September 21, 2017

Planned Parenthood Honors Champions of Women's Health Care at CBCF's 47th Annual Legislative Conference

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On Saturday, September 23, Planned Parenthood Federation of America will host its sixth annual brunch in Washington, D.C. as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's (CBCF) 47th Annual Legislative Conference.

Along with media partner BET Her -- BET's newly rebranded television channel targeting Black women -- Planned Parenthood will present its Champion of Women's Health Care award to Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-43); Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels; fashion designer Tracy Reese; and founder and president of the National Birth Equity Collaborative and Black Mamas Matter Alliance steering committee member, Dr. Joia Crear-Perry.

"Black leaders have a long history of championing women's health care and rights," said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund. "Planned Parenthood shares their commitment to expanding access to health care and striving toward health equity, and we are proud to participate in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 47th Annual Legislative Conference. We are extremely grateful for the leadership of this year's Champion of Women's Health Care honorees. Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Maxine Waters are fighting to protect health care access in Congress, and Minority Leader Anthony Daniels is a leader for access in the South. Dr. Joia Crear-Perry is working to achieve maternal health equity, and Tracy Reese is an outspoken HIV/AIDS advocate and spearheaded Fashion Stands With Planned Parenthood campaign. Now, more than ever, we need their leadership to push back on attacks on people's ability to access care -- especially in the upcoming Obamacare repeal bill, which would be devastating for millions of people."

In addition to the brunch, Planned Parenthood will also host an issue forum at the CBCF ALC called "Black Women Marching, Rising, Resisting" on Thursday, September 21. The talk will be moderated by Jacqueline Ayers, National Director of Legislative Affairs at Planned Parenthood, and will convene a diverse group of panelists with backgrounds in media, entertainment, health, and activism to discuss Black women's political role. The panel will feature:

  • Gbenga Akinnagbe, Actor (The Wire, The Deuce) and Founder of Liberated People
  • Christina Coleman, Senior News & Culture Editor at ESSENCE
  • Dr. Christy Gamble, Director of Health Policy and Legislative Affairs at Black Women's Health Imperative
  • Farah Tanis, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Black Women's Blueprint and National Organizer for March for Black Women

    "As we fight against attacks on reproductive health care, it's imperative that we continue to work hand in hand with institutions working to build and strengthen communities, like the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation," said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, director of strategic partnerships at Planned Parenthood Federation of American and Planned Parenthood Action Fund. "Each year, Planned Parenthood welcomes the opportunity to deepen this relationship, and we look forward to further collaboration with Black communities and leaders. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference is once again convening public policy experts to facilitate dialogue and launch actions that will advance the fight for equity and justice, and Planned Parenthood is grateful for the opportunity to participate."

    Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund will also host and participate in additional CBCF ALC events:

  • Throughout the conference, Planned Parenthood Federation of America will have a booth at the CBCF ALC's exhibit showcase where people are invited to come share their stories of how Planned Parenthood has impacted their health and lives, and to take an interactive quiz on Planned Parenthood's history and services.

  • On Thursday, September 21, Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington will provide rapid HIV testing at the CBC Spouses Community Breakfast and Health Fair, an event that provides homeless adults with breakfast and connects them with important community resources.

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