This past week has been a whirlwind of activity centering and celebrating Black Mamas, Black Families and Black Systems of Care in honor of Black Maternal Health Week.
It’s been inspiring to see how coalitions, agencies and organizations throughout the state and nation have applied the theme to their own work and communities.
Robbie Gonzalez-Dow, executive director of the California Breastfeeding Coalition, visited the BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center in Fresno during its fatherhood legacy event, where the critical role fathers play in Black maternal health care was discussed in an environment open and welcoming to Black fathers.
Our staff also participated in virtual events hosted by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee and other organizations.
For our part here at the California Breastfeeding Coalition, we did something we’ve never done before. We invited Black Mamas and birth workers to record short videos explaining their views on the role lactation education, care and support plays in Black maternal health care. The videos have been shared on Facebook and Instagram. You can still view them on the platform of your choice. Here is a list of participants:
- Cinnamoms, community-based organization — Facebook
- Patricia Hollis, nursing student and future IBCLC — Facebook | Instagram
- Ta-She-Ra Manning, mother and BLACK Wellness and Prosperity Center staff — Facebook | Instagram
- Jasmine Marquez, IBCLC and CBC staff — Facebook | Instagram
- Christa Roberts, birth worker — Facebook | Instagram
- Chanel Shows, birth worker and CBC staff — Facebook | Instagram