CCBWG Celebrates Co-Chair Kelly on Reproductive Justice Award
The Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls celebrated Co-Chair Robin Kelly (IL-02) and presented her with the second annual Reproductive Justice Champion Award, in recognition of her unwavering commitment to center Black women, girls and gender-expansive people in policy and practice.
The ceremony was hosted in conjunction with In Our Own Voice (IOOV), the only national organization dedicated to advocating for reproductive justice on federal, regional and state levels. Previously, IOOV collaborated with the Caucus on the launch of the 2025 Reproductive Justice Policy Agenda to address the systemic discrimination and oppression that contribute to the reproductive oppression of Black people.
"This work is not about the recognition but the outcome for the mothers and families whose voices are often silenced," said Representative Robin Kelly. "I brought the issue of maternal mortality to Congress and will continue the fight... until health equity is a reality for all."
"Robin Kelly has spent her time in Congress advancing legislation to ensure women across the nation are able to make decisions for themselves and their families, and championing solutions that address the unique experiences and needs of the Black community," said Co-Chairs Clarke (NY-09) and Watson Coleman (NJ-12). "It is her profound commitment that makes her so deserving of recognition today."
"Thank you, Rep. Kelly, for using your seat at the table to give a voice to those who can't be heard," said In Our Own Voice President and CEO Regina Davis Moss. "We're proud to be in this work with you and excited to continue building together."
Representative Kelly currently serves as the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust and as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus. Through her roles, she has worked to establish a grant program under the Department of Health and Human Services to identify, develop, and disseminate best practices to improve maternal health care; and has pushed legislation to expand critical obstetric care, postpartum Medicaid coverage, and the maternal health workforce.