By Niele Anderson, BPUSA Contributor
Multimedia Journalist / Culture Curator
Black women are disproportionately impacted by healthcare due to systemic inequities, resulting in higher maternal mortality rates, disparities in accessing care, and negative experiences with providers.
This is why the California-based Black Women for Wellness Action Project (BWWAP) exists. The organization’s commitment to understanding and elevating the health needs of Black women has earned it a reputation as a policy expert in California.
Each year, they sponsor several pieces of state legislation and collaborate with activists and elected allies to secure the passage of these bills into law. They hold elected leaders accountable for addressing the health needs of Black women while also advocating for equity and representation.
The organization’s website states, “Systemic racism and sexism have deep roots, showing up in the policies that influence Black women’s health. BWWAP challenges these systems of oppression by shifting the power dynamics that routinely disadvantage women and Black people.”
BWWAP’s goal is simple, to use policy, electoral advocacy, and the power of narrative to reimagine a just new future where Black women and girls thrive.
This is why BWWAP supports California Governor Gavin Newsom’s endorsement of ‘yes’ on Prop 50. The proposition is a response to what the state claims is Donald Trump and Texas Republicans’ attempt at an unprecedented power grab to steal congressional seats and rig the 2026 election before voting even begins.
“California is acting in a moment of urgency,” according to BWWAP leadership. “A time when the rules of engagement have changed and our court systems are compromised by lawsuits that should never have been our only recourse. The United States is in a moment where the federal government is being dismantled from public health, education, and justice departments to experienced public servants being sidelined in favor of loyalists to a person who has not earned that loyalty.”
Prop 50 proposes new lines for many of California’s 52 congressional districts, which would negate the five Republican seats drawn by Texas. Democrats could gain up to five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives under the proposed lines. With a majority in the House, Democrats can effectively oppose Trump and the MAGA agenda of the Republicans.
The current government shutdown is a direct result of Donald Trump and the Republican-led Congress. A major reason for the shutdown is the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Republicans aim to dismantle it, and Democrats seek to preserve what many affectionately call Obamacare.
The ACA is former President Obama’s historic legislation, and it helps Black women by expanding insurance coverage, increasing access to no-cost preventive services, and protecting against pre-existing conditions.
It has led to a significant decrease in the uninsured rate for Black women, a reduction in cost-related barriers to care, and improved access to essential services like cancer screenings and contraception. Between 2010 and 2014, the uninsured rate for Black women dropped by 36 percent.
This is why BWWAP says yes on Prop 50. Over the weekend, the organization is intensifying its efforts to educate and engage voters to ensure that California is fully informed about the measure and has a voting plan for Nov 4.
