Black History Month: A look into the work and accomplishments of Lynette Medley

Socks, rags, sugar paper and sellotape are just a few of the items Lynette Medley found thirteen-year-old Hollie and her four little sisters using as replacements for the pads and tampons that they could not afford. In light of this, Medley decided that enough was enough; she took it upon herself to create No More Secrets Mind Body Spirit Inc., an organisation designed to tackle period poverty and address the menstruation disparities within our society. Medley is committed to creating a sanctuary in which stigmas and myths regarding menstruation can be eradicated in a productive and honest manner.

In February of 2021, Medley and her daughter Nya McGlone opened the doors to the first menstrual centre in America, The Spot Period Hub. This centre, which provides facilities such as water, toilets, Wi-Fi, and free menstrual products, is what Medley calls a safe space for those deprived of basic menstrual and healthcare needs during the pandemic. Their work has continued to this day, and people who have visited the hub praise Medley and McGlone for their generosity, highlighting in particular the abundance of period products and other essential everyday items they provide.

Education and awareness are crucial parts of what Medley does. The Spot Period Hub holds workshops which deliver content on menstrual health and hygiene, focusing particularly on illnesses which unjustly affect marginalised communities in particular, such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. There are different sessions held for different age groups, from young children to caregivers, to ensure that everyone is appropriately equipped with the tools they need to deal with their periods and the worldwide issue of period poverty within our society. 

Medley’s #BlackGirlsBleed campaign is another educational platform she has created which aims to address the disparity and systematic racism within the menstrual health space. By ensuring that black communities and individuals have the platform to share their menstrual experiences and opinions unrestrictedly, Medley strives to achieve menstrual equity, which one step at a time she is gradually accomplishing.

Black History Month should be every month. But in designating a time in which we recognise the achievements of black individuals such as Medley who aspire for change, we can understand the impact and influence that those with African and Caribbean heritage have on our society every day of the year.