Addison GrimmVital Village Networks Community Mobilization AmeriCorps VIST I am not a Black woman, nor am I a mother. However, experiencing Black Breastfeeding Week did something to me. It changed how I view women, the ways in which I acknowledge the vast community of mothers, and most importantly, opened my eyes to the historical societal depravity black mothers have encountered. As a new AmeriCorps VISTA member working alongside Vital Village Network, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. In the second week of my new position, I was assigned my first project: Black Breastfeeding Week. Almost instantly I was terrified. A wave of anxiety washed over me as I came to two realizations: that I didn’t know a single thing about breastfeeding and that I wasn’t a black woman. The second was obvious, nonetheless I was consumed with the pressure of “getting it right.” For those of you who have been “keeping up with the times” so-to-speak, it is clear to see that America has the offensively degrading tendency to participate in systemic racism. I knew how important Black Breastfeeding Week was going to be before hearing the details. This was going to be a week designed around advocating, and celebrating, with love, Black breastfeeding families and their communities. In order to further wrap my mind around the importance of the movement I had to ask a very important question: Why do we need a Black Breastfeeding Week? By the end, the answer crashed into me like a title wave. Before that, however, the process had to begin. When looking at the past and present situation that Black mothers had and are facing, of course you want to do whatever you can to help. So, help I did. Albeit little, I did what I could to assist in event creation, advertising campaigns, and communication between Scholars and Coalition members alike. It was gratifying to know that I was playing a part in a week that was so important for mothers across America. In fact, one of the most moving experiences I have ever had occurred during a Black Breastfeeding Week Event. For those of you who were able to attend, you know that the Family Drum and March with Jah/Jah drummers was a gratifying afternoon. It was full of music, celebration, and joy. Yet what struck me the most was the sense of togetherness that was shared. People were drumming, mothers were sharing stories, kids were laughing, and adults were swaying to the music. All of us, in one place, celebrating and uplifting a movement that deserves all that we can give it. I’ll remind you though, that this was only one of many events, each being just as special as the last. At the end of the day that’s what Black Breastfeeding Week boils down to, connection and togetherness. Between mom and baby, baby and father, mother and mother or community and community. These shared moments are what make us who we are, and who we want to be. This blog post was not written as a call to arms, but rather the upliftment of a people. Looking back on my time and work leading up to Black Breastfeeding Week, I cherish those hours as moments extremely well spent. As far as I’m concerned, we should all consider ourselves lucky to live in a world where a group of mothers, scholars, and activists are willing to share their gifts with us. So, when asked again “Why do we need a Black Breastfeeding Week?” I replied simply with “why wouldn’t we?” To the Breastfeeding Coalition, this one's for you.
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AuthorDaily Milk hosts articles, posts and ideas from various members of our breastfeeding coalition! Archives
August 2023
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