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    We recently saw the explosive argument between rapper Jonathan Lyndale Kirk, (“DaBaby”) and singer Danielle Leigh Curiel (“DaniLeigh”) in real time over social media. DaBaby decided to live stream the incident “for his safety” because he asked DaniLeigh to leave his Charlotte, NC home, but she refused. DaniLeigh had been living with DaBaby for the last three months after the birth of their daughter. According to DaniLeigh, the argument started because she ordered a Plan B Morning After Pill ( to prevent pregnancy) and had it mailed to DaBaby’s residence. DaBaby’s reaction to DaniLeigh ordering a Plan B pill could be considered an attempt to use power and control over DaniLeigh’s health – a form of abuse called reproductive coercion.

    Reproductive coercion is a form of intimate partner abuse. It is a control tactic used to dictate a person’s reproductive options in a relationship. Some examples of reproductive coercion are:
    • destroying contraceptives or hiding them;
    • threats to end the relationship if a partner does not submit to getting pregnant or demands to terminate a pregnancy;
    • engaging in intercourse with someone with a condom on, then secretly removing the condom during intercourse without consent (stealthing); and
    • intentionally putting holes in a condom to try to impregnate someone.

    Pregnant people are particularly vulnerable to intimate partner violence, especially Black women – murder is the main cause of Black Maternal Death. It is important to identify and discuss tactics that are not highly publicized that intentionally isolate victims and make it difficult to leave toxic relationships. Ujima is committed to continuing to advocate for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act 2021 and the complete passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 (Momnibus) to address gender-based violence and its intersection with reproductive health.

    Dear Ujima, Inc. Community,

    As many of you know, the world and our community have been rocked by the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. As information about the outbreak continues to develop, we want to provide you with updates around what we are doing to support the community and our team.

    Precautionary Measure for Our Staff
    In an effort to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, we have implemented our telework policy. Starting Monday, March 16 – Friday, March 27 our entire Ujima staff will be working from home. While no one on our staff has shown symptoms of the virus, our office will be going through a deep clean as a precaution. We are still available to answer any questions, concerns or requests. If you need to contact one of our staff members, please e-mail us at ujimainfo@ujimacommunity.org.

    Ujima, Inc. Outreach and Community Awareness
    Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of the community that we serve. As a national resource center, it is our responsibility to provide some support that may help lessen much of the anxiety we know many of you are feeling around the pandemic and the flood of information being provided.

    The first step is to make sure you are following the guidelines and recommendations set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If you are able to stay home, please do so and remember to practice social distancing when necessary. Continue to wash your hands with soap and warm water when you can and keep your hands away from your face. Lastly, if you are feeling sick, please stay home and contact your doctor for assistance.

    We understand how challenging these times can be for everyone. As new details come available, we ask that you remain aware and continue to follow the recommendations set by our federal agencies and local governments. We will continue to monitor the situation and send updates about Ujima, Inc. when they become available.

    Take care,

    Karma Cottman
    Executive Director, Ujima, Inc.

    Additional Resources
    Ujima, Inc.
    Centers for Disease Control
    National Institute of Health
    World Health Organization
    Do’s and Don’t of Social Distancing

    CHANGE THEIR WORLD. CHANGE YOURS. THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING.

    Change their world. Change yours. This changes everything.