By Brianna Parnell, #S4BG Task Force Coordinator
Since the startup of the task force in 2020, the WLP team has been working hard to push our demands for expanded resources, funding, and prevention education for Black female domestic and sexual violence youth survivors. Witnessing the success of the 2021 Wellness Initiative that provides free, culturally-responsive, humanist, individual and group therapy (in partnership with Open Paths Counseling and My Power, My Choice counseling) for Black and Latinx young women has been pivotal to the movement. The #Standing4BlackGirls task force team reached out to Supervisor Holly Mitchell, asking for her support in seeing these demands through. Her response was overwhelmingly supportive and enthusiastic. In addition, we appreciated the support we’ve received from her office staff, who have helped us connect with Planned Parenthood L.A., the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Public Health to bring a mobile clinic/Wellbeing Center into schools in the South Los Angeles area. Our first attempt at implementing these safe spaces, and providing reproductive health care services to youth on school campuses, will be at King Drew Medical Magnet High School.
WLP is also gearing up for the second annual #Standing4BlackGirls rally and community action to end rape culture and sexual violence on Saturday, October 16th, 2021 in Leimert Park Village. This year, we are focusing on the voices of young Black women and girls through healing, art, music, and self-expression. Local community organizations and speakers will be partnering in this effort. Save the date to come out and join us!
