Letter from the Editor

This February, the Global Women’s Caucus celebrates Black History Month, by sharing and listening to the personal stories embodied in Black culture and experience. Our sister caucus, the Global Black Caucus has put together an exciting collection of events to commemorate this important month, and we encourage you to join the conversation as we remember, learn about, and celebrate Black History. 

In this February issue, Black History Month is celebrated with passages by notable writer Joy Notoma, Action Team Leader for our Books Abroad Book Club. Joy delves into the story of this February’s featured book, “Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments,” by Saidiya Hartman. This issue also provides reports on reproductive justice, the Violence Against Women Act, and Biden’s new inclusive cabinet, as well as policy information and the current status of COVID relief and vaccination. We are also highlighting the ERA’s call-to-action, as well as numerous events for Black History Month and our upcoming Women’s History Month.

We hope you enjoy this edition!

Stayce Camparo, Communications Co-Chair Global Women’s Caucus

Spotlighting Three Black Women in Biden’s New Administration

By: Jamie McAfee, Communications Co-Chair, Global Women’s Caucus

Vice President Kamala Harris, Georgian heroine Stacey Abrams and National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman made headlines around the world for their historic achievements. Their stages were broad, glittering with lights, flashbulbs popping, iPhones recording and reporters shouting. Notoriety well-earned and deserved, African American women are walking across the international stage filled with hope that this change in the air, swept in by Black women voters, is permanent. Black women fought to mobilize voters, and on-the-ground efforts helped turnout people of color, pushing Biden to victory. During his acceptance speech in Philadelphia, President-elect Biden acknowledged the groundswell of support from Black voters throughout the election process when he stated, “…especially for those moments when this campaign was at its lowest—the African-American community stood up again for me. They always have my back, and I’ll have yours.”

Since the Inauguration, the new administration has tackled various crises that directly impact communities of color, but President Biden is going beyond policy. He seems to be living up to his campaign promises by staffing his cabinet to look like America, starting with the selection of Harris as his running mate after a contentious primary. With over 1200 Senate-confirmed appointments to fill, we look at three Black women President Biden has nominated for leadership positions. Each woman has a unique, inspirational story worth exploring beyond these introductions.