Spinning Like a Booker!

Denise Bolds MSW CD(DONA) September 27, 2016

Claudia Booker was one of the presenters at the Spinning Babies 2016 Confluence, this is my first time meeting her; we've known each other online through social media for quite sometime. Claudia is a birth worker whom is actively radical on birth justice and diversity. What I didn't know is that Claudia hold multiple degrees: she holds a Juris Doctorate and is a retired court judge, she also holds a Master’s Degree in Education and in Public Organizing as well as being a Certified Midwife. It is safe to say Claudia has compacted multiple lives with multiple careers in one lifetime; she has no indication in slowing down as indicated by her multi- tagged luggage. At her presentation, Claudia wore a shirt with “Stay Woke” emblazoned across her breasts. 

Claudia began her presentation by passing out the lyrics to the Black National Anthem: “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” written by James Weldon Johnson and his brother John Rosamond Johnson. This is profound, especially with all that is occurring in the media with the “Star-Spangled Banner,” I find “Lift Every Voice” to be inclusive of those who came to America with hopes and dreams. Claudia came out of the gate running with her presentation; lifting every voice and singing was just the beginning…

Claudia spoke about what many take for granted on a daily basis; it is an obvious fact that in the United States birth work is predominantly white in representation. Claudia spoke about the client in the community where the birth worker lives or worships, there is a gap in cultural diligence when the client is suggested certain supports that they have never heard of nor are present in their community. Claudia also spoke about the condition of the American woman today as opposed to the time of our ancestors; today's a pregnant person is compounded by her environment: her community, her diet, her relationships, her sustainability and more. This is further exacerbated by race ad culture. Evidently, the many avenues of Claudia Booker’s  life experiences are all entwined into her awareness with her presentation at Spinning Babies Confluence 2016. Claudia talked about meeting the client where they are: this is the foundation of social work and the foundation of Birth work; it all returns to access. This theme was present in multiple presentations and would be helpful to incorporate a universal phrase in all birth work trainings. Not only did Claudia refer to access for the pregnant person; she also poignantly referred to access for birth workers.

The birth work community in the U.S.A. is predominantly white, with many birth workers who will not refer clients in need of multiple services to other birth work support professionals. Instead, there is a paradigm that the birth worker feels and acts upon; she is the comprehensive support for that pregnant person and family. If a pregnant person makes a special request for cultural diversity or is in need of enhanced support, there is a very less likelihood that she will be referred out for additional services to a birth worker that represents ethnicity and culture. Most likely, the person is directed to accept what's in front of her (non-diverse, non-cultural) and be grateful.

Until we can address the deficit of cultural diversity in America, until there is accessibility and equality in the regard of both birth worker and pregnant person, Claudia Booker and many birth workers whom are sharing the same message will have to continue to Lift Every Voice and Sing. Here is the link to the song if you would like to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya7Bn7kPkLo