Black Birth Worker, Where Art Thou?
Denise Bolds MSW, CD(DONA)
November 15, 2016
There is homogenous whiteness in birth work. Repeatedly, I’ve stated the obvious disparity in the lack of diversity in birth work and birth justice. Only until a recent conference I attended shed some light on the absent black birth worker.
We know the statistics in regarding child birth in America for black mothers and their babies. The same paradigm applies to black birth workers across the board: physicians, nurses, midwives, doulas, lactations counselors; we are as rare as sighting a white buffalo. There’s a reason for all of this; a gross method to the madness. Black birth worker, where art thou?
Yes, I am usually the only African American - black woman in the room - again. I don't mind; I make a point to be a presence in being a league one; to put black on the map, to have a black sit at the table of birth work. It’s grueling, thankless work: being the only one most of the time. There are requirements in being the only one: possess the hide of a rhino while undoing the invisible projection that is put upon myself and the race I represent only to spend most of my time refuting every stereotype imaginable in being black once I am visible.
Hear that sound from a distance? It’s the collective groan from the few black women who are almost always the only black in the room. Just why in the heck is that actually?
I thought it was due to lack of inclusiveness; I realize there are many groups who do welcome diversity. I thought it was economics; many birth workers of color simply cannot afford being a birth worker; it is a proven fact whites earn more than people of color and culture. It was pointed out to me many opportunities for continuing education activities are offered in the form of scholarships opening the door for black birth workers to attend.
Why in the heck am I still the only one in the room?
Black women, black birth workers are simply not showing up. Even with scholarships and the one other black birth worker in the room, black birth workers remain a rare sighting in mainstream birth work continuing education. Avoidance is not solidarity, its isolation, invisibility and it perpetuates this behavior on a continuum. The ramification is brazenly apparent in the birth room and L&D departments.
Zora Neale Hurston said: “If you are silent about your pain, they'll kill you and say you enjoyed it.” Black birth worker, if you remain silent and absent as a birth worker from activities of birth work, don’t expect others to hold a space for you the black birth worker. It’s time for black birth workers to be present while holding these spaces themselves and for one another. Be willing to be the change agent. Be willing to ask that question of diversity in a homogenous environment and promote change. It is possible with a single query.
I know what you're thinking…
Can’t afford that training? Plan ahead, use your income tax refund to reinvest into your birth business, do a fundraiser amongst family, ask for it as a birthday or holiday gift. Or better yet, call the facilitator of the workshop and work out a discount or barter. Don’t enjoy speaking in public? write down your questions before hand. See that other black birth worker also attending the same event as you? Please go over and introduce yourself. Our ancestors showed solidarity; you don't have to sleep with this person, just show your solidarity and break the chain of personal silos. It is unfortunately assumed by other cultures that every black person in the world knows every other black person they encounter. It’s time to whip out that solidarity lip gloss, put some on and go and meet that other sister in the room as you, and for heaven sakes smile and rejoice in your greeting! I try my best to always greet and introduce myself to the women of color and culture at every event I attend.
Think you can’t learn something or glean knowledge being the only black in the room? Unless it’s a Klan meeting; you are bound to encounter something you didn't know. A lack of diversity doesn't always mean a lack of knowledge; the knowledge that’s present is not diversified and would fare better if it were. For example, just because Spinning Babies is taught by a white trainer doesn't mean you a woman of color and culture cannot attend this training and bring this valuable knowledge and skills back to your community, your peers of color and culture and put a diverse and cultural spin on it! I didn't earn a black college degree, I didn't earn a white college degree; I earned a college degree. Period.
It’s All In The Know How…
Sitting back and waiting for that velum embossed invitation with your name on it is not going to happen. You have to make it happen. In order to grow your business, you must invest in your business and your skill as a birth worker. What you were able to glean from your doula training is only a small sample of the knowledge that is out in the birth work world. Go get it. Make a plan every year of the one training you want as part of your skill set. Save for it, plan your births, childcare, husband care, and dog care around it and be there. It’s irreverent if it’s all white or Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs show up. What’s important is you are there with your inherent diversity into the environment; you are bringing the knowledge and skills back to your community where you may host future training opportunity for the birth workers in your area. All because you made the effort and a presence. Be ready with your query that is diverse and relative. Greet the other sister in the room and watch the solidarity blossom. There are so many more birth workers of color and culture that are doing amazing work that I have to find and meet. I’m on the hunt and I will find you. Please, find me.
Millions Strong Spaning The World...
This is what our ancestors have done for centuries under oppression and segregation. The need for diversity and cultural awakening is now. Our ancestors sacrificed they were the bodies reproductive medical science of today is built upon. Having an article in a featured black magazine every four years or so is not enough awareness. Get out of those silos of societal expectation and marginalizing, remember America is built from the wombs of black women. Black women know birth, do birth and are birth. Black birth worker, where art thou? I’m looking for you. Do you see me? Let’s find each other and unify!
Black unification makes the world take notice! Never forget our ancestors coming across oceans packed and stacked in slave ships; their sacrifice so great, their bodies thrown overboard changed the migration pattern of sharks who fed upon their bodies. Never forget that bridge of spirit that connects us. The next time a white person asks me if I know the other black person in the room, my response is going to be epic! I think they are really onto something… If we don't know one another before, we should and we do now!
