For many Black women, 2024 has been a year marked by profound challenges affecting our health, livelihoods, and communities. The stakes in this election season have never been higher. The first half of this year alone brought federal and state policies and Supreme Court decisions that impact our health, autonomy, safety, and democracy. Rising inflation, housing insecurity, and the ongoing impacts of climate change continue to disproportionately affect us, underscoring the urgency of participating in the upcoming elections.
Let’s be clear: Black women and the power of our vote have been central to upholding democracy in the United States. This year, we must once again vote with the conviction that our lives depend on it.
The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) stands committed to addressing these urgent issues. Through innovative programs, research, policy advocacy, and the promotion of health and wellness for Black women and girls, BWHI remains steadfast.. In alignment with our mission, we developed our bi-annual publication, the Black Women Vote 2024 Health Policy Voters Guide & Candidate Checklist. Use this guide to inform your vote, ensuring it aligns with the issues that matter most to you. And don’t stop there – make a plan to get to the polls and help others in your community do the same. Every vote amplifies our voices and drives meaningful change.
Voting Down the Ballot on November 5th
On November 5th, we must elect leaders across every level of government – from local and state representatives to national offices – who prioritize our health, safety, and rights. Since the 2020 election, over 400 bills have been introduced across nearly every state, aimed at limiting voting access, primarily in communities of color. Our rights to health, to vote, and to care for our families are under threat. November 5th is an opportunity to elect leaders who will support policies that protect our reproductive freedoms, healthcare access, and economic security.
A Critical Moment in History
This election is one of the most consequential of our lifetime. The intersectional issues affecting our communities highlight the urgent need for transformative leadership within our democracy. Recent restrictions on reproductive freedoms across multiple states have significantly affected Black women, intensifying already existing health disparities. Limitations on abortion access, family planning services like in vitro fertilization (IVF), maternal healthcare support, and protections for healthcare workers pose a direct threat to our ability to live healthy and full lives.
Use Your Vote as a Voice for Change
We encourage you to use our Black Women Vote 2024 Health Policy Voters Guide as a resource to understand the policies and issues that impact our communities profoundly. Our vision is for all Black women to experience optimal health in a society that values health equity and social justice. When we vote, we make a difference – your voice matters, and your vote is essential.
Let’s approach November 5th like we’re in the fight of our lives – because we are. This is our moment to stand up for the health, rights, and future of our communities.