New documentary bridges generational gaps,
fosters vital conversations about Black women's bodies
ATLANTA, July 10,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Women's Health Imperative
(BWHI) announces "Me Period," a documentary highlighting critical
intergenerational discussions on puberty, menstruation, and health
discovery. Highlighting conversations between families of all
types, the film also features insights and stories from actress
Sheryl Lee Ralph and author
Tabitha Brown, alongside their
daughters, Ivy "Coco" Maurice and Choice Brown. Inspired by the
groundbreaking 1987 documentary, "Becoming A Woman," by BWHI
founder Byllye Avery, "Me Period"
explores the stories of families navigating the complexities and
taboos surrounding the menstrual journey.
"Me Period" emerges under the direction of award-winning
director Lisa Cunningham. The film
aims to drive awareness, challenge societal norms, and provide
safety and resources for Black families.
The documentary's executive producer and BWHI President,
Linda Goler Blount, sees this film
as a culmination of her lifelong dedication to advocating for
health equity and promoting the understanding of the unique health
experiences of Black women. "We know, menstruation is a pivotal and
transformative process, but within Black and Brown families,
societal stigma, barriers to care, and harmful messages about our
bodies can hinder our ability to navigate this journey confidently
and effectively," she explains. "This is precisely why 'Me Period'
is crucial—it begins to unpack this long overdue conversation while
also leaving the viewers empowered."
Beyond the first-time period personal stories, "Me Period"
touches on the critical issue of menstrual equity, highlighting the
difficult choices some mothers face between buying menstrual
products, which are considered luxury goods in some states, or
family essentials, and the gut-wrenching stories of assault and
generational trauma.
"Me Period" won the prestigious Audience Award as Best Feature
Documentary at the 2024 Essence Film Festival. It has been accepted
to the Black Girls Rock! Film Fest, and Martha's Vineyard African
American Film Festival. It aims to normalize and embrace the
complex dynamics of discussing bodies, puberty, and menstruation
with the next generation of Black women.
About Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI)
As
the oldest non-profit solely dedicated to the health and wellness
of Black women and girls, BWHI has evolved into a nationally
recognized organization leading in health policy, education,
research, and communications, all designed to improve health
outcomes for Black women.
Visit https://meperiod.info/ to watch the trailer or access the
menstrual health toolkit.
Media Contact:
Joe
Wiggins | joewiggins250@gmail.com
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content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/black-womens-health-imperative-taps-emmy-winners-sheryl-lee-ralph-and-tabitha-brown-to-help-destigmatize-menstruation-in-the-groundbreaking-film-me-period-302192704.html
SOURCE Black Women's Health Imperative