Women of color made it clear that their focus is not always the same as that of white feminists. They asked white feminists to accept the truth of their issues, even when those issues differ from the focus of white feminists.

Some issues of concern were:

Health care:

Advocacy is needed for legislation and insurance company policies that would address the special needs of Asian Pacific women unfamiliar with Western medical options, Latinas who need and want abortions, and people with AIDS, along with legislation that would regulate the tobacco industry, which disproportionately targets communities of color.

Incarceration:

Efforts are being made to raise awareness of drug policies and how they affect women; to protect the civil rights of young lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender detainees; to help women have more access to their children; and to fight the negative effects of the Adoption and Safe Families Act, which has caused many inmates to lose their children altogether.

Sexual identity:

Participants reported that African American communities are becoming more aware of the presence of LGBT people in their midst. Even Louis Farrakhan has expressed interest in having African American gay men participate in the next Million Man March. The beginning of a movement to support LGBT Muslims has begun.

Besides issues of concern, a vision of empowerment emerged at the conference.

Economic power:

One speaker exhorted women of color to use the language of power rather than the language of need. As a large percent of consumers, workers, and business owners, women of color have clout they've barely begun to use.

Political power:

In terms of political action, women of color want to be at the table from the beginning, not as an afterthought. Also, young women, especially women of color, need their own space, not to be organized for. Some intend to infiltrate movements that don't presently include them. Their perception is that certain organizations don't want women of color to bring in too much reality. On another note, as always, it's important to elect women of color to office.

Spiritual power:

Spirituality was a major issue at the conference. The suggestion was made to hold a Women of Faith and Allies conference and/or continue the dialogue between women of faith and agnostic feminists. One speaker observed that the opening ceremony, at which there was a libation and a prayer to divine powers, was a new face of NOW, challenging the long-held impression of women of color that NOW doesn't really include them or focus on their concerns.

The conference concluded with the suggestion that Women of Color and Allies summits be held in every state. To date, New York is the only state that has done so.

For more information about Westchester NOW, e-mail us at info@westchesternow.org!

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