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But as the high-profile deaths of unarmed black men captured the national attention, the women have fallen out of the spotlight. Rachel Quinn is an assistant professor of comparative cultural studies at the University of Houston. She says this mimics what happened to female activists during the Civil Rights era.
“We have to be asking those questions,” Quinn says. “Where were women, and how were women uniquely impacted?”
Quinn says when people think of high incarceration rates or police brutality, they may not realize that black women are also impacted. That’s why some panelists say it’s important for women to be willing to share their stories. Shekira Dennis is cofounder of the Houston Justice Coalition.
“You know, if you want to be a part of a conversation, be honest,” Dennis says. “Say, ‘you know what, this is what I’ve been dealing with,’ and that doesn’t happen as often. We’re expecting everyone to have this sensitivity and this consciousness to what we go through. However, we have to be willing to give of ourselves as well.”
Panelists say talking about black women’s issues can also provide a space for others within that larger group. Take for example the LGBT community. Tiffany Ross is with Mental Health America. She says they need to be included as well.
“We just can’t forget our trans sisters in these conversations, and we need to bring them to the table and also recognize that they are also going through similar things as black women as well,” Ross says.
Ross says saying ‘black women’s lives matter’ doesn’t detract from the larger movement, but simply introduces new ideas.