Celebrating Black Moms: A Fresh Look at Health and Happiness

When we talk about Black moms' health, it's usually all doom and gloom. We hear a lot about the bad stuff, like how Black moms face more risks and challenges. But that's not the whole story. Black moms also have stories of joy, strength, and thriving. It's time to focus on those stories too.

A Shift in Perspective

For a long time, people have looked at Black maternal health through a lens of crisis. They talk about the problems, the struggles, and the systemic issues. While it's important to acknowledge these things, it's also important to remember that Black moms are more than just statistics. They have full lives, full of happiness and resilience.

The Solution: A Vitality Framework

So, what's the solution? It's time to shift our focus. Instead of just talking about the bad stuff, we should also talk about the good stuff. We should celebrate Black moms' joy, their liberation, and their healing. This is what a vitality framework is all about. It's about seeing Black moms in all their glory, not just their struggles.

The Root of the Problem

But how did we get here in the first place? It's no secret that systemic factors like racism, sexism, and colonialism have shaped the way we view Black maternal health. They've contributed to what's known as weathering - the harmful effects of constant stress and discrimination. But it's not all bad news. Black moms have been fighting back, reclaiming their joy and their power.

The Power of Ethering

This is where ethering comes in. It's a framework that transforms the harmful effects of weathering by focusing on Black joy. It's about seeing Black moms as strong, capable, and full of life. Grounded in principles of reproductive justice, Black feminist thought, and Ubuntu, this approach moves beyond the usual deficit-based models. It's about highlighting the collective power of Black communities in shaping new possibilities for maternal well-being.

Putting It Into Practice

So, what does this look like in practice? It's about integrating insights from public health, advocacy, and cultural expression. It's about proposing a reorientation of Black maternal health discourse. It's about recognizing Black motherhood as a site of power, agency, and transformation. It's about celebrating Black moms for who they are, not just their struggles.

Changing the Narrative

In the end, it's time to change the narrative. It's time to celebrate Black moms' health and happiness. It's time to focus on their joy, their liberation, and their healing. It's time to see Black moms in all their glory.