EP #43: Black Maternal Health Disparities with Kimberly Seals Allers

On the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa discuss the harm of
white women showing up and attempting to “own” spaces filled with
trauma stricken Black and Brown people. It is an imperative for
white women to show up to support and hold space for people of
color… also using their privilege for purpose. 
Understanding your role is critical to the survival of your well
intentioned efforts.  The ladies also discuss Jane Elliott’s
“Blue Eyes, Brown Eyes” exercise with her students.  Jane is
a legacy and leader in spaces influenced by racism, providing
many unpopular anecdotes.  





On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!
Sunni and Lisa converse with Kimberly Seals Allers an
award-winning journalist and author turned global maternal and
infant health advocate. Kimberly's own motherhood journey
inspired her to pivot her creative focus and analytical mind to
writing about motherhood and the intersection of race, culture,
policy and commercial interests. 





She was marinated in her Dad’s Jim Crow experiences based on his
journey through this era in the South.  Her work ethic comes
from an expectation that she has to over achieve and her
awareness of privilege in her spaces… very interesting
marination.





Recently, Kimberly launched her podcast, Birthright and also
launched Irth, as in "birth" but without the "b" for bias. Irth,
also launched last week, is a new (Yelp-like) digital platform
where Black and brown women (and their partners) can get
real-time ratings for their OB/GYN, hospitals, and pediatricians.





This conversation is very intense, eye-opening and disheartening
at the same time.  The disparity in medical treatment and
experiences in hospitalization with black and brown people needs
extreme improvements… what about an overhaul?  O wait, what
are your thoughts on mid-wifery or doulas to assist with the
birthing process?  Yup, this is discussed too!





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