A 2019 reissue of a ~1990 leaflet from the New York Black Women's Health Project:
"Our Vision: Wellbeing Is Our Birthright. We come together to promote the emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, economic and cultural wellbeing of Black women, our families, and our communities." The Brooklyn-based New York Black Women's Health Project was founded by Gwendolyn Braxton as a chapter of the National Black Women's Health Project, now known as the Black Women's Health Imperative. In 1980 Byllye Avery founded the National Black Women's Health Project "as a way of filling the void in both the mainstream health care system and the feminist health movement regarding the specific needs of African-American women," Braxton explained in a 1991 article excerpted for the contextual leaflet included with this reissue.
The original 8.5 x 14" leaflet, full of ideas, tactics, and strategies and an exquisite poem, is enlarged to 11 x 17" and risograph printed. The NY-BWHP slogan Wellbeing is our Birthright is interpreted as an 11x17 poster, printed letterpress from wood type.
"WELLNESS IS....
Waking up smiling, singing
Energy, enthusiasm, zest
Feeling and acting powerful
Creativity
Lust for living
Being centered
Peace
Dancing
A sense of wonder, questioning, doubting
Eating for life and health
Joyful living
Loving
Being angry at the right people for the right reasons
Knowing what you need
Asking for what you need/want
Knowing the power within
Laughing, crying, screaming, feeling
Hugging, snuggling, touching
Being loud
Being curious, playful, assertive, trusting, outrageous
Being vulnerable, tender, gentle
Being cullud
Appreciating self and others; community building"
Net proceeds are donated to the Black Women's Health Imperative.
published 2019
REGULAR EDITION:
11 x 17" risograph leaflet (white or brown paper)
11 x 17" letterpress from wood type poster
11 x 4.25" contextual info leaflet
The Alder & Frankia Efemmera Reissue project amplifies, graphically reinterprets, and recirculates historic feminist ephemera. What ideas, strategies, and tactics from the past can we borrow to bring forth a feminist future? Wellbeing Is Our Birthright is Alder & Frankia Efemmera Reissue #1.