January 22nd marks the 38th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. This year, a number of local organizations collaborated to plan a week of educational discussion and activities focused on abortion access. Because of the sensitivity and surprise factor (flash mobs) of some of the activities, it was better not to advertise the full week’s schedule, but there are still some events happening this week, should you be interested.
On Friday, January 21st at 2:00 PM, “Queering Reproductive Justice: A Community Conversation” takes place on the U of L campus. The discussion will examine where the queer and reproductive justice movements meet.
At 6:00 PM Friday, see the documentary Silent Choices, shown at the Planned Parenthood office. Silent Choices, directed by Faith Pennick, examines abortion and birth control from the African American perspective. You can read more about the film and watch clips from it here. Donations of items for infants (diapers, etc) will be accepted for Women in Transition.
On Saturday night, stop by the BBC Taproom at 636 E. Main Street for the “We Got This: Trust Women” benefit for women’s rights. The shindig starts at 7:00 PM with music from local musicians Silo, Bunny Day and the Mercy Buckets, Banda Copas, Meredith Pass and, according to this ‘zine that I’m getting my information from, more. There is a suggested donation of $10, which will go to the A Fund and the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project. Silent auction and raffle proceeds will benefit the Louisville Clinic Escort Legal Defense Fund.
Finally, on Sunday, there will be a candlelight vigil to commemorate Roe v Wade between 5 and 7 at Fourth Avenue Methodist Church. Local faith leaders speak about the impact of denying women reproductive freedom. I went to this last year and found it refreshing to hear support from the religious community, since I usually see the opposite on the clinic sidewalk.
Big thanks to the many people and organizations who worked to put this week together: Feminist Alliance of U of L, Kentucky Health Justice Network, KRCRC, Louisville NOW, Planned Parenthood of Kentucky, Sister Song, WENCH, Women in Transition and the Clinic Escorts.