Greetings friends,

We pray that even in these troubling and trauma-inducing times, that God’s mercies have found you and your loved ones safe, healthy, and as well as can be expected. It is often during times like these that we realize it is only in community that we can find the strength to keep fighting the good fight of faith and doing the work of justice.  We deeply appreciate all the many ways that each of you continues to express your support for WomanPreach! Inc. 

We’ve had quite an extraordinary year!  From our annual Jarena Lee Legacy virtual event in February, “Born Free: Living into the Call” with the incomparable late Bishop Anne Henning Byfield, to our Chole’s Circle hybrid event in April “War Is Never A Good Idea” with wisdom partner, our very own Reverend Gail Song Bantum, to one of our most successful Jarena Lee Preaching Academy’s to date in June of this year!  We have had remarkable turnout and participation.  Still, we hope to reach even more people with our next crucial conversation.  

Each year as World AIDS Day approaches, we are reminded that among the multiple pandemics still impacting humanity, HIV is STILL the silent epidemic!  On Monday, 2 December at 7:00p.m. (EST) the Board of WomanPreach! Inc. will sponsor our final digital conversation for the year – “Lest We Forget: A Collective Call to HIV Awareness and Action”.  More than ever, these turbulent times require authentic prophetic voices that continue to inspire compelling preaching and faithful action. 

According to The National HIV/AIDS Strategy (2022-2025) (NHAS) the following priority populations are STILL disproportionally impacted by HIV:

• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, in particular Black, Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native men

• Black women

• Transgender women

• Youth aged 13–24 years

• People who inject drugs

“The NHAS maintains that focusing efforts on these five priority populations will reduce the HIV-related disparities they experience, which is essential if the nation is to succeed on the path toward ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.”

Our work is far from over!  Especially with the threat of complete elimination of accessible, affordable, comprehensive, safe, and responsible health care for everyone—we cannot be silent.  How can we continue to amplify and not demonize the voices in our communities that seek to help increase awareness, and end stigma and discrimination? What is the type of collective action and strategies that we must engage to treat people living with HIV, reduce disparities, and better coordinate efforts across partnerships to achieve the targets set for ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic completely?  How can we as faith leaders help build trust within the church/community and not ostracize and/or marginalize those in need of support and care?  How do we change our narrative and our preaching about life and living well when far too many are journeying with death itself daily?  Lest we forget…

Our guests will help us remember as they share their experiences and expertise to address many of these critical questions and engage us in critical transformative dialogue. Please register and join us on Monday, 2 December at 7:00p.m. (EST).

It is the WomanPreach Way to prepare prophetic voices so that those who hear the gospel can “imagine and in hands-on ways, strive for a world where everyone’s daily needs are met and where all creation is protected and honored.”  

THIS is who we are. THIS is our work.  Will you join us?

For more information, or if you have any questions or concerns, you can reach WomanPreach! at programs@womanpreach.org.

Rev. Dionne P. Boissière, MDiv

WomanPreach! Inc. Board Chair