BLACK LIVES MATTER

To be a feminist means to lift up all womxn--regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or creed. Femiscience condemns all forms of racism and discrimination that exist in the United States and around the world. As such, Femiscience stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement and plans to actively work to fight prejudices.

An example of systemic racism can be seen through the vast health care inequities present in the United States. The current COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the Black community, since they have higher rates of chronic illnesses (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity). Furthermore, although Black people comprise roughly 13% of the American population, 9.7% of them do not have health insurance.

To those pre-med students: our future careers are focused on the health and rights of individuals who are not able to help themselves. The rising health inequities in this country are marked by systemic racism and a vicious cycle of poverty that traps millions of Americans (and an alarming amount of Black communities). Poor health and poverty have become a positive feedback loop. History has not been kind to all people, seeing these statistics should make everyone ANGRY and FRUSTRATED. These statistics should IGNITE a desire/need/calling to enact change and be an active member of the Black Lives Matter Movement–whether that is protesting, voting, or donating money.