SIMPLY UNMUTED

On February 5, 2026, I once again had the pleasure of hearing artist and community organizer Michelle Browder at GLIDE in San Francisco, CA. It had been two years since I visited her at the Mothers of Gynecology memorial and museum that she created in Montgomery, Alabama, and her message was still loud and clear.  When people discuss the history of modern gynecology, the conversation often centers on medical breakthroughs and scientific advancements. What is rarely discussed with equal weight is the human cost of that progress - specifically, the suffering endured by three enslaved Black women whose bodies were used to build the foundation of modern reproductive medicine.  The Mothers of Gynecology Memorial and Museum stands just six blocks away from the den of horrors where Anarca, Betsey, and Lucy were subjects of Dr. J. Marian Sims’ experiments.  This physical reminder shows us that progress in medicine has too often been built on the exploitation of Blacks, systemic r...

  As millions across the country celebrated Super Bowl LX, another reality unfolded quietly in homes and communities nationwide. While fans gathered around screens and stadiums, many survivors of domestic violence faced heightened risks, isolation, and harm. Major sporting events can amplify stress, alcohol use, and economic pressures, factors that often contribute to increased rates of intimate partner violence. In San Francisco, Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence continues to stand on the front lines, ensuring that survivors, particularly Black women and marginalized communities, have access to safety, advocacy, and healing-centered support. Domestic Violence: A Hidden Crisis Research shows that domestic violence incidents can rise during major sporting events. A peer-reviewed study found that male-on-female violence increases by more than 10% following unexpected NFL losses, especially in states with widespread sports betting. In addition, national data reveals tha...