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Better together.

On Our Own Terms (OOOT) is an initiative of the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI). OOOT is an informed network of organizations and experts who are focused on the prevention of HIV for, by and about Black cis and transgender women, as well as the care and treatment of women living with HIV.

Gianna
why now

We simply don’t have time to waste.

According to the latest available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 60 percent of all new HIV diagnoses in the US are among Black women. While their rates of infection are finally dropping (by 25 percent), we still have the highest rates among all women. In fact, Black women still have nearly 15 times the rate as their white counterparts, and five times the rate of Latinas. Black women and women of color must finally be a priority in policy and action in the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Our work combines evidence-based practices, cross-sector collaborations and the strengthening of community assets to lift up the sexual health and well being of Black women. OOOT is highlighting our mutual abilities to deliver innovative solutions and make a lasting investment in prevention.

We’ve teamed up with legendary actress Keshia Knight Pulliam for a PSA urging you to Own Your Ish when it comes to your sexual health!

87%
of Black women living with HIV contracted HIV through heterosexual contact
51%
of HIV diagnoses were among African American Transgender women in 2014.
KESHIA video

Resources & Tools

OOOT Video PHAB cast episode 1
PhabCast Episode 1 Teaser 3
PhabCast Episode 1 Teaser 2

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RP @keishastephney We love the transparency! And yes, it is OK to not be OK sometimes. 💜💜💜

Breast Reconstruction Day (can you believe there is such a thing) is a reminder that a mastectomy is not a “boob” job. It is a traumatic experience that many of us may never get over. It’s a constant reminder how your world changed the moment you heard the words “you have breast cancer”.

Let this be your reminder to feel your boobs and feel them often.

To all my breasties that are navigating through survivorship, it’s ok to not be ok sometimes. Just don’t stay there.

Remember, while we may look different on the outside, nothing can take away the love we have for ourselves on the inside.

Keep Thriving💕
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#nationalbreastreconstructionawareness
#breastcancerawareness
#breastcancerawarenessmonth
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HIV continues to disproportionately affect Black women, yet the messaging around prevention, like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), often overlooks us. We deserve to see ourselves represented in the conversation, because our health matters. PrEP is an important tool for HIV prevention, and Black women need access to accurate information, resources, and support. BWHI is working to ensure that Black women are aware of PrEP and how it can protect their health. We have to take control of our health and demand inclusion in the fight against HIV.

To Learn more about PrEP and maintaining your sexual health, visit iamhivpossible.org (Link in our bio)

#BlackWomenAndHIV #PrEPforBlackWomen #HIVPrevention #OurHealthOurPower
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📢 Let’s make history together!! Join us for the Power in the Pause Virtual Watch Party on October 20 at 4 PM ET. Call your family call your girlfriends you don’t wanna miss this!!!!

📢 We’re aiming for the largest viewing ever on this important topic, with Black women leading empowering conversations about perimenopause and menopause.

📢 Don’t miss out on exciting prizes and giveaways—winners will be randomly selected from attendees who engage in the live stream’s comment section! Comment “Power” to get the link to register for FREE!

This event was made possible with sponsorship from Astellas

#powerinthepause #bwhi #blackwomenshealth #menopause #perimenopause #menopauseawarenessmonth
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RP : @tamsenfadal sat down with comedian @sheriamattiscomedy to have an open conversation about her experience with a hysterectomy that resulted in medically-induced menopause.

Hysterectomies can have a profound impact on Black women—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s not just a surgery; it’s a journey that many of our sisters face, and it’s important to acknowledge the toll it can take on our health and well-being. From hormonal changes to the mental weight of losing a part of ourselves, it’s critical that we have support and resources to navigate this experience.

Check out @themfactorfilm , premiering tomorrow on PBS

#BlackWomensHealth #HysterectomyAwareness #HealingJourney #SistersSupportingSisters #BWHI #TheImperative
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Sometimes, you just gotta cocoon!🦋

It’s a journey that takes so much energy—mentally, emotionally, and physically. And sometimes, that means stepping back to focus on YOU so you can make it to the other side. We all need to understand that space is necessary for healing. Thank you, @imanandalewis, for sharing your story and reminding us how to support our loved ones. 💖

RP @cnn

#CancerJourney #HealingJourney #BlackWomensHealth #SupportOurSisters #RestAndRecover #Wellness
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Let’s make history together again!

Join us for the largest virtual gathering of Black women discussing menopause. Watch our Power In The Pause event online on October 20 at 4 PM EST.

This virtual event follows our unforgettable in-person gathering on September 29 in Atlanta, which was the largest-ever discussion on menopause among Black women. This dynamic group of health and wellness experts offers guidance on navigating perimenopause and menopause with confidence and grace.

The event features our president
@lindagblount renowned menopause subject matter expert and author of Generation M @jessicashepherdmd

We partnered with @drstephanieyomo of @menopauseincolor

And the event was co hosted by our very own @paula_bwhi and @mariamore

So much great information for our amazing panelists @soyinihawkinsmd @dr_ayanna_a @healthy_swag, and Sharon E. Hawks

Click the link in our bio to RSVP.

**This event was made possible with sponsorship from Astellas
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We honor #IndigenousPeoplesDay 🍃Today, we invite everyone to immerse themselves in stories told by and about our Indigenous people. Here are some compelling films you can watch:

🎥 “Young Lakota” - Journey with three young Lakota individuals on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation as they navigate identity and the fight for reproductive rights.

🎥 “Reel Injun” - Directed by Neil Diamond, this documentary dissects Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans, shedding light on the impact of stereotypes on Indigenous identity.

🎥 “Dawnland” - This film showcases the story of the state of Maine’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, focusing on the forced separation of Native American children from their families.

🎥 “Warrior Women” - Meet Lakota activist Madonna Thunder Hawk as she champions Indigenous rights through her powerful activism.
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Aging is a blessing, not a curse! 🌸 Sanaa Lathan’s mom shares her top tips on healthy aging, reminding us that it’s okay to embrace every stage of life with grace and care, even at 76!

Prioritize your health, nourish your mind and body, and remember—aging is beautiful! 💜

Rp @sanaalathan
#HealthyAging #BlackWomenAging #SelfCare #EmbraceYourJourney #bwhi
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Huge thank you to @theGrio for featuring BWHI in their "10 African American Nonprofits You Should Know" article! 🙌🏾 We are honored to be recognized alongside so many incredible organizations making a difference in our communities. Together, we’re continuing the fight for better health outcomes for Black women! 💪🏾

It is easy to support our organization visit our website and make a contribution at bwhi.org/donate

You can also create a fundraiser right here on Instagram.

#BWHI #BlackWomensHealth #TheGrio #NonprofitLeaders #OurHealthOurPower
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Felt!!!

Actual footage of us all after we get up from the stylist chair lil sis! We love to see a little queen excited about her natural hair!! 🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾💜

RP @jalisse_roberts

#loveyourcrown #blkwomenshealth #blackwomenshealth #theimperative #bwhi
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Today is International Day of the Girl, and we’re celebrating the power, strength, and brilliance of Black girls everywhere! 💫 You are magic, you are powerful, and you are the future. We see you, we love you, and we are here to lift you up as you rise higher, dream bigger, and break every barrier. Keep shining, sis! #InternationalDayOfTheGirl #BlackGirlMagic #BWHI #BlkWomensHealth #TheImperative ...

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✨ Los Angeles Here We Come✨

The Black Women's Health Imperative, Black Women for Wellness LA, and the California Black Women's Health Project invite you to a screening of our award-winning documentary, Me Period! 🎬

Get ready for a groundbreaking documentary that celebrates the beauty, struggles, and triumphs of puberty and health discovery. Featuring Tabitha Brown, Sheryl Lee Ralph, their daughters, and everyday families, the screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Sonya Young Aadam, CEO of CABWHP, with the film's director, @captcunningham, and @enviablezsanai, Director of Reproductive Justice Initiatives at BWHI. Whether you’re a mother, daughter, partner, caregiver, or simply someone who cares about the health and wellness of our community, this is a powerful intergenerational conversation you don’t want to miss.

🎥 Date: October 25th, 7 PM
📍 Location: Miracle Theater, Inglewood
👩🏽‍💻 Must RSVP to attend – Free event with limited seating ( 🔗 in our bio)
#MePeriod
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“Buildings were built to be strong, not humans” 😮‍💨😮‍💨

@tarajiphenson mental health journey is so relatable for so many of us Black women. We didn’t always grow up learning how to take care of our mental health in healthy ways. A lot of us learned to be “strong”. Her story reminds us that it’s never too late to prioritize our well-being and the importance of black therapists! 💜

#BlackWomenAndMentalHealth #worldmentalhealthday #Bwhi #BlkWomensHealth
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Thank you to @alex_elle for reminding us that it’s okay to take care of ourselves. Sis, on this #WorldMentalHealthDay, let’s normalize rest, self-care, and getting the support we need. We are not superwomen—we’re human. You deserve peace, healing, and love.

If you or someone you know needs support, check out these resources: @theblackfullness✨ @therapyforblackgirls ✨ @blackwomenstherapy ✨ @blackmentalwellness

Let’s lift each other up and prioritize our mental health, because our wellness is our power. #BlackWomenHealing #MentalHealthMatters #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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Congratulations to @NicholeBerlie on 1 year cancer free! 🎉

Your courage and transparency in sharing your journey will inspire so many Black women to take charge of their health and prioritize screenings. Thank you for sharing your strength and encouraging others to do the same. 💪🏾🩷 #CancerFree #BlackWomenHealth #BWHI
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We love this! Labor and Delivery nurse @jayuanna.lenee who keeps a bead for every baby she delivers—boys, girls, and even babies born sleeping. It’s this kind of care that Black mamas need, someone who honors every life and supports every journey. 💙🩷💛 #BlackMamasMatter #CompassionInCare #HonoringEveryLife ...

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Did you know that Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer?

The disparities in care and access to early detection are real, but we can work to lower our risk by staying informed, advocating for ourselves, and prioritizing regular screenings.
Click the link in our bio to learn more about Metastatic Breast Cancer and what we can do to lower our risk 💗 #BreastCancerAwareness #HealthEquity #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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Today, we honor and remember the legendary Cissy Houston—her voice, and her impact on music will forever live on. A true powerhouse, Cissy's legacy goes beyond her incredible voice; she paved the way for generations of Black women in music including her daughter Whitney Houston. 💜 #CissyHouston #LegacyLivesOn #BlackMusicExcellence ...

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