I remember what it was like to be a young woman before Roe v. Wade. The fear, the issues we would be confronted with if we were to get pregnant, the shame on our families if we did get pregnant, no matter if we had the child out of wedlock or chose to get a back-alley abortion.

There is a joy in one’s race and culture. Not to the exclusion of any other group, but in celebration of all cultures.

Even though our life experiences are very different, we both know from a visceral level how difficult it is to be heard as a woman of color.

In my culture, saying something against what you professed to believe would quickly earn you a dope slap from a grandmother or auntie.