Weitz Fellow Voices: Grace at IBBG

This is a guest blog written by one of our Weitz Fellows, Grace Bassekle. This blog is estimated to take 3 minutes to read.

Hello! My name is Grace Bassekle, and I am a Weitz Fellow at IBBG. IBBG is an Omaha-based reproductive justice organization that centers Black women, femmes, and girls. As a collective action nonprofit, the organization produces knowledge through initiatives like the Maternal Health Initiative, while also developing community-centered programming such as the Doula Passage Program, which prepares participants to become doulas.

Throughout my fellowship, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of reproductive justice as a holistic framework, beyond reproductive rights. By examining structural inequities and emphasizing social justice and collective action, it shows how race, class, and environment influence individual autonomy. Centering Black women—who face the worst maternal health outcomes in the US—reflects a targeted universalism approach by john a. powell, working toward common goals while recognizing that different communities face different challenges.

One of my primary projects has been supporting and strengthening the Beloved Volunteers program. Inspired by bell hooks’ concept of the “beloved community,” this program aims to bring community members together to support and strengthen our work. Early in my fellowship, I had the opportunity to support a community baby shower held in October. It was a meaningful experience to gather in celebration of Black birthing people, creating a space where they could feel recognized and honored during their pregnancies. We also hosted a volunteer appreciation event in December at SET The Bar, a women-owned sports bar in Omaha. This event provided an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the individuals who dedicate their time and energy to advancing IBBG’s mission.

I have also gained valuable insight into participatory grantmaking through my work with the BLAC Fund: Building Local Alignment and Community. This model centers the voices of those most impacted by inequities, involving them directly in funding decisions. The BLAC Fund operates as a community-led grantmaking process, where decisions are made at the local level and move upward. Observing this process has highlighted the importance of organizations building trust within communities when making community-based investments, so those closest to the problems can help shape the solutions.

In addition, I helped coordinate a photoshoot, assisted in organizing a fall fundraiser, and supported a candidate forum in the spring. These experiences offered insight into the role of community outreach and engagement in shaping policy agendas and amplifying Black voices and leadership.

Located in North Omaha, the Anarcha Center serves as a gathering space intentionally designed to support community members as they pursue their own projects and initiatives. During weekly office hours, I help welcome visitors into the space, where many express appreciation and curiosity about the work being done. The center provides a place for Black community members to gather, access resources, and build toward their own goals.

The Anarcha Center is named after Anarcha Westcott to honor her contributions to the development of gynecology, with practices that are still used today. At IBBG, Anarcha, alongside Lucy and Betsy, symbolizes the rejection of bodily autonomy that Black women experience concerning their reproductive rights. We honor them through the creation of a third space as we strive for reproductive justice, prioritizing Black women who have the worst maternal health outcomes.

As a fellow, I have immersed myself in the language and practice of reproductive justice while building meaningful relationships with community members. It has been incredibly meaningful to be part of a space that centers the lived experiences of Black women and fosters both personal and collective growth. I am deeply grateful to the Weitz Family Foundation for this opportunity, and I appreciate the guidance and support of my supervisor, JaLisa Sanford, throughout this experience.