Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies

08/29/2026

From Katrina to Melissa

Today, we pause to remember Hurricane Katrina and the lives forever changed by the storm and its aftermath. We honor those we lost, those who continue to carry its impact, and the community members, advocates, and leaders who championed a human-centered recovery. Twenty-one years later, the lessons of Katrina continue to be crucial as they shape how we respond to climate disasters in the present day. Through our campaign, we’re carrying those lessons forward as we support communities on the ground in Jamaica as they continue to recover from Hurricane Melissa. One of the ways we’re doing that is by launching a NEW PODCAST this Fall that combines memories and reflections from Katrina and the ongoing recovery 20 years later with memories and reflections from Melissa less than a year after impact. Stay tuned for previews of the new project, and make sure you’re subscribed to our “Healing Is The Revolution” podcast (available on all platforms) so you don’t miss an episode!

Learn more about RISE UP at riseupja.com and follow Rise Up, Jamaica to stay connected and follow along with the work.

RiseUpJamaica

07/24/2026

As with the Shades of Blue Project comes to a close, we're reminded that awareness must lead to action. That's why today we're flashing back to this year's , held on April 15, where we joined The Amandla Group, LLC, MamaPlus , Birthmark Doula Collective , and other advocates from across Louisiana to champion policies that support Black mothers, their mental health, and their families. 💜 This video highlights one of the bills we advocated for, SB157, which provides 6 weeks of paid parental leave for Louisiana educators. Paid parental leave has been shown to improve maternal mental health by reducing the risk of postpartum depression while strengthening parent-child bonding and family well-being, so we're very excited to celebrate the fact that it was signed into law on June 2, 2026! 🎉
This is a victory worth celebrating, but the work is not done. If you know of other states or cities that have made policy changes to address maternal mental health, share them here, we want to learn from y'all. In the meantime, we'll keep advocating until every Black birthing family has the support they deserve. ✊🏾🖤

07/22/2026

In solidarity with Black Maternal Mental Health Week, today, July 22, we're recognizing the inaugural International Day of Rest, Repair & Resistance created by the Shades Of Blue Project This day is a call to pause, reflect, heal, and take action in support of Black mothers, birthing people, families, and communities, reminding us we shouldn't see rest as a luxury, rather an essential part of healing, wellness, and collective care. 🌿

To join the movement, participate in the 22-minute pause this afternoon at 1:30 EST in honor of . Use this time to rest, reconnect, reflect, and acknowledge the work still needed to create a world where Black mothers and birthing people are fully supported. Stay connected with Shades of Blue Project to learn more about .

07/22/2026

07/22/2026

07/19/2026

What began as a heartfelt conversation between a daughter and her mother has grown into —a movement dedicated to raising awareness, centering Black mothers and birthing people, and pushing for the changes our communities deserve. In this powerful video, Shades of Blue Project founder Kay Matthews shares why she created Black Maternal Mental Health Week: to ensure that conversations around maternal mental health don't end after a single campaign, but continue until every mother receives the care, support, and dignity she deserves. Her hope is that one day we won't need a week dedicated to this issue. Until then, the work continues.

We invite you to follow Shades Of Blue Project to learn more about their mission, access resources, and help amplify the conversation around Black maternal mental health.
💬 What are some ways we can better support Black mothers and birthing people in our own communities?

07/15/2026

📚 If you entered our recent book giveaway, you'll already know the name Ocean Vuong, as we gave away their novel "On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous." New Orleans, here's your chance to experience the author in person! Tomorrow, Thursday, July 16, join Baldwin and Company for an evening with Ocean Vuong and E.M. Tran as they explore family, memory, identity, survival, and the stories that shape who we are.
📍 Dillard University
🗓️ Thursday, July 16
🕕 6:00 PM
🎟️ Visit Baldwin and Company's website or the following link to reserve your seat: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ocean-vuong-and-em-tran-hosted-by-baldwin-co-tickets-1988943424323?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Tag a friend you'd bring to this conversation. 💙📖

06/30/2026

We are closing out this month with a brief history lesson from First Stop News . 🌈✨

While Pride is often celebrated with parades, festivals, and joyful expressions of identity, it's important to remember that its roots are staunchly in protest. Pride began as a movement demanding dignity, safety, and equal rights for LGBTQIA+ folx, and that work continues today. Pride may technically only last a month, but in reality it is a year-round commitment to creating communities where everyone can live authentically, access the care and support they need, and be treated with respect and humanity.

Thank you for celebrating with us this month, and remember, the history, the joy, and the work continue all year long! 💜🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

06/26/2026

🌈✨ This weekend, join ***ryouth.nola for a youth-curated and youth-designed gallery experience celebrating the creativity, joy, and brilliance of New Orleans’ young q***r and trans community! 💛

Come enjoy an evening filled with art, food, connection, and good vibes at the gallery opening hosted at the Tigermen Den (3113 Royal St). Dress up, show up, and celebrate with community! 🎨🫶

TQY NOLA is also fundraising for their Safer Housing Program, which supports q***r and trans youth in need of safe and affirming spaces. 🏳️‍🌈 Visit their profile to learn more and enter their raffle—entries are open until June 30th! 🎟️

06/25/2026

🏀🌈 As Pride continues, we're happy to see how Dwyane Wade continues to show up and advocate for transgender youth and their families. As executive producer of The Dads, a documentary following fathers of transgender and gender-expansive children, Wade is using his platform to encourage parents to find community, support one another, and lead with love. 💙

“The only thing that matters is your kids. The only thing that matters is the love of your kids,” Wade shared at the film’s SXSW premiere.

Through the beauty of narrative, Wade continues to speak out against efforts to erase or devalue transgender youth (and their supportive families!), reminding us that acceptance, affirmation, and unconditional love can make a lasting impact. ✨Visit this link to learn more about this amazing film: https://parade.com/news/dwyane-wades-new-film-urges-dads-of-trans-kids-find-community-and-support-each-other

🌈 Share this post, support trans voices, and help create communities where everyone feels seen and valued. 💛