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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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We’re thrilled to announce the 2023 BWHI Vanguard Award recipients: Pastor @sarahjakesroberts and @thesherylleeralph. 🏆

🎉 Celebrating BWHI’s 40th anniversary, we’re hosting “homecoming”-themed events, empowering women of color on health & wellness. Join us as we honor these phenomenal women!

Sarah Jakes Roberts, a beacon of hope, inspiring countless women to thrive through resilience and transformation.

Sheryl Lee Ralph, an actress, singer, and healthcare advocate, tirelessly championing healthcare equity.

Both exemplify the Vanguard Award spirit, leading the charge in raising awareness of vital Black women’s issues.

Join us in celebrating their dedication and impact! Learn more about our 40th-anniversary events in DC and Los Angeles! 📅 40thhomecoming.bwhi.org.

#Repost: @blackenterprise

#BWHIVanguardAward #40YearsStrong #EmpowerHerHealth #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI40th
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Two #Legends in one pic! #BellHooks and our Founder #ByllyeAvery! ✨

Happy birthday to the late Bell Hooks, an author, theorist, educator, and distinguished professor who’s #legacy will live on forever through her work and in our hearts! 💜

Drop your favorite book and/or moment from the icon below! ⬇️

#BlackWomensHealth #AintIAWoman #Feminism #TheWillToChange #BoneBlack #AllAboutLove #FeminismIsForEverybody #WhereWeStand #KillingRage #TeachingToTransgress #FeministTheory
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Tag your favorite advocates for #BlackWomensHealth! Let’s uplift them in the comments! ⬇️✨

We’re stepping out of BWHI Anniversary Weekend feeling empowered to continue to our mission to improve health outcomes for Black women and girls!

We had so many brilliant minds and beautiful souls join us in celebration of our 40 years of impact! Thank you to all who met us in Atlanta, your presence truly affirmed our mission!

Stay tuned for our official recaps! Next stop, DC 10/13 and LA 10/22! Visit 40thhomecoming.bwhi.org to secure your spot! Link in bio.💜

#Repost Get into these #BlueIvy vibes from last night in Houston via @mstinaknowles

#BWHI40th
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Make peace with all of them. 🌹

#SundayReflection via @emoryhall

#BlackWomensHealth
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BIG energy as we step into our 40th anniversary celebrations in Atlanta today!! 🙌🏾🥳🥁✨🪭

Who’s joining us?! ⬇️

Don’t meet us there, beat us there! Visit 40thhomecoming.bwhi.org for our full agenda and to secure your spot at our Gala! Link in bio!

#Repost @takeyviaa 💜

#BlackWomensHealth #BWHI40th
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📣 Its happening! Meet us in Atlanta TOMORROW as we kick off our 40th Anniversary celebrations! 🙌🏾

You still have time to reserve your tickets to attend our 40th Anniversary Gala! ✨

Join us for an evening of networking with like-minded individuals passionate about #HealthEquity, savor delicious cuisine, dance the night away to live music & DJ, and be part of a historic celebration of Black women’s achievements! 🏆

By attending the gala, you’re not only in for an unforgettable evening but also actively supporting the Black Women’s Health Imperative’s mission to advance health equity and well-being for Black women and girls. Your presence at this event makes a difference!

Purchase tickets at www.40thhomecoming.bwhi.org. Link in bio!

#BWHI40th #BlackWomensHealth
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It is truly amazing what our bodies are capable of! ✨ Having community can make all the difference in healthy lifestyle changes! Love this from @saaerobics! 💜

Looking to kickstart your health journey? Our CYL2 Healthy Lifestyle change program may be the right fit for you have or had #GestationalDiabetes when you were pregnant and if you’ve already been told you have #Prediabetes. This FREE virtual program comes with a community of likeminded women and a High-Touch coach. Visit bwhi.org/cyl2 to apply. Link in bio!

#BlackWomensHealth #BWHIcyl2
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Black women deserve better. Let’s support the policies that reflect that. 🗳️

Today is #VoterRegistrationDay. Use vote.gov to vote in federal, state, and local elections. Register to vote via link in bio.

#Vote #BlackWomensHealth #HealthEquity #ReproductiveJustice #EconomicSecruity
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Rip her out the plastic!! 😍🏆

Sha’Carri rocked her natural hair for her final race of the track & field season and baby we LOVE TO SEE IT! 🙌🏾

Who’s on their natural hair journey? Tap in with us in the comments! ⬇️

#ShaCarriRichardson #SummerOfTheBlackGirl #BlackGirlMagic #Natural #Olympics #WorldChampion
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We’re definitely sharing these VIBES with @daniebb3 as we step into our 40th Anniversary week!!! 🤩

We can’t wait to see you all in Atlanta this FRIDAY 9/22! But, before you reserve your spot for the State of Black Women Symposium and grab your tickets to our Awards and Dinner celebration, help us wish @daniebb3 a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 🥳

Pull up with this energy and this energy only! ✨ Link in bio!

#BlackWomensHealth #BWHI40th
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Happy Monday! ✨

Friend, she was talking to you. 🤨😘

Your #MondayMotivation to REST courtesy of @fleurdelisspeaks 💜

#BlackWomensHealth #MentalHealth #HealthisWealth
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Come celebrate 40 years of BWHI with us, as we commemorate four decades of unwavering commitment to the health and vitality of Black women. 🎉

We’re hosting homecoming events in cities across the US, starting with Atlanta on Sept 22. We will continue the celebration in DC on 10/13, and in LA 10/20!

ATLANTA Secure your spot to join us on 9/22 for the State of Black Women Symposium and purchase tickets to attend our exclusive Awards and Dinner celebration: 40thhomecoming.bwhi.org - Link in bio!

#BlkWomensHealth #BWHI40
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Join Us for a Night of Celebration! ✨

Let’s commemorate four decades of empowerment, advocacy, and progress. This event will serve as a true celebration of Black women, their achievements and contributions, and a reflection on the continued work needed to improve the health outcomes of Black women. Experience an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration and camaraderie.

🗓️ Date: September 22, 2023
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
📍 Venue: Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA

🎟️ Purchase your ticket at 40thhomecoming.bwhi.org - Link in bio!

#BWHI40th #BWHI40thAnniversary #BlackWomensHealth
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