Atlantic City Women’s March & Rally

The goal was to provide black women and girls a phenomenal opportunity to be educated about Fannie Lou Hamer and the history she made in New Jersey. On Saturday, January 19, 2019, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Southern New Jersey Chapter participated as a sponsor of the 2019 Atlantic City Women’s March and Rally. The Rally took place at Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the site where Fannie Lou Hamer challenged Jim Crow laws at the 1964 Democratic Convention. This event also provided NCBW-SNJ the exceptional opportunity to meet three women who are currently in the Labor Movement: Laurel Brennan, Secretary-Treasurer of the NJ AFL-CIO, Hetty Rosenstein, Area Director of NJ-CWA and Lenace Edwards, Political Director of 32BJ SEIU in New Jersey. During our interactions at this women-led movement, we were able to participate in the creation of transformational social change by providing insight on a diverse range of issues which, in turn, created an entry point for our organization to be around the table at their local community trainings, outreach programs and events. The Women’s March was an exceptional opportunity that afforded a commitment to dismantling systems of oppression through nonviolent resistance and building inclusive structures guided by self-determination, dignity and respect. The leadership and membership of NCBW-SNJ were proud to be in attendance.

As a prominent sponsor of the march, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Southern New Jersey Chapter networked with approximately five hundred participants and had an opportunity to introduce our mission and vision to all of the black women and girls in attendance. The leaders and members of NCBW-SNJ were also provided with an open invitation to meet with Freeholder Ashley Bennett, National Staff CWA-NJ/Senior Adviser Estina Baker and New Jersey Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver. We were able to have candid conversations about the political climate in Atlantic City and to emphasize with educators of that community our position on the importance of education. Ultimately, the educators of this poverty stricken area supported our position and encouraged high school girls to apply for our “Rising to the Top Scholarships”. This resulted in a 100% increase in application submissions from this community and approximately 30% of our application dollars being awarded to highly qualified young ladies from the area. Additionally, several women are now considering membership in NCBW-SNJ. We look forward to continuing our advocacy in Atlantic City and positively impacting the lives of black women and girls in this community.

LEAD 2019 Legislative Days

Activity Goal: The goal was to participate in meetings which highlighted major concerns for African American Women and Girls and to meet with representatives to share our initiatives. The meetings were designed as a starting point to continue with the representatives upon returning home. Eight members of our chapter attended the National Legislative Days in Washington, DC, April 15-16, 2019, and participated in the Capitol Hill Meetings, allowing each of us to exchange dialogue with our representatives about the issues championed by NCBW.

OUTCOME: As part of the succession plan for NCBW-SNJ, the attendance at LEAD Legislative Days an National Leadership are deemed a priority for members to fully understand the scope of initiatives as well as advocacy.

Meeting at Senate President Sweeney’s Office

SCBW-SNJ dialogues with local politicians to encourage a continuous dialogue with this legislative district, as well as introduce and discuss the issues that directly impact black women and black girls in the Third Legislative District. We stress how each issue affects this legislative district and pressed politely for a commitment. During our meetings, facts about why the legislators should take our position(s) were discussed.

This meeting was held at Senator Steve Sweeney’s office located at State Office -125 West State Street, Room LA-33 in Trenton New Jersey. This meeting was initiated by The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Southern New Jersey Chapter. Our Madam President, Gina R. Burton, opened and closed the meeting. Stephen M. Sweeney is a Democratic Party Leader, who currently serves as the President of the New Jersey Senate. He has served in the New Jersey Senate since 2002, where he represents the 3rd Legislative District. Senate President Sweeney has been the President of the New Jersey Senate since January 12, 2010. Questions were asked that prompted the legislative personnel to respond “yes” or “no.” Meeting Agenda:

NCBW Vision and Mission Statement

• Our Agenda (Health, Education, Economic Empowerment, Strategic Alliances, Civic Engagement)
• Our Purpose
• Our Support of fair discipline and a supportive atmosphere which have lower rates of bullying, in addition to additional funding and resources to states for anti-bullying and anti-harassment awareness and initiatives to local school districts. (YES); awaiting follow-up documentation from the Third Legislative District.
• Gentrification and the need to advocate against mortgage discrimination through our legislators. (YES)
• Maternal Mortality – Medical Mortality Review Boards, Expanded coverage for Postpartum care, Support of Doulas and a call to action to support the MOMMA ACT (H.R. 1897/S.916). (YES)

State Legislative Day

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. Southern New Jersey Chapter

African American women are four or five times more likely to die of pregnancy related complications than white women. Black women in New Jersey are five times greater than white women to die from maternal birth complications. Black babies are three times more likely than white babies to never see their first birthday. This is the widest racial disparity in the entire nation (Tammy Murphy, wife of Governor Murphy, May 8, 2019).

Activity Goal: The goal was to share our position on the MOMMA ACT with our state representatives. NCBW-SNJ reached out to statewide and local representatives in support of the MOMMA Act. On May 30, 2019, 1st VP Marguerite Hall, and Health Chair, Carla Clements, shared the position paper with members of the NJ Senate and the NJ Black Caucus indicating our support of the MOMMA ACT, as well as the Mommies Act (Maximizing Outcomes for Moms through Medicaid Improvement and Enhancement of Services). 1st VP shared especially NCBW-SNJ position with NJ Senator Steve Madden.

Outcomes: NCBW-SNJ will continue to advocate on behalf of the MOMMA and local bills –MOMMIES Act to improve maternal health outcomes and the increasing maternal mortality rates in New Jersey. NCBW-SNJ has drafted and sent letters with the position statement to NJ State Legislators and US Congressional Representatives.

Roundtable Meeting – Maternal Mortality

Every woman has the right to safe and respectful maternal health care. Human rights standards surrounding safe pregnancy, childbirth, and respectful maternal care are rooted in the human rights to life, health, equality, and non-discrimination. Governments must ensure these rights by creating enabling conditions that support healthy women, healthy pregnancies, and healthy births. Fundamental human rights are violated when pregnant and birthing women endure preventable suffering, including death, illness, injury, mistreatment, abuse, discrimination, and denials of information and bodily autonomy.

The goal was to participate in a roundtable discussion with Congressman Donald Norcross on the harmful impacts of the Trump-Pence administration’s Title X gag rule which would further endanger the rights of women to receive proper maternal care, especially for black women who are four to five times more likely not to have proper medical care. Women of color represent the large majority of patients affected by the Title X gag. In attendance were Health Committee Chair, Carla Clements, 1st VP Programs, Marguerite Hall, and Public Relations Officer, Chris Prosser. Carla spoke on behalf of NCBW-SNJ highlighting the effect the gang order would have on black women and girls as well as the heightened risk that would be created for mothers and babies.

NCBW-SNJ was at the table in order to share our concerns as well as find out Congressman Norcross position. Subsequent meetings will be held on maternal mortality.