Love for Cessilye ❤️

I’m asking our community to show up for someone who has spent years showing up for us. My friend Cessilye is one of those people whose work has reached much farther than she probably realizes. She has been a pioneer, leader, educator, advocate, and fierce voice for reproductive justice, access, and culturally congruent care. She has challenged systems, opened doors, educated communities, shifted perceptions, and helped make space for people of the Global Majority to see themselves, their families, and their traditions reflected in the care they deserve. But behind the work, behind the leadership, behind the strength that so many of us have come to rely on… There is a woman and a mother who needs to be held, too. Cessilye is recently divorced and carrying the financial weight of her household solo. She is caring for her four children while covering food, housing, school uniforms, activities, everyday needs, and everything that comes with keeping a family going. At the same time, she is trying to build and sustain her own business. And if you've ever tried to build something meaningful while also keeping your family afloat, you know how heavy that can be. I know Cessilye as someone who has given so much of herself to others. She has poured knowledge into people. She has advocated when it was difficult. She has created opportunities where there weren't any. She has helped people find their voice. She has stood beside communities that are too often overlooked. And now I believe it is our turn to stand beside her. Not because she is incapable. Not because she needs to be rescued. But because none of us should have to be strong all the time. Community care cannot only be something we talk about when we are doing our work. It has to be something we practice with one another. This is our opportunity to practice reciprocity. If Cessilye's work has ever touched your life… If she has taught you something… If her advocacy has made your work easier… If she has opened a door for you… If she has helped you understand reproductive justice differently… If you have ever benefited from the labor she has given so freely… Please consider giving something back. Give what you can. - $10 - $25 - $50 - A grocery gift card - A meal for her family - Help with school or household needs - Or simply share this with someone who may be able to help. You don't have to give a lot to make a difference. Sometimes community care looks like someone quietly saying, “I've got dinner tonight.” Sometimes it looks like a grocery card. Sometimes it looks like $20 that covers something that would otherwise have to wait. Sometimes it is simply knowing that you are not alone. I want Cessilye to feel that. I want her to know that the years she has spent pouring into our communities have not disappeared into the ether. We saw you. We see you. And we are here. So today, I'm asking us to do more than admire the work. Let's reciprocate it. Let's surround Cessilye and her four children with tangible care, generosity, and love while she moves through this chapter. Because this is what community is supposed to be. When one of us is carrying too much, we don't tell her to be stronger. We help carry it. Let's show up for Cessilye.