We Got Us! Collective Resistance and Interdependence

Let Black History/Black Futures Month be a time of remembering our deep-rooted systems of care, community, and solidarity across identities and cultures. At Community Doula Alliance, every day is about Black History and Black Futures as we follow in the footsteps of Black women maternal health leaders and work to ameliorate the disparities of Black maternal mortality and perinatal health. This time of year, encourages us to remember and honor our capacity to hold both joy and hurt, beauty and pain, growth and stillness. This is how our perseverance and overall character develops with time and allows us to continue onwards.

It goes without saying that there is a lot of grief and loss emanating throughout the world. To move with and through it, it is important to lean on the collective wisdom that reminds us to be courageous and hopeful in the face of despair. It is a brave act to not know what the future holds and continue moving forward anyway. Keep going!

This month, also holding Valentine’s Day and the Lunar New Year, offers potent opportunities to ground down into what sustains our work and our purpose: love, transformation, and celebration. If you haven’t already, make plans and spend time with your loved ones and comrades. Being in good company is vital to our well-being and impacts how we show up day-to-day! 

Here are a few recommendations for local and online activities that can support you in staying connected, learning, resting, and reflecting this month:

• In person event(s): WeABL — We Activate Black Lands is a month-long land tending and learning series across Black-led farm sites. Each Saturday, participants will gather to put hands in the soil, learn the history of the land and the organizations stewarding it, and actively participate in the future we’re building together.

• Video: The Untold Story of Albina: Black History in Portland, Oregon – An episode of Traveling While Black that explores Portland and discovers the story of Albina, the neighborhood that became the heart of Black Portland and shaped the entire city. 

• Video: Black Men Trust Black Women –  Reproductive Justice Round Table – ​​An intentional dialogue that invites Black men to engage with the Reproductive Justice leadership and lived experiences of Black women, centering trust as essential to shared liberation.

• Books: Black Booksellers Recommend 23 Books To Read During Black History Month and Beyond – Black booksellers are spreading knowledge and resources in their respective communities across America, and now they’re sharing recommendations for the best books to read during—and beyond—the month of February

Let’s Keep the Convo Going on Socials –

Don’t forget to check out our posts all month long celebrating and honoring the Trailblazers and Leaders throughout Black History. Like the ones below –

•  Changemakers in Black Maternal Health History – Get to know the trailblazing midwives, physicians, and leaders that have shaped Black Maternal Healthcare as we know it!
• Honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson – His powerful affirmations of equity are great to share and inspire hope in the community.
• Community Resource Share for Families & Birth Workers – Learn about February opportunities from our community partners for local families and birthworkers.