One month after an arson attack destroyed the WWAV office, there has still be no investigation.  This crime was targeted: our women’s health models were stacked and burned, our reproductive justice posters were selectively singed throughout the office, the awards we received for our internationally recognized advocacy work were pulled from the office walls and tossed into the alley two stories below.  This was an act of violence against a black women-run organization.  And while we are worried about our own safety, we also fear for the safety of our community.  There are just so many unknowns…  Were we targeted because we are women?  Were we targeted because of our advocacy work?
Moving forward, it is important for us to know who committed this attack and why.  But it is also important for us to be in a new home as soon as possible, so that our women might begin to know some semblance of safety again.  On both of these points, we need assistance.
On June 27th, WWAV’s Executive Director, Deon Haywood made a special presentation before the New Orleans City Council Criminal Justice Committee.  Her testimony was both a plea for help and a call to action.  Please click on the video below to listen…