We, As Ourselves is a collaborative campaign led by ‘me too’ International, the National Women’s Law Center, and the TIME’S UP Foundation to change the conversation about sexual violence and its impact on Black communities. The organizations are working together to create spaces where Black survivors can safely share their stories and experiences, upend behaviors and cultural narratives that harm and silence Black survivors, and build new practices where Black survivors are believed, heard, and supported.
We acknowledge that Black survivors have been and continue to lead the fight against sexual violence, yet their experiences and roles in the movement to end sexual violence have been ignored – from Rosa Parks’ groundbreaking investigations into sexual assault cases, to Eleanor Holmes Norton’s leadership as the first woman chair of the EEOC, to Tarana Burke declaring “me too” over 10 years ago. We acknowledge the cycle of stereotypical, biased, racist, and sexist narratives that perpetuate violence in Black communities, as well as the need to engage and be accountable.
Many factors leave Black survivors unprotected and vulnerable to sexual violence, including norms and narratives shaped by historical and systemic barriers. We can help change that by allowing black survivors to tell their stories, naming and calling out racism, sexism, and other isms, and standing up with and for Black survivors. Factually,
- Nearly 1 in 5 Black women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime
- Black women who report crimes of sexual assault or violence are less likely to be believed
- For every Black woman who reports rape through formal channels, at least 15 do not report
You can watch A Love Letter to Black Survivors, share these social media graphics, join an Instagram live discussion with ‘me too’ on Friday at 6 P.M. EST about how we can take the next step in showing up for Black Survivors, and learn more here!
