February 17th 2024.
A team of lawmakers from both political parties are collaborating to revive a bill that focuses on the unique experiences of Black women and girls in America, according to a report from The Hill. The legislation, known as the Protect Black Women and Girls Act, was reintroduced on February 1 by Democratic representatives Robin Kelly, Yvette Clarke, and Bonnie Watson Coleman, who serve as co-chairs of the Caucus on Black Women and Girls. The bill was first introduced in 2021 and is now supported by Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick.
The purpose of this bill is to establish a task force that will examine the challenges and circumstances faced by Black women and girls in various areas, including education, economic development, healthcare, labor and employment, housing, and justice and civil rights. This task force will also explore community-based solutions to address and prevent harm against Black women and girls, as well as study the impact of societal factors on their lives.
Representative Kelly emphasized the need for more than just acknowledgement of the discrimination, harassment, and violence that Black women and girls have faced throughout history. She believes that it is time for the federal government to take action and seek justice for these individuals, ensuring that they have an equal opportunity to live a fulfilling, healthy life. In a statement, Kelly expressed her pride in introducing the bill alongside her colleagues and friends, and her hope that it will provide Black women and girls with the opportunities they deserve to thrive.
The statistics and figures are clear and undeniable when it comes to the disproportionate impact of racial disparities on Black women and girls. For instance, in Mississippi, Black women are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related health issues and complications than white women. Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix shared her own experience with preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition, during her pregnancy, highlighting the dangers faced by Black women during childbirth.
While inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, the salaries of Black women are not keeping up. According to the National Women's Law Center, Black women are paid only 67 cents for every dollar earned by a white man. Representative Fitzpatrick acknowledges that these disparities have persisted for far too long, and his support for the bill is a step towards addressing and resolving these issues. Representative Watson Coleman also expressed the importance of the bill in finding lasting solutions for the challenges faced by Black women and girls.
If passed, the task force created by the Protect Black Women and Girls Act will provide recommendations to Congress, the president, and state governments on implementing incentives to improve outcomes for Black women and girls. Other lawmakers, such as Representative Gwen Moore, have shown their support for the bill, recognizing the significant role Black women have played in promoting equality and advocating for opportunities for all. She believes that the legislation will help ensure that Black women and girls have equal opportunities to succeed.
Finally, the bill will also receive support from data gathered by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. This data will provide insight into the specific factors, such as economic, health, criminal justice, and social services, that have an impact on Black women and girls. This information will be crucial in identifying and addressing the root causes of disparities and working towards creating a more equal society.
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