This Black History Month, Planned Parenthood Honors Black Leaders Fighting For Reproductive Health In Their Communities

Washington, D.C. —  This Black History Month, Planned Parenthood Federation of America is lifting up the incredible organizing by Black leaders fighting for reproductive freedom and health equity. As one of the nation's leading reproductive health care providers, Planned Parenthood is committed to honoring Black trailblazers and working with the next generation of Black leaders to harness our collective power and create a more just world.

“Throughout our nation’s history, Black people of all ages and backgrounds have mobilized to fight for freedom, autonomy, and justice,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “During Black History Month, and throughout the year, we are celebrating the legacy of past trailblazers and a new generation of Black leaders in the United States. Planned Parenthood is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with leaders fighting for racial and reproductive justice — especially Black women within our organization and who are partnering with us in communities everywhere — as we push back against discriminatory attacks and continue to move our country forward.” 

As part of its #28DaysofPower digital campaign, Planned Parenthood will use its social media properties to honor 28 of the countless Black leaders who have made significant contributions to reproductive health care and advocacy. Though many contributions of Black Americans, especially women and LGBTQ people, have gone unrecognized, their impact has inspired a new generation of human rights activists. In elections across the country, and most recently in Virginia and Alabama, Black voters rejected candidates who run on racism, sexism, and homophobia. Despite efforts to deny them their constitutional right to vote, they turned out in near-historic numbers, advocating on behalf of their communities.

On college campuses across the country — including several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) — Black students are engaging in activism through Planned Parenthood Generation Action, a project of Planned Parenthood Action Fund. These emerging leaders are organizing events on their campuses and in their communities to mobilize advocates for reproductive freedom.

“Creating health equity — including access to quality, affordable, compassionate reproductive health care — is critical to ensuring that every person can lead a healthy, safe, and empowered life,” said Alencia Johnson, director of constituency communications at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Planned Parenthood is grateful for the work of Black reproductive health, rights, and justice leaders, and we are committed to working alongside them to break down barriers to care for Black patients — at every intersection of their identities.” 

Planned Parenthood is proud to see patients — including the 380,000 Black patients our health centers serve annually — regardless of race, religion, income, insurance, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or immigration status. Our volunteers, staff, and health care providers will continue to fight to protect and expand access to this care.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable healthcare for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.