Dear WWAV friends and family,

From September 1st through 7th, the WWAV offices will be closed.

I am making this week a mandatory break for all of our staff to be able to support their mental and emotional health and prepare for the fight that is ahead.

Nothing is normal right now. We lived through the threat of two hurricanes back to back on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. We wake up to daily assaults on Black women and Black trans women nationwide. We have lost more of our brethren to police violence and more of our comrades in the streets to white supremacist terror. And that’s just been the last week.

We cannot be effective in all that is to come if our minds are not well, if our spirits are not well, if our souls are hurting. Part of leadership is knowing when to say no. Now is that time.

I ask that you join me not only in giving love and respect and space to the WWAV staff in the coming week. I also ask that you consider how you can invite in breaks and rest for yourself. You are part of our family, and we need you well, too.

Love and struggle,

Deon