NYAAF Executive Director: “Things can and will get better—even if (like the Knicks) it takes 53 more years.”
Dear Friend,
This June feels absolutely electric in New York. The Knicks won their first championship in 53 years, beating the odds and proving the skeptics wrong. The World Cup has showcased the beautiful diversity of this city, country, and world. Pride Month has been a non-stop celebration, rooted in radical acceptance and love. And Juneteenth commemorated the ongoing struggle for liberation while centering unapologetic Black joy.
… And okay, one more time, how ‘bout those Knicks!? 🧡💙
I’ve been consumed with so much excitement that I almost forgot: today is the four year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v Wade. Four years ago, we felt a very different energy across the city, state, and country. But this year, for fear of sounding cheesy, I can’t escape all the good—the camaraderie, the sense of community, and the belief that things can and will get better—even if (like the Knicks) it takes 53 more years.
NYAAF’s work is rooted in the belief that better is possible and that community is sacred, and this conviction has only grown stronger in the four years without Roe.Since the Dobbs decision, NYAAF has pledged more than $7.7 million in direct abortion funding, and supported nearly 12,000 abortion seekers from 41 states and US territories, as well as 26 countries. Despite everything thrown at us, we’re proud to have shown up in force for New Yorkers and beyond.
As more years pass without Roe, the Dobbs anniversary may start to feel less significant, and other events—good and bad—may demand your attention. I still hope June 24 serves as a reminder that despite all the terrible things in the world, NYAAF is doing all we can to provide direct and urgent care to folks today, while building toward a better, more liberatory world tomorrow.
This Dobbs anniversary, even in the face of so much tragedy, I’m allowing myself to jump into the crowd (literally and figuratively) and choose unrelenting joy. I hope you will let yourself choose the same.
With love and solidarity,
Chelsea Williams-Diggs
Executive Director
Abortion is ours, forever.