This year’s theme, “Listen Up! Reclaiming Our Narrative & Centering Our Stories for Breastfeeding Justice,” celebrates the power of stories and community and amplifies the voices and experiences of Black lactating families by sharing their stories.
Black Breastfeeding Week was established in 2014 by a dedicated group of Black leaders in the breastfeeding field to draw focus on Black Breastfeeding and the racial disparities in breastfeeding rates. In their 2014 blog, Top Five Reasons We Need A Black Breastfeeding Week, Kimberly Seals Allers drew focus to the issues of the high black infant mortality rate and diet-related disease, lack of diversity in the lactation field, unique cultural barriers among Black women, and desert-like conditions in many Black communities. This annual observance addresses the challenges faced by Black families in their breastfeeding journeys, shines a light on the work being done to support breastfeeding among Black families, and celebrates Black lactating families by sharing their stories! We are called to Listen Up!
Check out the events and follow Black Breastfeeding Week on Facebook and Instagram for continued information!
Signature Events:
• August 25th at 6pm | Oakland Open Mic Night for Black Mamas hosted by rapper/actress @tia.nomore
• August 28th at 6pm | New York Open Mic Night for Black Mamas hosted by comedienne @nickysunshine
• August 30th at 8pm ET | Virtual Open Mic Night for Black Mamas hosted by comedian and global maternal health activist @angelinaspice
Webinar Series:
• August 29th at 1pm ET / 10 AM PT Listen Up: Storytelling as Critical Support for Breastfeeding Justice
Irth Birth Worker Pool Party:
• August 31st at 3pm | Long Island, NY
Find more information about Black Breastfeeding Week and register online at linktr.ee/bbw24