Artivists United For Reproductive Justice

7625 South Central Avenue,Los Angeles CA 90001

10 September, 2022

Description

This event is a reproductive justice and femme empowerment themed open mic where musicians and spoken word poets will share art related to this topic. Black Women for Wellness (BWW) headlines this event as the nonprofit partner that fundraising will be directed to. Other reproductive justice orgs will be present, sharing their platform and information so artivists and attendees will feel empowered and inspired to actively support the reproductive justice movement. There will also be youth organizations like Youth Justice Coalition and YLEAD (Youth Leaders Empower Active & Diverse) present, as there is expressed intent to involve youth in this movement. Additionally, local doulas and birth workers will be there to provide attendees knowledge and resources for taking reproductive health into their own hands. To close the event there will be a healing workshop and performances led by Women of Color Sisters Collective.. Lastly, food trucks and other small business vendors will be in attendance. (All donations and fundraising proceeds will be directed to support BWW’s education and training services in South Central) THEMES OF THE WORK This event sits at the intersections of art and activism, with a particular focus on reproductive justice and femme empowerment. Additionally, by providing access to education and resources, this event will support the self-determination of South Central residents. Reproductive Justice: the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent our children in safe and sustainable communities. Reproductive justice demands necessary enabling conditions to realize these rights. This is in contrast to the singular focus on abortion by the pro-choice movement that excludes concerns for communities of color: issues of economic justice, the environment, immigrants’ rights, disability rights, discrimination based on race and sexual orientation, and a host of other community-centered issues. Femme Empowerment: promoting women’s, and/or non-binary folks with a uterus, sense of self-worth, their ability to determine their own choices, and their right to influence social change for themselves and others. Self determination: a belief that all people have the right to control their own lives and make choices for their futures. This right plays an important role in psychological health and well-being. Self-determination also has an impact on motivation—people feel more motivated to take action when they feel that what they do will have an effect on the outcome. Collaborating Organizations Corazon De Sur Centro: grassroots organization providing a safe-space to unite & uplift community-orientated artist/vendors in South Central, promote healing through arts & sustain our culture. Black Women for Wellness: nonprofit organization working to Increase accessible, appropriate and affordable services that positively impact the health outcomes for Black women and girls. Additionally they build the personal, communal and political power of Black women and girls within California by influencing public policy, organizing, and outreach. Women of Color Sisters Collective: a collective uplifting and empowering BIWOC (Black, Indigenous, Women of Color) in the community by creating safe spaces for healing, self-determination, radical self-love, and facilitating networks of support. PROGRAM 4:00 pm: DJ begins to play music. 5:00pm: Featured artists performance (artist TBA) 5:30pm: Collaborating organizations take stage to announce their platform. 6:00 Open mic performances 7:30: WOC Sisters Collective lead guided meditation, sound baths, and movement work. 8:00pm: Event ends