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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
YWCA METROPOLITAN CHICAGO HOSTS SCREENING OF THE JANES WITH UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
WHEREAS, founded in 1876, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is a social enterprise committed to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. As a leading association among a national network of more than 200 YWCAs, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago impacts tens of thousands of women and families annually through comprehensive human services provided across the region; and
WHEREAS, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is a leader in the areas of sexual violence support, early childhood and childcare provider services, family support, youth STEM programming and economic empowerment. A commitment to racial justice, equity and inclusion is foundational to all YWCA programs and services; and
WHEREAS, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, located in the third-largest American city, serves as a national incubator for innovative programming, outreach and engagement strategies. YWCA Metropolitan Chicago works at both the individual and systems levels to create the truly inclusive marketplace necessary for a diverse and balanced economy. The organization is an active member of many national, state, county and city-level coalitions, advocating for policies that combat racism and positively affect women and families; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Washington’s community activism has spanned for over 45 years in the Chicagoland Area including as the NO texting NO Bullying Campaign Chair, Co-Founded the KEL-LAW Foundation, Inc. - over 25 years of Community Services for the Youth, Human Relations Commissioner - Rainbow Push Coalition for 30 years, Co-Founded The KEL-LAW Foundation, Inc. - over 25 years of Community Services for the Youth, Advocate for Human Trafficking local and worldwide with many organizations; and
WHEREAS, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, located in the third-largest American city, serves as a national incubator for innovative programming, outreach and engagement strategies. YWCA Metropolitan Chicago works at both the individual and systems levels to create the truly inclusive marketplace necessary for a diverse and balanced economy.
WHEREAS, when HBO producers began interviewing members of The Janes, they may not have imagined that by the time the documentary was airing in homes, many Americans would have lost the right to make decisions about their own reproductive health. As the 50th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade approaches, there may be little observance of the milestone given that the decision has been overturned; and
WHEREAS, On Thursday, January 26, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago will host a screening of the documentary The Janes preceded by a panel discussion with Founders. In the pre-Roe v. Wade era -- a time when a pregnant woman could not work yet abortion was a crime in most states and even circulating information about abortion was a felony in Illinois -- the Janes provided low-cost and free abortions to an estimated 11,000 women; and
WHEREAS, using code names, fronts, and safe houses to protect themselves and their work, the accused had built an underground service for women seeking safe, affordable, illegal abortions. They called themselves "Jane."; and
WHEREAS, the Janes offers first-hand accounts from the women at the center of the group, many speaking on the record for the first time. “Reflecting on 50 years of progress and setbacks reminds us of why we are called to recognize the seen and unseen work of those who have advanced reproductive rights and have persevered, unafraid to speak out and challenge authority;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners is proud to spotlight the historic efforts of “the Janes”, and echoes the words of Nicole Robinson, CEO, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago in saying “especially at this critical time in the movement for equity and justice,” it is imperative to raise awareness for Women’s Reproductive Rights. YWCA Metropolitan Chicago presents this event in partnership with Chicago Foundation for Women, University of Chicago's Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality, Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture, Doc Films, and supporter Julia Stasch; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and a suitable copy be presented to YWCA Metropolitan Chicago as a symbol of our respect and esteem.
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