Black women work every day on the front lines and behind the scenes as advocates, organizers, leaders, and powerful voices for progress and social justice. Their work is often unsung and unrecognized, yet, they play a critical role in the success of their families, their workplaces, their communities, and society overall. This engagement is also reflected in their voting—for years, black women have been among the most active and reliable voters, recognizing the importance of engaging in the political process to achieve progress. But too often, the unique experiences of black women—like other women of color—are missing from the broader public debate about what women need and how best to respond. Persistent disparities in wages, health care, employment, economic outcomes, advancement opportunities, and more are among the many areas that call for targeted strategies and solutions.
On the occasion of Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, a day which marks how far into the year African American women must work to earn the same amount as white men did the year before, please join the Center for American Progress for a thought-provoking conversation about the importance of black women’s activism and the power of black grassroots leaders in the current environment. This event is part of an ongoing series that focuses on race and creating power to move the progressive agenda forward.
Introductory remarks:
Carmel Martin, executive vice president for policy, Center for American Progress
In discussion:
Susan Taylor, founder and CEO, National CARES Mentoring Movement; editor-in-chief emeritus, Essence magazine
Jocelyn Frye, senior fellow, Center for American Progress
Featured panelists:
Melanie Campbell, president and CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation; convener, Black Women’s Roundtable
Tracy Sturdivant, co-founder and co-executive director, Make It Work
Janaye Ingram, director of national partnerships, Airbnb, national organizer and member of board of directors, Women’s March
Alencia Johnson , director, Constituency Communications, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Moderator:
Michele Jawando, vice president of Legal Progress, Center for American Progress, co-host of Thinking CAP Podcast