Black Power in Birth: Three Black-led initiatives making a difference
Throughout the month of February, we see stories and images to remind us of Black contributions to American history. I don’t think celebrating Black History Month was ever intended to negate Black presence throughout the other months of the year, but honestly it feels too small. I’d been trying to think of something valuable to write during the month of February and felt stuck; there’s so much to say and so much to share. Here we are in March, and I’m at least going to make a nod towards the wonder of Black power in birth and parenting. I hope we can all celebrate this year-round. Black mamas and birthing people experience institutionalized racism in their daily lives, and this ranges from economic barriers due to stolen chances at generational wealth, to facing little “t” traumas (microaggressions), to large “T” Traumas (mistreatment). They are also burdened with historical traumas from mistreatment of past generations. These continuous incidences of implicit bias and institutio...