IBWPPI Supports Bahamian Families Affected by Hurricane Dorian

Our hearts are heavy from the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian. IBWPPI is set to do our part by continuing the humanitarian work we began there almost five years ago.
IBWPPI has activated its “IBWPPI Boots on the Ground-Bahamas Hurricane Dorian Response” in partnership with Community2Community (C2C) and the Bahamas Kidney Centre Ltd. We have secured volunteers to assembly care packages with toiletries and to collect boots that are sturdy and safe for walking and working in water.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- DONATE. Give what you can because every little bit helps and will go a long way.
- SPREAD THE WORD . Share the link IBWPPI Hurricane Dorian Relief Response and ask your family, friends, and co-workers to give.
All donations for this effort will go directly to purchasing the items needed and shipping to the Bahamas. We ask that you help with this first round of funding by donating whatever amount you find possible. We will provide updates on our relief efforts via our Facebook page and website.
Additional Resources and Information to Help People Affected by Hurricane Dorian
1) Hotline information: Bahamas National Hotline for Crisis Intervention (1-242-422-2763), operated by the Bahamas Department of Social Services will provide referral to mental health resources upon request.
2) Website for locating loved ones affected by Hurricane Dorian
3) Volunteer forms for professionals in the medical and allied health fields: www.bahamas.gov.bs/health
4) Healthcare Ready is in the Bahamas now supporting medical logistics and is activated in response to Tropical Storm Dorian: www.Healthcareready.org.
IBWPPI’s 2019 Congressional Black Caucus ALC Activities
Thank you to our supporters and members for joining us at the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference for the 11th annual Policy Forum “Black Women Lead: A Global Movement Moment” and our South Africa Embassy Reception and Gala.
Policy Forum
At our annual policy forum, sponsored by US Representative Karen Bass of California’s 37th Congressional District, we discussed critical issues affecting women and girls of the African diaspora. Our riveting panel was moderated by author, international speaker, and political commentator Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever, and featured the Honorable Paula Cox, Former Premiere of Bermuda; RWJBarnabas Health Executive Vice President & Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Michellene Davis; and Attorney/IBWPPI Young Ambassador Cortney Walters. We were also joined by the Consul General of the Bahamas, Honorable Astra Armbrister-Rolle who attended on behalf of First Lady of the Bahamas Mrs. S. Patricia Minnis.


President Perkins joining the Young Ambassadors on stage
Human Trafficking
This year, IBWPPI released our first position paper “ Slavery by Another Name: The Epidemic of Black Female Trafficking Victims in the US and Abroad.” With this paper, we will continue our education efforts and advocacy around human trafficking. We encourage you to read this piece and share how you envision using the information in your work. If you have expertise in human trafficking, please contact us at policy.ibwppi@gmail.com.
South Africa Embassy Reception and Gala
Friends, supporters and colleagues joined us for an evening of excellence at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa, Washington DC. We want to thank our gala special guests: Honorary Goodwill Ambassador Albert Smith Jr., Group Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer of Toyota Motor North America; Honorary Gala Chairperson Cathy Hughes, Founder and Chairperson of Urban One; and Mistress of Ceremonies Marcia Dyson, Founder and CEO, Women’s Global Initiative.
We received a warm welcome and special greetings from Yoliswa Mvebe, Charge d’ Affaires, Embassy of the Republic of South Africa and words of inspiration from Dr. Lula Ballton, Chaplain of IBWPPI. Guests enjoyed memorable performances by Sandra Waller Massenburg, Tammilee Jules and Roger Isaacs.
Special congratulations to our honorees:
Sandra J. Evers-Manly, President and Founder, Black Hollywood Education Resource Center
Queen Anunay, Battalion Chief, Washington DC Fire Department
Kishia Clemencia, Battalion Chief, Washington DC Fire Department
We are most grateful for our sponsors who made this special evening possible.
Presenting Sponsor: Toyota Motor North America
Gold Sponsors: RWJBarnabas Health and Black Hollywood Education Resource Center
Silver Sponsor: Burrell Communications, NEXTGENFUEL, Hightower’s Petroleum Co., and the Honorable Paula A. Cox , Former Premiere of Bermuda
Friends of IBWPPI: Smith Bean & Co., Image Builders Et Cetera, Michael Eric Dyson Legacy, McGhee Williams Osse and Benton Management Group
Media Sponsors: The Washington Informer and Café Mocha Radio






Meet IBWPPI ‘s New Board of Directors
Expanding Our Sister Circle
As we continue to adjust to the new normal, we want IBWPPI to be a home for Black women who want to connect, heal and support one another. Consider gifting yourself with a free membership and joining a network of global Black women. Become a member today by filling out the membership form here.
Why Join IBWPPI?
IBWPPI started 10 years ago in the spirit of global unity and sisterhood. Our mission is to connect and advocate for Black women globally through acts of kindness and public policy. We thank our members and ask that you continue your support of IBWPPI and ask others to join us.