Friday, March 27, 2009

Thanks Brittany!!!

I just watched the same movie and I felt the same as Brittany, but it also made me think about why did they choose to have the character Ruth in the situation she was in. Why did she have to be on drugs and not take care of the kids she already had. Some of the women we serve are not on drugs and do take care of their kids and most women that choose to abort like Ruth already have kids. So it was some truth and some exaggeration as Brittany pointed out.

CITIZEN RUTH

I just watched a movie titled Citizen Ruth and it was quite interesting. It was about a drug addicted pregnant woman who was charged with the crime of endangering her fetus. She wanted to get an abortion. The movie stereotyped both anti-choice and pro-choice advocates. It was a bit exaggerated but it did paint a portrait of both sides that really makes me think about the work that I do and why it's very important. In the movie, Ruth states that it's her body and her choice to do whatever she wants to do with it and I couldn't agree more!!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Springfield

Last week I had the opportunity to travel to Springfield, IL to lobby and rally at the state capitol for house bill 2354. It was a first for me so I didn't know what to expect. I was both nervous and excited. When the state reps exited committee to actually come and talk to me all the nerves went away. It was time to get down to business. I will never forget the experience. A year ago I never would've thought I would be traveling to Springfield to participate in an actual rally. I cannot wait to do something like that again!!!

Lobby Day

Hello All:

On Tuesday March 10, 2009 myself, Brittany and Nicole traveled to Springfield. I have been to Springfield a few times when I was younger on school field trips, but I have never gone to talk to actual legislators.

On this trip I got the opportunity to share this sacred experience with two amazing women. This was also their first time in Springfield talking to legislators. I just want to really affirm Nicole and Brittany they stepped up and really spoke out about HB 2354. They openly used the word "abortion" when speaking to legislators. You could see and feel the passion in these women as they talked to legislatore about this bill

I remember the first time I called both these women and offered them the opportunity to stand up for change. I would like to say that they have taken the opportunity presented to them and transformed into true leaders.

I've learned so much from this experience. It was very refreshing and encouraging to talk to legislators who can make a difference in the lives of the women I serve. I look forward to continuing the fight for Reproductive Justice for all!!!!!

Again, thank you Brittany and Nicole for standing up and speaking out and letting your voices be heard. Even the legislators were both surprised and greatful to see young women of color calling them out of committee to talk about HB2354.

These women were downtown at 5:15am in the pouring rain to catch the bus to Springfield. That in itself says alot about their dedication and determination. Nicole and Brittany keep me fighting!!!!!!


Much love to both of you I have experience some of the greatest moment s in my life with you ladies.

Stay Encouraged

Shay

Lobby Day!!!!!!

Last week I experienced my first actual lobby. It was a frustrating but also delightful experience. We were lobbying to get our legislators to vote yes in favor of House Bill 2354. Some were very receptive to it and others weren't so much.
Going in to speak to legislators can make you very nervous because there always stressed for time and you want to get in and get straight to the point, But fortunately my group and I were able to speak to 7 representatives. This step was very empowering and really made me feel like the activist I am. It was a long ride to Springfield but I know it was worth the trip.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

February's Call-In Show Is Up!

This is part 1 of 3- check out the other 2 videos on our youtube page!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

classism by any other name?

I'm going to piggy back off of Brittany's latest blog. First, a big thumbs up to Brittany for going on camera and talking about reproductive justice, abortion, the leadership group and being open to a whole new experience. We filmed the first segment yesterday and will finish up in a couple of weeks. Why is this important even when others don't think it is? Well, quite simply....we have a responsibility to bring the marginalized to the center. The experience in Whole Foods cemented this!

After the filming we stopped at whole foods to eat dinner and debrief. And yes, I pulled out my tax exempt letter, unfolded it and presented it to the cashier. I explained that it was tax exempt. She looked at it confused and then stated, "is this a link card or something?" I responded, "it's tax exempt".

This is what we are talking about. Why would this woman say that? It wasn't a card and the letter said State of Illinois Tax Exempt. One can only assume it was really because we were black and in Evanston. I don't like to believe it so I'm going to say she was ignorant and close minded.

Which brings me to the leadership group. On a daily basis these women....women I serve....are ignored, disrespected, neglected, and not given a chance. On a daily basis the women in the leadership group gather the strength to face a world that doesn't see them....a society that wants to regulate their bodies, punish them with restrictive laws and refuse to support them. Every day the women I serve represent the movement from the sidelines because the mainstream organizations don't believe in their leadership and refuse to respect their opinions. Yet, every day these women continue on. Continue the struggle for freedom on their own terms in their own lives. They do this work with us, while continuing to go home to unsafe neighborhoods full of chaos and negativity.

I am so humbled to know these women I can't even begin to express it. As I watched Brittany's clips and listened to her say that she is doing this work for her daughters, I cried. My life has been transformed by these women. I can't do this work any other way.

I do this work for them.

Gaylon

ps. shout out to Shay on her filming yesterday too.....she kept it together but I saw the tears welling up!