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By Phyllis Bowman Black women are always expected to carry it all, and very seldom do they express verbally what they are experiencing or what they are going through. When we reclaim our narrative, we reclaim our power. We cancel the opportunity of being defined by others’ interpretation of us to define our own situations or circumstances. Throughout history, black women have carried extraordinary stories of courage, perseverance, innovation, and leadership. Yet too often,

Inside CABWCEI’s Where The Stories Continue Summer Reading Series at AC Bilbrew Library On July 25, 47 people walked into the Black Resource Center at AC Bilbrew Library and sat down together around a book. By the time they left, they were carrying something that had nothing to do with the plot. Three things, specifically. We are not alone. We do not have to be the strongest. Time heals all wounds. Those were not themes from It’s Not All Downhill From Here by Terry McMillan,

by Phyllis Bowman “Why Digital Readiness Matters More than Ever” Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It has quietly been part of everyday life for decades, shaping the way people communicate, search for information, work, and make decisions. For Black women professionals, understanding AI is becoming just as important as learning any other professional skill set. While many fear that AI will replace jobs overnight, the reality is more complex. Like ever

A Free Museum Celebrating Black Women and Girls | A.C. Bilbrew Library, Los Angeles A.C. Bilbrew Library, Black Resource Center | Open through September 2026 Giving flowers means honoring someone now. Not when it is convenient. Not eventually. Now, while they can feel it. That spirit lives at the heart of The Museum of Black Women and Girls: The Field of Beauty and Brilliance, now open at the A C Bilbrew Library Black Resource Center in Los Angeles. Created by the California

Honoring the Labor of Black Women: Advancing Economic Justice and Empowerment on Workers' Day Workers' Day serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions and struggles of laborers, particularly Black women, who have historically been at the forefront of labor movements. This article explores the significance of Workers' Day in advocating for economic justice and empowerment for Black women, highlighting their vital role in shaping labor policies and practices. Readers wil

The reality is that we have been here before. Black women have always understood that the fight for voting rights is not abstract. It is per

How to Find a Black Doula in California: Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Birth Support Finding the right birth support is crucial for a positive birthing experience, especially for Black women who may face unique challenges in maternal health. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process of locating a Black doula in California, ensuring you receive culturally competent care tailored to your needs. You will learn about the essential role of Black doula

Tax Day and Economic Mobility: How Filing Your Taxes Empowers Wealth Building for Black Women Filing taxes is not just a civic duty; it is a crucial step towards economic empowerment, particularly for Black women. Understanding the significance of Tax Day can unlock pathways to financial stability and wealth accumulation. This article explores how filing taxes contributes to economic mobility, the critical tax credits available, and the role of organizations like the Californ

Black Maternal Health Week serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing disparities faced by Black women in California's maternal health landscape. This week highlights the urgent need for advocacy, community support, and resources to address the alarming rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black mothers. Readers will learn about the significant disparities in Black maternal health, the vital role of doulas, and actionable steps to engage in advocacy and support ef

In Honor of Rev. Jesse Jackson 🕊️ "Never look down on anybody unless you're helping them up." These words, spoken by a man who dedicated his life to lifting people communities, movements, and the forgotten live on in the work we do every single day. Rev. Jesse Jackson taught us that true leadership is found in the act of reaching down and pulling someone up with you. At the CA Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute, we carry that lesson forward and we pour it into th

I recently transitioned from the world of federal executive leadership and strategic consulting into a role that feels deeply personal: leading research and programs at the CA Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI) . This move was sparked by a simple, albeit heavy, realization. Having spent years in the rooms where national policy is shaped, I’ve seen firsthand how high-level decisions often fail to reach the very people they are meant to protect. My journe

CA Black Women's Collective welcomes Dr. Rhianna C. Rogers as SVP of Research & Programs

I didn’t set out to build an organization. I set out to build a container, a place sturdy enough to hold the truth of Black women’s lives.

By Kellie Todd Griffin

When Black girls receive support, guidance, and opportunity, their brilliance expands what is possible for all of us. Unfortunately, data from our 2025 State of Black Women in California Report shows that many of our girls are navigating systems where opportunity is unevenly distributed. But in spite of challenges like limited access to advanced coursework and higher rates of family housing and economic instability, they continue to demonstrate exceptional ambition and resil

Black women are an essential part of California’s progress — leading classrooms, businesses, and movements that keep our communities strong. Yet, as the 2025 State of Black Women in California Report makes clear, we continue to face barriers that limit opportunity and threaten well-being. Today, the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute releases this year’s report — the most comprehensive look yet at how Black women are faring across the state. The findin

We've always known that when Black women work, our communities rise. This isn't just a saying; it's a truth woven into the fabric of our history. Yet, recent national trends reveal a disturbing reality. Across the country, Black women are facing disproportionate job losses, pushing them out of the workforce at alarming rates. This isn't a simple economic downturn—it is the result of deep-seated systemic inequities that have always placed an unequal burden on our shoulders. It

Black women have always been the heartbeat of democracy—organizing neighbors, turning out voters, and holding power accountable. In California, that work is unmistakably changing who leads and how policy is made. From statewide constitutional offices to city halls and county government, our votes and our voice are moving the needle—often against the headwinds of under-representation and structural barriers. The wins we can see Two statewide constitutional offices led by Black

This year, more than 300,000 Black women have been laid off or pushed out of the U.S. workforce.

By Dr. Sharon Uche & Kellie Todd Griffin Executive Summary For far too long, Black women have been caught in the crosshairs of race and...