Yahoo News 20 Organizations That Support Black Women During Black History Month and Beyond
Black women in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by everything from pregnancy and childbirth-related deaths to the gender pay gap to HIV. As told by Malcolm X, "The most disrespected person in America is the Black women. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman." And that needs to change. Thankfully, there are a number of organizations that specifically address Black women’s needs and concerns. So why not consider making a donation? Here are 20 options to help you get started today, tomorrow and always.
1. Black Mamas Matter Alliance
Black Mamas Matter Alliance advocates for research and policy changes in order to advance Black maternal healthcare. Their mission statement reads, “We envision a world where Black mamas have the rights, respect and resources to thrive before, during and after pregnancy.”
Founded in 2018 by activist and educator Rachel Cargle, The Loveland Foundation provides financial support to Black women and girls seeking therapy and mental health support. Their goal is to provide 1,000 women with enough support for 4-8 therapy sessions in 2020.
Annual sales for Black female business owners are five times smaller than other female-owned businesses. To remedy this disparity, Buy From a Black Woman aims to empower, educate and inspire Black female business owners, as well as provide them with tools and resources to succeed.
This San Franciso-based organization works to empower girls ages 7 through 17 by exposing them to computer science and technology. They hope to increase the number of women of color in the digital space and train 1 million girls by 2040.
5. GirlTrek
GirlTrek’s mission is to “pioneer a health movement for African-American women and girls grounded in civil rights history and principles through walking campaigns, community leadership and health advocacy.” The goal of these walking groups is to promote self-care and help Black women reclaim the streets of their neighborhoods.
6. The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness
This Wisconsin-based nonprofit is committed to eliminating the health disparities that impact Black women and girls. Its multi-faceted approach focuses on physical health, building community and providing COVID-19 relief for Black women and their families in the Madison, WI area.
7. The National Black Women’s Justice Institute
The National Black Women’s Justice Institute is dedicated to eliminating racial and gender barriers for Black women, girls and their families. The organization addresses issues like criminalization, economic marginalization, domestic violence and more.
8. Black Women’s Health Imperative
For 35 years, Black Women’s Health Imperative has been the only national organization solely dedicated to improving the health and wellness of Black women and girls. They run a number of evidence-based programs and campaigns to support physical, maternal and reproductive health for Black women. They are also leading the effort to establish the first National Health Policy Agenda for Black women.
Since 1977, this D.C.-based nonprofit has been educating the public about economic, social and civil liberties issues that affect Black women. They also recommend data-based policy changes in the interest of Black women’s rights.
The Black Women’s Blueprint focuses on putting Black women and girls’ issues on the forefront. They create "blueprints" in areas that are lacking their voices, like healthcare, education and the economy. In the wake of COVID-19, the organization launched the Sistas Van, which is traveling across NYC providing support services like grocery delivery, crisis counseling, reproductive aid and more to underserved communities.
The Black Youth Project 100 (BYP100) fights for justice and freedom for all, specifically Black women, girls and the LGBTQ+ community. Created after the verdict of Trayvon Martin’s murder, BYP100 developed chapters across the country for others to learn about how to organize, advocate and understand policies at a local and national level.
For ten years, Girls For A Change has helped young girls (from elementary to young adulthood) design and develop projects to make social changes in their communities. The organization's goal is for the participants to develop problem-solving, leadership and financial literacy skills while teaching them about policies, movements and current issues (i.e. racism, sexism, etc).
13. The Okra Project
The Okra Project provides meals and resources to Black trans people. Aside from distributing healthy food, they also offer mutual aid for rent, unemployment and/or medication. This year, the organization will introduce the Direct Chef Services program to hire Black trans chefs to prepare these very meals.
Black Girls Smile Inc. offers mental health support, resources and education to young Black girls. They work to uplift and empower them through activities and workshops for up to 12 weeks.
Essie Justice Group provides support to women with incarcerated love ones. From mental health services (to heal, grieve, etc.) to resources on fighting the injustice of the criminal system, the nonprofit's mission is to create a community and a safe space for women impacted.
16. Marsha P. Johnson Institute
Inspired by the late activist Marsha P. Johnson, the institute honors her legacy by continuing to fight for the Black trans community. They organize, advocate and defend the human rights of all Black trans people. The nonprofit offers fellowships and programs centered around the arts and social activism to uphold Johnson’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
The Black Feminist Group fights for food and reproductive justice for Black women, girls and non-binary individuals. Programs like Black Joy Farm, Corona Relief Food Box, and Sis, Do You! are designed to foster a safe and inclusive space for the Bronx community.
18. For The Gworls
For The Gworls raises funds for Black trans people to pay for rent, travel assistance and/or gender-affirming surgeries. Before COVID-19, founders Assani Armon and Maahd were hosting live, grassroots fundraisers to celebrate trans lives and support the needs of their community. Today, they're bringing awareness virtually (with campaigns reaching over $142,000 in support).
19. The Black Trans Travel Fund
The Black Trans Travel Fund supplies Black trans women with resources and services for a safer journey. Per their mission statement: "[Wen want to] create a world where Black trans women are valued and no longer face harassment and violence." While it's only been in service since 2019, the organization has already distributed over $90,000 to Black women in need in NYC and New Jersey (and are looking to expand to other states in the future).
20. Black Trans Femmes in the Arts
Black Trans Femmes in the Arts assists Black trans artists by highlighting, uplifting and supporting their projects. The organization hosts events for artists to showcase their work, network with others and attend workshops.
