BWOPA ONE CALIFORNIA

Greetings!

From Minneapolis to Los Angeles—and from Nigeria to Venezuela—we are witnessing a shared reality: when state power is exercised without accountability or regard for human life, everyday people—women, children, elders, and working families—pay the highest price.

As a Black women–led organization rooted in justice, humanity, and self-determination, BWOPA-CA affirms that safety, dignity, and access to basic necessities are fundamental human rights—not privileges shaped by geography, immigration status, or political expediency.

Read our full statement on global and domestic state violence and humanitarian crisis

That same commitment demands accountability in how power is represented and challenged. Media institutions—especially legacy outlets—play a critical role in shaping public understanding, yet coverage of Black women leaders too often centers appearance, tone, or symbolism rather than leadership, policy, and governance.

From commentary that fixates on Assemblymember Tina McKinnor’s appearance instead of her legislative impact, to narratives that flatten or distort the legacy of former San Francisco Mayor London Breed, these patterns are not incidental. They reflect systemic bias in how authority and credibility are assigned—and they weaken democracy itself.

Read our full statement on media accountability and narrative responsibility

The consequences of dehumanization are not abstract. The violent assault on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during a town hall underscores the urgent need to reject political violence. While policy disagreement is essential to democracy, dissent must always remain lawful and peaceful.

Read our full statement condemning the attack against Congresswoman Ilhan Omar

We are also deeply concerned by the arrests of Black journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort while reporting on a church protest in St. Paul, Minnesota. Journalism is protected by the First Amendment, and a free press is a cornerstone of democracy. No journalist should face arrest, intimidation, or retaliation for doing their job.

BWOPA-CA calls on leaders at every level to denounce political violence, protect those in public service, uphold press freedom, and reaffirm our collective commitment to democratic norms.

All Americans—especially Black women and other women of color in public life—deserve to participate in civic life without fear of harm, intimidation, or erasure.

In Solidarity,

LaNiece Jones

CEO and President | BWOPA ONE California

OUR CALL TO ACTION

Stand in Solidarity with Impacted Communities

• Speak out against state violence and unchecked use of power—locally and globally.
• Support organizations providing humanitarian relief, legal defense, and community care.
• Contact your elected officials and demand accountability, transparency, and humane policy responses.

Demand Media Accountability & Use Your Voice

• Call out media coverage that reduces Black women leaders to optics, personality, or symbolism.
• Write letters, comment, and engage editors and newsrooms when reporting lacks context or fairness.
• Support journalists and outlets that practice responsible, contextual, and ethical reporting.

Defend and Uplift Black Women’s Leadership

• Actively challenge dismissive narratives about Black women in leadership spaces.
• Share, amplify, and defend Black women leaders for their policy impact—not personal framing.
• Ensure Black women leaders are evaluated with the same rigor, context, and respect afforded to others.

Watch, Share and Engage

• Watch, share, and engage with this video as a tool for dialogue and accountability
• Tag media outlets, journalists, and decision-makers.
• Invite others into this conversation—because silence allows distortion to stand.