is a coordinator of the Philly Childcare Collective, creating intergenerational movement spaces, and co-director of the Safer Movements Collective, a healing justice organization working to support the... Read More →

Shaé Smith

Founder, Lead Circle Keeper, chosen•kin: a circle honoring Black, queer + trans parenthood

Shaé Smith (they/ them) is a decolonial therapist, visual artist, and writer who currently lends their passion work to a community based collective serving queer and trans West Indian, Afro-Latinx, and Afro-Indigenous communities; one that honors Black, queer, and trans parenthood... Read More →

Saturday May 25, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Reverchon A

Breakout Sessions

11:00am CDT

For Black Mamas Who Have Considered Instagram When the Racism Was Too Much

Speakers

Sierra Sankofa

Sankofa Mama Birth Services

Sierra McClain, also known as Sierra Sankofa, is a homeschooling mother of 2, educator, maternal mental health advocate, full-spectrum doula, community strategist, consultant, trainer, and speaker. In 2014, she founded Sankofa Mama Birth Services to enrich the birth experiences of... Read More →

Saturday May 25, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Gaston B

Breakout Sessions

11:00am CDT

Sex Ed Black Womxn Deserve

Black womxn deserve a lot; we deserve joy, rest, safety, healthy relationships, and of course, great sex! The Sex Ed Black Womxn Deserve is a 90-minute presentation that fills in the gaps from your school sex education course covering a range of important topics from the lens of black womxn. In this presentation, we will explore and unpack sexual shame, review STIs, reproductive health, consent, intimacy, desire, and more. Addressing these topics is crucial for empowering Black womxn to take control of their sexual health and well-being. By creating a safe space for open and honest conversations about these subjects, participants can gain valuable knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships. Let's get into it!

Speakers

Bre Green

Certified Sexologist, Youth Services of Tulsa

Bre Green is a Certified Sexologist with over three years of experience as a sex educator, sex and relationship coach, and adolescent health specialist. Her degree in Psychology and certified trainings in Clinical Sexology and Sexual Health Education have shaped her unique approach... Read More →

Saturday May 25, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Gaston A

Breakout Sessions

11:00am CDT

Slow to Heal

Slow to Heal is a conversational reflection on trust and how it relates to health and health outcomes.

Speakers

D'Metris Welters

External Affairs Community Liaison, ViiV Healthcare

D’Metris is a versed Public Health Ambassador with nearly two decades of demonstrated aptitude in HIV/STI testing, multi level evidence-based intervention facilitation, program planning, implementation and evaluation, case management and outreach for oppressed populations including... Read More →

Saturday May 25, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Sanger B

Breakout Sessions

11:00am CDT

The Power of the Vote & Voice of Women to Change Legislation

Speakers

Joyce Turner Keller

Founder & CEO, Aspirations, Inc.

Saturday May 25, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Reverchon B

Breakout Sessions

12:30pm CDT

Lunch

Saturday May 25, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Landmark D

Lunch

1:45pm CDT

Making It Make Sense: Black-Feminist Lab Making and Collective Storytelling Research as Tools for Poppin’ Reproductive Justice Pedagogy and Practices

In this session, we seek to refine and sharpen our work through a dialogue between BREHA Collective members, TAC Researchers, and summit attendees. The presentation will map the different needs of Black women living in the United States and the Caribbean (Jamaica and Haiti) around reproductive justice and HIV/AIDS. We will also explore the power of storytelling as a tool of knowledge production, wellness and healing for Black womxn. Our goal is to provide the audience with meaningful information on how to engage Black womxn’s reproductive justice and provide attendees with resources that support Black womxn’s mental healthcare and well-being. From the streets, to the universities, to our diasporic movements and beyond, we posit that these tools offer expansive ways of organizing, connecting, and cultivating practices that trust Black women by centering their knowledge, lives, and leadership as we foster collective resistance and practice self and community care.

Speakers

Dr. Stacie McCormick

Dohyeon Kim

Amherst College

Carina Nanan

Amherst College

Dr. Amber Reid

Dr. Amber T.A. Reid, a Trenton, New Jersey native serves as a professor at Morehouse College and a 2023-2025 ACLS Leading Edge Fellow. She was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman College, a Master of Arts degree from Argosy University Atlanta, and a Doctor of Philosophy... Read More →

R A

Dr. Jallicia Jolly

Assistant Professor, Amherst College

Full Bio (feel free to shorten as necessary): Dr. Jallicia Jolly is a writer, poet, proud Black Mama, and an avid reproductive justice (RJ) organizer. Currently an Assistant Professor in American Studies and Black Studies at Amherst College, she merges community-based research... Read More →

Saturday May 25, 2024 1:45pm - 3:15pm CDT
Landmark D

Collective Gathering

3:30pm CDT

Masterclass with Marsha Jones + Deon Haywood

Speakers

Marsha Jones

Co-Founder & Executive Director, The Afiya Center

Deon Haywood

Executive Director, Women with a Vision

Deon Haywood is an activist, human rights advocate, mother and grandmother, and community leader from New Orleans. For more than 30 years, she has advocated for the rights of Black women and girls, poor and working class folks, sex workers, substance users, and LGBTQ+ communities... Read More →

Saturday May 25, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Landmark D

Collective Gathering

9:00am CDT

Breakfast

Sunday May 26, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Landmark C

Breakfast

10:15am CDT

Soul'd Out Sunday

Souled Out Sunday, the closing event of the summit offers an immersive and interactive spiritual journey facilitated by community healers. Through various modalities like energy work and intuitive guidance, attendees are gently guided toward self-exploration and transformation. This event provides a nurturing and secure environment for participants to embark on their personal healing and growth journey. It serves as a poignant reminder of the innate power within each individual to foster profound change and connection, both internally and within their community.

Speakers

Benisha Jones

Founder, Introducing Me

Benisha Jones was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She very much has an affinity for the city and for all of the stories it holds. Finally, Jones is at a point in her life when she’s comfortable enough sharing her disappointments, shortcomings and inevitable triumphs in the city... Read More →

Sunday May 26, 2024 10:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Landmark C

Closing Session