The In Our Names Network is a national coalition of over 20 organizations, campaigns, and individuals dedicated to ending police violence against Black women, girls, trans, and gender nonconforming people. Since its inception in 2016 at the Say Her Name/Black Trans Lives Matter Network Gathering during the Allied Media Conference, the Network has united grassroots efforts to confront systemic injustices and amplify marginalized voices.
Over the past five years, the Network has created and shared critical resources, calls to action, and tools for individuals, families, and communities responding to police violence. Through our website and social media platforms, we’ve provided support and advocacy for justice in countless cases that might otherwise have been overlooked.
In 2019, during our Network Gathering at the historic Highlander Center in Tennessee, we launched four collective campaigns that built upon the insights and collective vision of our members. These initiatives have continued to shape the direction of our work, creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration and change.
As we reflect on these achievements, this report serves as a culmination of one-on-one conversations hosted by our Executive Director, Lauren Williams-Batiste, with In Our Names Network partners. Conducted between January and March 2021, these conversations provided space for honest reflection on our collective journey and shaped a shared vision for the next chapter of our advocacy.
Each network member brings invaluable perspectives and contributions to our mission, and we are deeply grateful for the time and energy they dedicated to these discussions. Their insights have inspired us to imagine what’s possible as we move forward in our work to challenge injustice and protect the lives of Black women, girls, trans, and gender nonconforming people.
