Pics: Hobby Lobby Protest 7/3/14

Please click here to view more photos from the San Francisco, California location. A special thank you to W.O.R.D, Stop Patriarchy, NOW and all the supporters who attended on Thursday, July 3rd.

Action: Protest the Hobby Lobby Decision & Attacks on Women's Rights!!!

In light of the Burwell v Hobby Lobby decision, we will be joining our commrads at WORD in protest of the attack on women's rights and reproductive freedom!!!

Below are the national locations that will hosts speak-outs during the week of July 3rd thru the 13th, should your area not be listed, reach out to WORD and/or create an event along with other women's organizations for a greater impact. Thank you!!!



Los Angeles, Calif.
Date/Time/Location TBD
Info: la@defendwomensrights.org or 323-394-3611

San Francisco, Calif.
Thurs. July 3, 5:30 p.m.
Powell and Market Sts. (near Cable Car)
Info: sf@defendwomensrights.org or 415-375-9502

Sat. July 5, 10:00 a.m.
Info: ct@defendwomensrights.org or 203-787-8232

Washington D.C. area: Laurel, Maryland
Meet across the parking lot from Hobby Lobby (near Chik-fil-A)
3333 Corridor Marketplace, Laurel, Maryland
We will walk to Hobby Lobby as a group after we assemble
Info: dc@defendwomensrights.org or 240-487-WORD (9673)

Albuquerque, N.M.
Mon. July 7, 4:00 p.m.
Hobby Lobby, 4315 Wyoming Blvd NE
Info: abq@defendwomensrights.org or 505-249-1768

New York City, N.Y.
Date/Time/Location TBD
Info: nyc@defendwomensrights.org or 347-292-WORD (9673)

Seattle, Wash.
Sun. July 13, 5:00 p.m.
Future Hobby Lobby site, Aurora Ave N at N. 130th
Info: seattle@defendwomensrights.org or 206-568-1661

Action: Sign Petition to Drop Charges Against Marissa Alexander!!!

Marissa Alexander is an African American working mother and a survivor of domestic violence. On August 1, 2010, she was attacked by her abusive ex-partner, Rico Gray, just days after giving birth to their child. Trapped in the home, Marissa fired a single warning shot toward the ceiling to protect herself. Now she faces criminal charges, and the State of Florida is trying to imprison her for at least 60 years. Marissa injured no one–she had the right to self-defense and to be free from abuse.

The State of Florida calls Gray the victim, but he is the culprit. Gray had a history of violence against her and other women, both psychological and physical. Gray was under a court order to refrain from further violence against Marissa. The prosecution of Marissa Alexander is taking place under the same laws that allowed George Zimmerman to run free without arrest for nearly a month and a half. Zimmerman, the confessed murderer of 17-year-old African American Trayvon Martin, was charged with second degree murder rather than first degree murder. He was acquitted and set free.

If the Stand Your Ground law used to delay Zimmerman’s arrest were not racist to the core, it would have been used to protect Marissa on the day of the attack. Yet the State of Florida has continued to abuse and prosecute Marissa for nearly four years.

Marissa Alexander’s case is not an isolated one. Women around the country are facing similar conditions. Domestic violence is lethal – approximately one-third of all female murder victims were killed by partners or ex-partners. Since the expansion of mandatory-arrest laws in domestic violence cases, more and more women survivors are being arrested. Approximately 12,000 women have been murdered in the United States alone since 2001 as a result of domestic violence. Marissa’s imprisonment and prosecution are symptoms of these broader problems of sexism and racism against African American women who fight back!!!

With Marissa Alexander's new trial now just months away, it is increasingly urgent to take to the streets demanding that her case be dismissed.

Racist and sexist Duval County State Attorney Angela Corey has moved full speed ahead with Marissa’s prosecution. Marissa was convicted after a bogus trial in which the prosecution mischaracterized the law to influence the jury. Through the growing movement to free her, she won a second trial on appeal. But the State has thrown the book at Marissa, seeking the maximum term of imprisonment—60 years!—for defending her own life and the lives of her children.

Women around the world will not sit silent as Marissa is prosecuted for a second time. Marissa is not guilty of anything, and should not have served one day behind bars. She should not be facing a retrial. She should be free!!!

Sign the petition to Free Marissa Alexander in support of women's rights. Click here to find out where supporters are meeting to speak out and call to action for change Friday, June 20th and Saturday, June 21st!!!

Kesha Johnson-Clark Speaks at SF City Hall

Kesha Johnson-Clark, 34 made public comments/questions at the 4-14-14 Land Use & Economic Development Committee meeting for Late Night Transportation SAFETY concerns...agenda item 3 [140079] Supervisors: Kim, Cohen and Wiener in attendance hearing with the Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Alameda-Contra Consta County Transit District, Transportation Network Companies, the Taxi Industry, the Mayor's Office of Economic and Workforce Development, and the Entertainment Commission, to discuss the city's late night transportation needs and progress towards developing a Late Night Transportation Plan, with specific areas of focus, including ease of access, speed and safety.

Kesha: "Hi and good afternoon to all in attendance, my name is Kesha Johnson-Clark and i'm speaking today as a resident, a working person and one who utilizes public transportation on a regular basis. My comment/question is in regards to safety, what percentage of crimes are captured on public transportation video such as taxi, BART and MUNI...and is there any research to support the correlation between crimes such as robberies, hate crimes, sexual assaults, rapes during late night transportation that would justify having an emergency transportation division option in the city if there isn't one in place already and if so, who is the contact person??? Thank you."

Follow Up: off camera...Dillon Auyoung, SFMTA Manager, Local Government Affairs


Source: Facebook

Action: Sign Petition for FCC to Create "Sexual Violence" Warning for TV Shows!!!

Source: Change.org

The New Logo!!!

In addition to our new floral design, we've officially joined forces with Brown Sugar Promotions LLC and Green Afro Honey to expand our social media campaigns. All business operations will be managed by the development team at Brown Sugar Promotions LLC while our empowerment campaigns will generate through Green Afro Honey. Our mission has grown to include a sexual education series created by our friends at Purple Kiss Dreams Adult Gifts & Pleasure Box. This series explores the recovery process of sexual abuse (specifically female childhood molestation including full vaginal intercourse from ages 6 - 15) which focuses on the emotional and physical connection and the[developed]freedom to engage in consentual, adulthood relationships. There are no victims, only survivors. SisterHood, Inc will remain a separate business entity for all intended purposes.

Love Is Not Abuse...

Love Is Not Abuse is a grassroots coalition focused on educating and preventing teens about the dangers of dating abuse. Check out the 10 Warning Signs of Abuse here and join the coalition today!!!