98 | Shifting the Paradigm - Dr. Alicia Bonaparte

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Dr. Alicia Bonaparte is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Pitzer College and trained as a medical sociologist specializing in reproductive health, health disparities, and female crime and deviance. Dr. Bonaparte is well known for her role as co-editor of Birthing Justice: Black Women, Pregnancy and Childbirth - a book that has ushered in a movement of Black Birth Workers across the diaspora. We had an opportunity to discuss Birthing Justice's origins and the far-reaching effects that have influenced policy, education, and birth narratives centering Black bodies.

In our conversation, we explore her work as a whole and ways in which history and community can serve as a powerful force in accessing our power to create change and birth liberation. We left feeling whole - it was full of lessons we will be taking into the continued celebration of Black Maternal Health Week 2021 and Black birth, Black life, and Black joy!

We share with you some of our favorite highlights;

  • There will be a second edition of Birthing Justice released in 2022!!!

  • "We cannot assume there is no historical precedent to the things we see today" examining our history allows us to "figure out necessary interventions to shift that paradigm so things can become better." ~ Dr. Alicia Bonaparte

  • The beauty of honoring our people (our community) when they are here with us earthside and giving them their flowers now. And not just in accolades and gratitude but showering them in their worth!

  • "Take really good care of yourself and focus on your joy and cultivating it." ~ Dr. Alicia Bonaparte

Resources:

Birthing Justice | black women, pregnancy & childbirth

Julia Chinyere Oparah | Birthing Justice co-editor, professor, and chair of Ethnic Studies at Mills College and a founding member of Black Women Birthing Justice

Jennie Joseph | British trained midwife, founder and executive director of Commonsense Childbirth Inc., and the creator of The JJ Way

The JJ Way | a patient-centered model of care 

Perinatal Task Force | a program component of Commonsense Childbirth Inc. 

ROOTT (Restoring Our Own Through Transformation) | black woman led reproductive justice organization

Black Mamas Matter Alliance |Black women-led cross-sectoral alliance. Centering Black mamas to advocate, drive research, build power, and shift culture for Black maternal health, rights, and justice.

Ayanna Pressley | U.S. Representative for Massachusetts's 7th congressional district

Keisha Goode, PhD | NACPM Vice President

The Birthing Place | Natural Birth Services in Houston

Black Communities | a conference for collaboration on enhancing Black community life and furthering the understanding of Black communities

Black Women for Wellness | committed to health and well-being of Black women and girls through health education, empowerment, and advocacy.

South LA/South Bay AAIMM | coalition focused on Black infant and maternal deaths/health in Los Angeles County

Community HighlightsLaurel GourrierBMHW21, Black Families Matter, Black Joy, Birthing Justice, History, StorytellingComment