2 Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK: J AMAICAN WOMEN in the diaspora have expressed shock at a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion which could end the constitutional right to an abortion in about half of American states. The Supreme Court ruling was due to be released in summer, with many Americans anticipating that it would have reversed the landmark Roe vWade ruling made in 1973 making abortions legal across the country. But the leak of the draft opinion on Monday sent ripples across the globe. CongresswomanYvette Clarke, who is of Jamaican heritage, said that the leaked draft amounts to an all-out assault on women’s reproductive rights and freedoms. “ ... It is a political act by an extreme and hostile Supreme Court. Fifty years ago, it was established that every woman has the right to the control of her body, a right that already existed for every man. And yet, here we are again, facing another egregious wrong with this draft opinion from Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr, seeking to make an argument for stripping away women’s reproductive rights,” she said. “ ... It’s clear [that] we must strengthen our resolve to fiercely protect every woman’s right to choose their healthcare andmake reproductive decisions.” The congresswoman said it is critical that Congress ends the filibuster and make the Women’s Health Protection Act law. The Reverend Dr Karen R. Green, a Democratic candidate for the 7th Shock, outrage over leaked J’can women in US reject move as ‘political act by an extreme and hostile Supreme Court’’ CLARKE Abortion rights activist protest outside of the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday, May 3, 2022 inWashington. A draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court could be poised to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion nationwide, according to a Politico report releasedMonday. Whatever the outcome, the Politico report represents an extremely rare breach of the court’s secretivedeliberationprocess, andona caseof surpassing importance. (MICHELLE PEMBERTON/THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR VIA AP) NEW YORK: NEW YORK City mayor Eric Adams has announced a $5 million commitment to the New York City Racial Justice Commission (RJC) to educate New Yorkers about the three ballot proposals they will see during the November general election. RJC outreach plans prioritise equity, accessibility, and language justice while making a special effort to reach groups protected by the Voting Rights Act. “EQUITY and justice go hand in hand and are key to building a prosperous city that serves all NewYorkers. And while our city has come a long way, we have more work to do,” said mayor Adams. “I am proud to support the Racial Justice Commission’s efforts to ensure NewYorkers can fully participate in our democracy with full transparency. These three ballot initiatives intend to place racial equity at the heart of New York City government.” “After hearing from BIPOC New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs about the persistent racial injustices and disparities they face as they pursue opportunities and a better way of life, the Racial Justice Commission developed three ballot measures to begin the work of both preventing and reducing such inequities as we recover from COVID and move forward as a multicultural city,” said Jennifer Jones Austin, chair, RJC. “With generous funding provided byMayor Adams, the commission will be able to reach and educate New Yorkers about how these measures would begin to dismantle structural racism in our city and ensure equity as a core government f unc t i on and responsibility.” The RJC is seek ing ci tycertified minority and womenowned businesses (M/WBE) for thecontractingsations will have the opportunity to receive funding to support civic education efforts through November 2022. Application details will be available soon and interested organisations can sign up to receive updates online. New Yorkers are encouraged to visit the RJC’s website to read more about each proposal and view how each of the questions will appear on the back of New Yorkers’ballots as well as findmore details about the legislative changes that would go into effect if the proposals are adopted. NYC mayor pledges $5m commitment for voter education initiative New York City Mayor Eric Adams. AP THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MAY 5 - 31, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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