This spring, I had the privilege of interning with Repro TLC (formerly known as Midwest Access Project) for my fourth consecutive semester. Even though it was my fourth term, my role at Repro TLC shifted to being the marketing intern under the Director of Strategic Communications, Dominique Mackey. In this new role, I was tasked with uplifting and promoting our communications strategies and efforts, especially since we rebranded earlier this year. Our communication team had various successes, but the project I’m most proud of is the work we did for Black Maternal Health Week, which had a significant impact on our audience and inspired many to join our cause.
To celebrate Black Maternal Health Week, we hosted an Instagram Live session on this year's theme, “Healing Legacies: Strengthening Black Maternal Health Through Collective Action and Advocacy.” I had the privilege of moderating a robust conversation with Aiyana Davison, a Certified Nurse Midwife dedicated to Black maternal health and education, and Jeanine Valrie Logan, a midwife and birth equity leader who founded the Chicago South Side Birth Center and championed expanded access to birth centers in Illinois. During the livestream,
Aiyana, Jeanine, and I discussed the critical role of midwives in Black maternal health, the barriers Black midwives and birthing people face, the intersection of reproductive justice and abortion care, the importance of seeing this topic from an intersectional lens, and shared culturally responsive practices from their own experiences. They also highlighted concrete actions for supporting Black-led birthwork and advocacy, including legislative efforts, community organizing, and policy change. The livestream was a huge success, and we created a space where everyone, regardless of their prior knowledge on the topic, could feel welcomed and included.
In addition to my role as moderator during the livestream, I created posts on social media for Black Maternal Health Week for Repro TLC such as a BMHW Kickoff post explaining what it is, it’s origins, and why it matters, a -post on honoring the legacies of Black birth workers and organizers who have always led the fight for reproductive justice, a post on celebrating the healing, advocacy, and care work of Doulas in Reproductive Justice, and an art post on reclaiming joy and honoring Black birthing people by amplifying the crisis and uplifting the power, beauty, and wholeness of Black life.
It has been a blessing and privilege to work with such a fantastic team that fights for reproductive and sexual health for everyone, no matter their identity. This experience has not only deepened my understanding of reproductive justice but also enriched my personal growth. It’s very fulfilling to work with a group of people who are passionate about reproductive justice and constantly work hard to bring about the change we want to see in the world. I would like to extend a special thank you to Dominique Mackey, Latona Giwa, and the Newcomb Institute for this opportunity and all their support. I’ve been looking forward to continuing this work with
Repro TLC in the summer!
