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Sept./Oct. response: Advocating for Racial Justice in Texas
by Ruth Bowen
president; Becky Baird, NTC UWF communications and projects coordinator; and guest speakers
Dr. Kristen Priddy, Ph.D., RN CNS, and Dr. Kyrah Brown, Ph.D., participate in the fifth annual Charter
for Racial Justice event in Dallas. Photo: Ruth Bowen
On February 24, 2024, the North Texas Conference United Women in Faith held their fifth annual Charter for Racial Justice event at Hamilton Park UMC in Dallas.
The purpose of the symposium was to increase participants’ awareness of this issue. Funding for this event was provided in part by a grant from the National United Women in Faith Office of Racial Justice and was open to everyone in North Texas and beyond. There were 97 people in attendance and 41 virtual participants. One woman drove more than two hours to Dallas to learn about the disparities in maternal health that disproportionately affect women of color. Texas ranks 49th in the nation for women’s health, and 30 percent of women residing in Texas receive no prenatal care during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Why do women of color and their infants experience a disproportionately high risk of avoidable deaths?
Guest speakers Dr. Kristen Priddy, Ph.D, RN, CNS, and Dr. Kyrah Brown Ph.D., both experts from a local university, focused their presentations on the reality and history of this preventable, unacceptable tragedy identifying key policy and cultural barriers responsible for driving these outcomes.
Learners heard from Texas Representative Toni Rose, whose efforts over 10 years in the Texas legislature culminated in the extension of Medicaid benefits up to one year for postpartum mothers. They watched a video by Bee Moorhead, director of Texas Impact, on how to be an effective advocate, and then participated in small groups to discuss advocacy opportunities and identify action steps.
Upon entry to the program, participants received an index card and an envelope to self-address. At the conclusion of the small-group activity, they were encouraged to document an action step they will take to advocate for addressing the disparities in maternal health. Eighty-four participants returned their envelopes containing the card. In six months, the cards will be mailed back to each participant.
An on-site resource room included representatives from several local North Texas agencies that provide maternal health services. There was also a table with additional bibliography materials.
Ruth Bowen serves as social action coordinator for the North Texas Conference United Women in Faith.
