Support, Advocate + Learn: Black Maternal Health Week
It is Black Maternal Health Week.
This week was founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance and has grown over the years with rises in technology, challenges to Black Birthing People, and beautiful victories of healing, community, and love. Many organizations have united to uplift and share the mission of Black Mamas Matter, as well as to amplify the voices of Black Mamas and birthing people everywhere.
This week, a quick search of the #blackmaternalhealthweek on Instagram will populate many images and posts for various events happening across the United States in support of highlighting the needs of Black Birthing People. Increasing access to quality care, awareness of policy, research, and community-led advocacy, in addition to centering the voices of the Black community, are among the top initiatives of the week.
Ways to show up and advocate for Black Maternal Wellness this week (and every week) might look like:
Supporting national organizations such as Black Mamas Matter Alliance and National Birth Equity Collaborative.
Being involved in initiatives led by local black doulas such as Homeland Heart Birth & Wellness Collective and Birth Manifesta.
Learning about and sharing legislation and policies such as the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and the Black Birthing Bill of Rights.
As an advocate for holistic healing within Communities of Color, this week presents an opportunity to share some of the many stories that weave the profound tapestry of our communities. It’s also no coincidence that Black Maternal Wellness Week takes place in the midst of Minority Wellness Month. Wellness takes on many forms and is made up of various aspects of care. As a therapist, I use my voice, gifts, and lived experiences to add to the narratives that are shared, and I seek to be a change agent in writing new stories for myself and others.
Being an advocate doesn’t require a fancy title, a huge following, or require that you have had a traumatic life experience.
What it does require is a passion for change, a willingness to continually learn and (un)learn, empathy for your neighbor, and the ability to motivate yourself and others to live life courageously. At the heart of every advocate is the desire to see better for their communities knowing it means a better world for tomorrow. Join me in advocating for change for us all, beginning this week with Black Mamas.
