About Us

Inspired by the leaders who have shaped our movement, New Voices envisions belongs to a powerful, intersectional network of justice-oriented leaders and organizations, rooted in the human right to control our bodies, sexualities, gender identities and expressions, work, reproduction, ability to form our families on our own timelines, and the ability to do these things in safe, inclusive, accessible environments.

Our work has expanded significantly in our 20 year history, and we look forward to protecting and uplifting Black communities around the tenets of Reproductive Justice for upcoming generations.

New Voices is a Reproductive Justice organization that supports and builds power for and alongside Black women, Black queer folks, and Black marginalized people through leadership development, community care, resourcing, and mutual aid.

New Voices envisions safe, equitable, and joyous communities for all through the liberation of the most marginalized among us. 

As an unapologetically Black and queer organization, New Voices values authenticity, collaboration, community care, and radical disruption.

The spark for New Voices was ignited in 2004 when four Black women, La'Tasha D. Mayes, Bekezela Mguni, Maria Nicole Dautruche, and Lois "Toni" McClendon, gathered women of color and allies from Western Pennsylvania to attend the Women’s March in Washington. From that singular event, New Voices has grown from a grassroots organization to a nonprofit with offices spanning three cities and two states. . In 2023, New Voices’ Co-Founder, La’Tasha D. Mayes accepted the call to serve and is a Pennsylvania State Representative, illustrating the power and influence of Black women and the Reproductive Justice framework. 

Our staff currently work in three cities, Cleveland, Ohio and Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are leaders in their communities armed with a deep knowledge and understanding of Reproductive Justice. Our organizers and canvassers are providing resources and education, registering people to vote, and helping the Reproductive Justice leaders of tomorrow.