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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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✨ Los Angeles, Are you ready!!!✨

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! 🎬 and @iamtabithabrown will be joining us!

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.

Comment "Me Period" so we can send you the link to RSVP for the Screening!
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As more Black children experience early puberty, it’s crucial to break the stigma around body talk and create safe spaces for these conversations.

Join us for the screening of Me Period in LA, where we’ll dive into the realities of early puberty and why it’s so important to support our kids through these changes.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Sonya Young Aadam, CEO of CABWHP, with the film’s director, Lisa Cunningham, and Dr. Zsanai Epps, 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.

👩🏽‍💻 Must RSVP to attend – Free event with limited seating (link in our bio)
#MePeriod
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The White House proposed new rules that would continue building upon the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by expanding coverage of recommended preventive health services, a major step forward for women's health! Under the current rules, insurers are only required to cover one drug per category of contraception, but that’s about to change.

“For the first time ever, women would be able to obtain over-the-counter contraception without a prescription at no additional cost, and health plans would have to cover even more prescribed contraceptives without cost sharing,” - Jennifer Klein, assistant to the president and director of the White House Gender Policy Council.

This could be a huge win for reproductive health and the freedom to choose what works best for you. We’re here for it! 👏🏾
#ReproductiveHealth #OurHealthOurPower #BlkWomensHealth #Bwhi #TheImperative
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Starting in a few minutes!!! Go to the Link in our bio!!

Call your family call your girlfriends you don’t wanna miss this!!!!

Let’s make history together!! Join us for the Power in the Pause Virtual Watch Party tomorrow at 4 PM ET.

📢 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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Happy Birthday to our phenomenal founder, Byllye Y. Avery! For decades, you’ve stood as a champion for hope and healing, fiercely advocating for reproductive justice and boldly fighting for the health of Black women. Your life’s work has been about lifting our voices, creating spaces where we can reclaim our power and driving systemic change. Your tireless dedication to ensuring our wellness, especially in the face of so many challenges, is truly remarkable. Today, we celebrate not just your birthday, but your legacy of love, leadership, and service.

To learn more about Byllye, visit the link in our bio.
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Chronic stress is one of the most dangerous things we face as Black women, and it’s time we take it seriously. The weight of carrying it all—work, family, life—can take a heavy toll on our mental, emotional, and physical health. We have to protect our peace, prioritize rest, and make space for self-care. Eliminating chronic stress isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for our survival and well-being. Take a breath, sis—you deserve it.
RP@lisaangelsmith

#BlackWomenWellness #EliminateStress #OurHealthOurPower #ProtectYourPeace #SelfCareIsEssential #bwhi #BlackWomensHealth #theimperative
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📢 Are you 18-35? We’re hosting virtual Listening Sessions because we want to hear your real experiences with birth control options like the pill. This is your space to share what’s on your mind and help shape the conversation around reproductive health for Black women.

Want in? Just comment “control” to get a message with the link to sign up, or visit the link in our bio. We can’t wait to hear from you! You will only need to participate in one date.

Listening Session Dates (8 PM ET / 5 PM PDT):
October 22
October 24
October 29
#BlackWomensHealth #ThePill #Opill #BirthControl #WNBA
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Call your family call your girlfriends you don’t wanna miss this!!!!

Let’s make history together!! Join us for the Power in the Pause Virtual Watch Party tomorrow at 4 PM ET.

📢 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 @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💕
.
.
.
#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 Talk About Birth Control!

Your reproductive health matters, and access to contraception is key. We’re hosting virtual Listening Sessions because we want to hear your real experiences with birth control options like the pill. This is your space to share what’s on your mind and help shape the conversation around reproductive health for Black women.

Want in? Just comment "control" to get a message with the link to sign up, or visit the link in our bio. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Listening Session Dates (8 PM ET / 5 PM PDT):
October 22
October 24
October 29
#BlackWomensHealth #ThePill #Opill #BirthControl #WNBA
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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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