Radical BLACK #BREASTFEEDING BINGO - The Good Stuff!

I thought I'd bring you the second Bingo card -- I've got at least one more up my sleeve after this. I hope you didn't think I would just leave you with the dreary issues that was the first Radical Black Breastfeeding Bingo post I created.

If you haven't noticed by now that I don't really look at breastfeeding as solely an act between a mother and child, but believe everyone is involved in every aspect, and hopefully this provides a clearer picture of that outlook. I'm going to run into the ground that I believe breastfeeding extends far beyond mainstream ideas of infant nourishment and bonding -- even though those are, of course, important. It goes much further past the mechanical steps of attaching an infant to its mother's breast. And just the same as the first one, this card can only hold so much. Some of what is included here isn't really anything new, but to see the culmination and the community involvement under this umbrella, is almost never part of most conversations. When we all help out, the ways Black people can benefit from breastfeeding -- the empowerment runs deep. For example, you've heard talk about psychological bonding being discussed by Queen Ifama, challenging a legacy with roots in Black enslavement. That idea flows over into the inevitable increase of Black unity, which benefits the entire community, and gives us a higher self and social esteem -- and saves our lives. It also allows us to challenge capitalism, and saves us money while simultaneously helping to preserve the environment (of course Communities of Color feel the most detrimental effects of pollutants).

Do you see where I'm going?

Do you have BINGO yet?

But that's not all. And even with all of this being said I am still somewhat reluctant to post this card, without writing explicitly on the 'what', 'why', 'how' 'so what' and 'now what' of it all. I want to explain my perspective and where I come up with this -- which I plan on doing in great detail in a future post. But for now I want to at least begin a conversation and see what you think. I'm fishing for dialogue, and want to also hear your ideas. Let's talk about it!

Updates, Interesting things and other stuff

I've been busy. I'm getting ready to go out of town -- out of the country, actually -- to help a friend for a quick min, with her baby -- postpartum care. . . . sort of. I haven't met her baby yet because I haven't seen my friend in a while. I am really looking forward to hanging out with them and getting my very long overdue dose of radical Afro-Carib-Trinidadian and Hungarian feminist, queer, human rights theory, from her. I'm getting a rush now just thinking about it. I'm also gearing up to return to school this Fall, as you know (if I can find funding, that is. Thanks, Sequester), to work towards a PhD in sociocultural anthropology, which I'm anticipating to be crazy insane as far as being busy and that taking much of my time. There is also some other stuff that's been going on around here that has not lent me much time to write these days, but I did want to bring another what I call my 'newsletter-type-ish' post, that has some things that are happening around and about:

• Black Feminist Blog Carnival is coming, really. I am truly sorry I have had to push the date back on publishing the fabulous articles I received on 'debunking the man-hating myth', and know it is so important to continue to work on this perspective in Black feminist thought. The reason I am so behind is that I have not been able to dedicate the time I need to organize and create my contribution to this carnival, which is why it's so late, because I want to give the best representation to the contributors as well as the readers as possible. Please bear with me. 

• I withdrew from speaking at the Inequity in Breastfeeding Support Summit, that's happening in Seattle in June. I did not make this decision lightly because addressing the impact of institutional racism, power and white privilege on breastfeeding rates and maternal-infant health, is very important to me. I also clocked some valuable time helping organize this conference, and was looking forward to presenting. For now, I will not be going into much detail about my withdrawal, but since some of you were looking forward to me presenting, I will give you the gist on why I backed out:

I really felt that since people of color were not the ones who held the 'purse strings,' or any 'real' positions of power on the committee, it was inevitable that issues of racialized oppression and white supremacy were being served up as stronger dishes than an actual address of the way these systemic issues are a major force in breastfeeding inequity. I felt that far from being involved in creating ways to truly challenge injustice and engage the most affected members of the community, the venue only became a way to center the experiences of white people, and that my remaining a 'Black body on display' and 'performing' for an audience, which became geared to the least impacted -- white healthcare workers, was very problematic for me. The way I see it is while this scene may appear to enact change and be viewed at resolving critical issues, it would not. Instead, it would only fortify the cohesiveness of whiteness and the deeply entrenched racism, helping it to mutate, making it much more difficult to see because it would create more 'white saviors' and 'do-gooders', who are not interested in challenging a system they benefit from everyday. It just continues the provide power to white people, and reinforce the dynamic of race and class. It also only creates more ways for these people to 'help,' instead of providing the communities most affected with critical tools to challenge the legacy that is racism and white domination -- much of the reasons behind these issues. It would just continue to disempower them. And create more disparities. And this is everything I work against. But like I told the committee, this is the way *I* see it. You may see things differently, and I would love it if you shared your thoughts.

• My two year blogaversary was yesterday! 

• Interesting things around the web:

1. Dr. Breeze Harper -- the Sistah Vegan, just published a great blog post entitled On the Myth of Being a Strong Black Woman, Decolonizing Our Taste Buds, and Self-Care, where she was part of a talk and discussed her experience of being a 'Strong Black Woman'. I am so happy that more attention discussing these issues in the work of anti-racist and social justice activists. You know that I just recently discussed something somewhat along these lines -- mine, though, was about the need to make self-care an intricate part of our work and not view it as a separate entity. I'm really glad to see Dr. Harper's article/talk, and if I find other interesting perspectives on the topic floating around, I'll make sure to tell you about those, too. 
2. One of my favorite bloggers, Darcel of The Mahogany Way, is fundraising to become a doula through the International Center for Traditional Childbearing. This is also where I took my training, and I think the course taught, which centers the experiences of Black women, is wonderful. Transformational. I hope that you will see the importance of supporting more Black women becoming doulas and all doulas of color, and pitch in if you can.
3. I just learned that ROSE (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere) Breastfeeding coalition is hosting the Addressing Social Determinants of Breatfeeding Conference. I'm not a spokesperson for this organization, really, I just truly appreciate them! This particular conference here is practically giving me palpitations because it sounds so exciting. It is happening at Jacksonville State University in Alabama, on August 23, and there looks to be an interesting lineup of speakers. This conference is not too long after ROSE's annual breastfeeding summit in Atlanta, this year's theme is about organizing, and is taking place on August 8-9. So. Exciting. I really hope I am able to go.
4. Once Sold Tales, a used bookstore, is going out of business. I'm so sad to see this awesome Seattle-based company close their doors, after all of the awesome stuff they've done within and for the community. I really don't like to see most bookstores close down, really. I read an article that they are struggling to find homes for 500,000 books, so if you are in the area, stop by. They will give you a free book if you mention the story in the link, and have implemented a 'grab bag' to try and reduce their stock so even if you're not around here then you can get them shipped to you! Please check them out. Imagine the critical theory, breastfeeding and birth readers they have available. For cheap!
5. Infant tooth reveals Neanderthal breastfeeding habits: Chemicals in primate teeth reveal transition to solid food, is an interesting article I read today. I'm insanely fascinated with Neanderthals and, believe it or not, I often times find myself romanticizing about eras when they existed. I try and find as much info as I can to look at how things are 'supposed to be', and I think it gives me a good starting point, I think, to see how drastically we have moved away from nature. The article is interesting, though just one tooth doesn't tell us all that much, but it's definitely something. 

• Finally, I'm going to be taking an advocate/activist and blogging break soon. I think I'm finally at the point where the universe will actually allow me to take time off and regroup from this work. This is a first because usually, the smallest inkling of a thought towards this and I could almost guarantee that something, anything, would transpire, and send me a clear message that I couldn't break just yet. But I'm feeling it's OK this time around. We'll see. I'll give you more details when it happens, next month, so don't worry -- I won't just leave you hangin'. 

But other than that, that's what's happening around here. What updates, interesting things and other stuff is going on in your world?

SELF CARE -- It's more than what you think in Anti-Racist and Social Justice Work! (Video)

I added a new label to this blog; 'SELF-CARE'. 

But I don't want to make it a truly 'separate' category and only talk about practical aspects, if you know what I mean, but I want to also talk about it on a deeper level. I'll explain.

From what I've noticed at least, self-care is one of the most overlooked aspects of anti-racist and anti-oppressive work. It seems as if the subject is almost taboo, in that it is hardly ever discussed and rarely have I seen the topic appear on my favorite blogs and websites, or hear about it during talks I attend by Black feminists, resistive workers, and other social justice activists. I admit I've hardly touched on it, and though I have found a few people discussing the issue here and there, the conversation in the 'quest' is always centered around ways to 'fight the power'.

You've heard this reference once before, and you'll hear it once again in an upcoming post, too, on when I went to hear Angela Davis speak a few months back. I asked her about suggestions for activists on how they continue, after always challenging everything under the sun, and feeling the toll it takes on us. I was approached after the event about my question, and was told it was a good one because, as this brotha put it, 'everyone wants to have dinner, but no one wants to talk about doing the dishes,' and he was right.

Day after day we prioritize issues that are undoubtedly important, in fighting the 'good fight'. It involves being vocal and speaking -- regardless of the level of difficulty. Activists endure verbal, emotional and sometimes physical violence from others reacting to social justice and anti-racist work, and we are often told to just 'suck it up' or 'keep it moving'. Many of us don't have adequate emotional support surrounding the issues we challenge -- I know for myself it has only been recently that I have begun to find the support I need in some areas, but I feel strongly that most Women of Color face the brunt of this, especially in an environment where issues of racism, sexism and capitalism are the backdrop. Black women, for example, whether actively engaged in anti-oppressive work or not, continue to be labeled 'strong', and never in need of a break -- that we've always got things under control. Of course this dehumanizing stereotype means at the end of the day, without getting proper support and self-nourishment, too many of us literally pay for this myth with our lives.

But just like others have said, and just like Audre Lorde's words in the image in this post -- 'Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare,' I agree. Self-care, I believe, is self preservation -- very much determined by who you are, in a society full of ideas on who we're 'supposed' to be -- and who is and is not supposed to be -- healthy, physically, mentally and emotionally well or even alive. Those who fall furthest from 'normative' dominant standards, as I stated earlier, feel the brunt, and it's most often these same people and groups on the front lines of the struggle. So why aren't we focusing more ways to ensure our own self-nourishment as an integral component of this work -- and not a separate entity? I think it can provide greater success with challenging injustice?

I don't think my ideas in this post are as clear as I'd like them to be. I would like to view this via a more critical and even practical perspective. I also want to hear about your thoughts on self-care -- in the 'ongoing quest for justice and equality'. I'm not sure what type of conversations exactly will erupt around this, but I do know that in my mind, I wonder how is it possible that we can participate in challenging injustice to its fullest if we fail to ensure we are even at our fullest? This is the way I see it, at least. And is why I want to place a special emphasis on this new category -- and make sure I post in it often.

Radical Black #Breastfeeding Bingo, Anyone?

I love Bingo! I have since I was a kid, and could play this game for hours. I usually play no less than several rounds at the family picnic each Summer, hosted by the company my brother-n-law works for. True story. I love the game and they give out great winning prizes. What can I say? J

I was inspired to create the bingo card below, after the idea came from viewing the ways other people have used the famous game to get messages across. I think it is a perfect opportunity to share the way I view structural barriers to breastfeeding for Black women, and the Black community (what stands in the way -- and grasp things at the root), and what I discuss during my presentations, along with what I believe are ways we can work towards solutions. Understand that there is only so much room on this single card; and it doesn't even begin to touch on practical matters -- infant tongue tie, fussy baby, thrush, for example. 

This is not to say that Black women don't have agency -- that Black women who don't breastfeed are nothing more than mindless and oppressed and don't know what they're doing or what's best for their own situations. I don't think that at all. Nor am I saying that those who do never face any social barriers, or don't occupy a social position where they feel these less than others. But I'm looking in on it through a more structural framework -- a larger picture than zeroing in on one Black woman, 10 or even 100. And what I am saying is that breastfeeding is more than simply the mechanical steps of attaching an infant to its mother's breast. If Black women have the lowest initiation and duration rates of any group in the country -- and who are coincidentally disproportionately affected by strategic and systematically crafted structures, which are part of a continued legacy of the most sordid US history, then it is not by chance. If we want to start hearing more about an infant's access to its mother's breast and all of the goodness that comes with that, then we need to look at breastfeeding through a more critical and holistic lens. And talk less about the infant and its mother's breast and more about the issues that are situated between the two. And find ways to challenge these issues. 

I hope you play a round or more of Radical Black Breastfeeding Bingo. And while you are immersed in your game, ask yourself just how you support these structures -- because you know you do. We all do, somehow.

The Top 10 + ONE Reasons Why I focus on Black Women's Breastfeeding - And Won't Apologize!

Some people are taken back when I tell them I'm interested in Black women's breastfeeding. When I'm in conversations with (usually non-Black) people who are advocates, or even others who are not necessarily into the 'breastfeeding thing', and we're on the subject and somewhere in there in there I mention that I want to see Black women's rates increase, there's that split-second pause right before that quizzical look appears on their face, like 'What? You only care about Black women breastfeeding?' Which, of course, is the furthest thing from what I said. Others have insisted that I'm reproducing the same racism that I challenge. I find this is largely the case with white people -- white women, particularly, who are involved in countless initiatives and who work as advocates to get more 'women' on board this breastfeeding train. But taking a look a their agenda, you quickly understand their use of the word 'women' easily translates to white women only, since it never encompasses areas specific to any group outside of their own ethnicity. At least this is my experience.

But I've not only noticed this with white women; this has been true about other people who work in areas specific to their own racial, or cultural group, for example. Let's say I'm talking with a woman with a Romanian heritage and she tells me, whether within breastfeeding or not, the area she specializes in is dealing with women and people from this group. Or, maybe it's someone from Iran, focusing on ways to empower women in the Iranian community. I have had these types of experiences a number of times. I once had a professor who stated she knew so much about Black history because she wanted to know her own Asian-American background in the US, and this history required her to understand African American's. Does it mean that there is no interest in learning about ways to connect with and interact with others, while working towards togetherness and solidarity? That's not the case for me, at least. But it does mean that there is a special area I place my emphasis --and it's clear they also have their own, which never really involves Black women, so I really don't understand why I receive such seemingly and sometimes outright negative reactions.

I decided to put together a short list of my top reasons for focusing in this area on Black women's breastfeeding. It's not exhaustive, or a way to try and justify or defend my focus, but maybe I'd just like to 'put it out there'  -- put that on record. I may list more in the future, but for now here are just a few.

1. I am a Black Woman! Enough said!
2. I love Black women!! Maybe this bears repeating. This does not mean I don't have a love for everyone, but I do have a special place in my heart for my sisters. Even though my feelings have been hurt within the community, as well as learning about the violent climate we have been subjected to, Black women have found creative ways to survive in this society given its history. Black women have built strong communities and continue to be beacons of light for those of us looking for guidance. I love that we have struggled, strived, and continue to work at challenging social injustice for ourselves and others. It is love that has kept us here, and that same love is what drives the desire within us to work with others and create a world free of oppression. 
3. Because I am a Black woman and I love Black women, I have a desire to go deeper into the issues of breastfeeding for Black people and the Black community. I have not found scholarship that delves into the issues I have looked for, where breastfeeding is used as a site to place the larger issues of food, social, and other forms of justice and individual and community agency within this context of infant feeding, for us. 
4. Black women have the lowest breastfeeding initiation and duration rates of any group in this country, and breastfeeding save lives. In fact, our disparity is what lured me to this work. Black babies are dying at an alarming rate, and breastmilk is literally the the difference between life and death for some of them. Breastfeeding can also assist in preserving the health of Black women, who also face inequity in medical care. BTW, this is not the 'oppression olympics' -- I've always rooted for the underdog anyway. Does this mean that I am uninterested in the lives of other people and communities? Not in the least. I believe my attention to our tradition has allowed me to look at understanding the way to view the benefits and cultural and social meaning of others'.   
5. I am a 'Reverse Racist', remember?! -- a 'Racist anti-racist'! Because I challenge dominant structures that work to remain in power, and criticize whiteness on a regular, if not a daily, it means that I am racist against whites. I came to this conclusion a number of months ago, and you can read all about my 'coming out' story, if you click the link to the article at the beginning of this point. Oh, and I work to see how the issues that make me an reverse racist interfere with our breastfeeding rates. But don't worry, it's not like I blame everything on whiteness. I examine other types of social turmoil, as well as how Black intra-racial conflict impedes our success in this area, too. J
6. Black women are apparently non-existent in books, magazines, pamphlets, etc., at the library, schools, and other places that deal with the topic at hand. These texts continue to remain authored by uninterested, culturally insular and/or xenophobic people who completely mull over the unique experiences of Black women. Black women remain left out of their breastfeeding context -- (well, except for in cases when we appear in reading material geared towards low-income, and other governmental agencies, that is). *Sigh* 
7. I've got a lot of Black women to pay back. Helping eradicate breastfeeding disparities is the least I can do. As I've said before once when I learned about the history of Black women in this country, I promised I wouldn't remain silent -- that I would give my best to voice these women and shine a light on their lives and work towards challenging injustice. I would repay them. The universe chose this recompense be through breastfeeding support. I want to repay them for what they went through, what they got to -- and the support and courage for what they continue to do. Without them, there would be no me.
8. Black women DO breastfeed. And breastfeeding is powerful! I have never breastfed a baby myself, but I see the impact it can and does have for the Black community far, far beyond nourishment, and mainstream medical reasoning. I also see the joy it brings to other women, and can empathize with their experiences of bonding, closeness, creating a healthier generation and an overall feeling of cherishing this critical but short time they share with babies. I love that I'm helping to enable other women to experience these same things. 
9. The universe drew me here. Since it wasn't warm fuzzies and sentiments from a personal nursing experience that caused me to become an advocate, if you know how I became active in this area, then you will understand that ending up on the breastfeeding runway is the exact last place in the world I would have ever expected myself to land. Really. If you visit my 'About Me' page, then you will know that I am only responding to a summons from the universe.
10. Anthropology + Black Breastfeeding gives me a rush! 
11. "If Black women were free, it would mean that everyone else would have to be free since our freedom would necessitate the destruction of all the systems of oppression." I firmly believe that many of the views expressed in the The Combahee River Collective Statement, which was crafted in 1977, remains very true today still and even in this context. Breastfeeding is more than simply the mechanical steps of attaching an infant to its mother's breast. When issues of racial injustice and other forms of systematic oppression that are weighted heaviest against Black women in this country are addressed, then this would mean they are addressed on a larger scale, and that breastfeeding inequity is non longer existent.

'It's Only Natural': White Breastfeeding in Blackface?

If you are just now tuning into my blog, then you should know that yes, I do have a problem with everything. Maybe that's a stretch, but it's not too often I find myself taking anything at face value (whether that's always good or bad is up for debate). I like to think my critical thinking skills are always turned on and tuned in, but besides, I have entirely too much of a child-like curiosity, which involves a lot of question-asking, for that. I thought I would briefly weigh-in on this new campaign launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health. It's only natural focuses exclusively on Black breastfeeding. Their website says it "helps African-American women and their families understand the health benefits of breastfeeding—not just for babies, but for moms too," and there are several categories dedicated to the following topics:

• Planning ahead
• Addressing myths
• Overcoming challenges
• Finding support
• Fitting breastfeeding into your life
• My breastfeeding story

I don't want to give the impression that I don't think the site is useful; I think the videos are gorgeous, and the stories by the women who are featured in them are honest and heartfelt. When I first visited, I got a rush, followed by warm fuzzies -- the ones I always get when I hear about Black women breastfeeding. But after I looked at it again, I couldn't help but think of how much this initiative reminded me of a quote by Audre Lorde that a friend shared the other day, on Black Feminism, and all that it encompasses in what is the complexity of Black women's lives:

“Black feminism is not white feminism in blackface. Black women have particular and legitimate issues which affect our lives as Black women, and addressing those issues does not make us any less Black.”

I have criticized the free breastfeeding books offered by the Office on Women's Health before -- the ones that supposedly highlight the different "ethnic" groups; African American, Latina, Native American, and Chinese (though I could not read this last one). A cursory look may not reveal much, but a deeper one will show that they are literally nothing more than a murmur of white culture; (check them out, and compare them with the so-called "neutral" one they offer -- the one filled with majority white people -- because white is always considered the objective, of course). The OWH claims they are exclusive to each group, but if you look closer, you will undoubtedly agree that they simply herald the breastfeeding culture of white society, with Women of Color used as proxies. They reproduce mainstream ideas about breastfeeding, and don't delve deeper into areas that truly concern us, from our own perspective and our place in this society. This is, at least, how I see it. And these ideas seems to be along the same lines of the It's only natural campaign, and because of that, there are a few questions I have: 

Where are the issues specific to Black women -- instead of just repeating that 'Black women don't breastfeed' and simply saying we need to -- and showing us how to put a baby on our chest? Why are they making the breastfeeding inequity a Black woman's pathology instead of implicating other people who are responsible? And when I say 'other people,' I mean everyone! Where are the conversations on institutional racism that is perpetuated throughout society, and stand in the way of a slew of areas that shapes how we feel about our bodies, our self-esteem, our family life and every other area? White supremacy? The glorification of white bodies? The vilification of our partners, or the history of mistrust with healthcare professionals? Where is the conversation about structural violence, and how we can challenge this outside of the breastfeeding realm, which is inextricably linked to our rates?

I won't deny that just seeing or hearing the breastfeeding stories of those among our peer group, or others in our social circle can offer support. I recall the presentation by the founder of the Black Mothers' Breasfeeding Association last year at the ROSE Summit -- and how she shared that her presence alone -- being physically there in the company of a Black mother who was on the cusp of quitting was enough to encourage this woman to continue nursing her child (yes, I have goose bumps right now -- just like I did when I listened to this from my seat in the audience, almost one year ago). And I'm not saying that It's only natural does not provide assistance to women. What I am saying is that breastfeeding is more than simply the mechanical steps of attaching an infant to its mother's breast -- especially for Black women. And Black people. If indeed we have the lowest rates of any group in this country it is not just by chance. And the Office on Women's Health must take this into account as well as a more critical and holistic look into this area, and integrate these important aspects as part of their strategy, if they truly wish to impact and create real and lasting change.

But these are just some of my early thoughts.

Have you visited the site? What are yours?

BLACK FEMINIST BLOG CARNIVAL CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Debunking the 'Man-Hating' Myth

Black Feminist Blog Carnival

There has been an ongoing misconception about Black Feminism. The experiences unique to those of us who have adopted a Black Feminist framework in order to understand the social atmosphere regarding gender, race, and class, has somehow relegated us to hate our Black male counterparts.

Complete MISrepresentation of Black Feminism

This Blog Carnival is for those who identify as a Black Feminist or Womanist. It is inspired by the countless amount of inaccurate information defaming Black Feminism and its regard to Black male interactions. It's purpose is to bring together those powerful voices and simply debunk the Black man-hating myth. There are issues dealing with the unquestionable and complex dynamic between these genders, but the fact remains that the quest for social justice is moot if such a 'man-hating' stance existed.

Complete MISrepresentation of Black Feminism

Update: With more and more people weighing in, I have posted a few updates to this post. Mostly, I want to let you know that I am well aware of the (raging) 'gender war' between Black men and Black women, and understand that many who identify as Black Feminists have had very strong contention and/or outright trauma with Black men. My intention is not to use this space to try and mull over or ignore this crucial area that needs much attention. If anything, perhaps this will continue or open up a new conversation on the topic.

Working to challenge notions like ones in the video above.

Video: What IS Black Feminism?

There are folks who have produced different bodies of knowledge regarding just who can label themself a Black Feminist. In Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness and the Politics of Empowerment, for example, Patricia Hill Collins explains that in order to be a Black Feminist it requires experiencing life and viewing society through the lens of a Black woman. Others suggest that it is more flexible, allowing anyone who wants to identify as such do so to avoid the exclusion Black women have suffered. I don't know what theory you subscribe to, but I will not reject your submission, based on how you define yourself. 

********************

WHAT IS A BLOG CARNIVAL? A blog carnival is an online action that aims to utilize the growing power of our combined reach on social media (blogs, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest) to jumpstart – and jump into! – a national conversation. This “Black Feminist” blog carnival will have blog posts ranging from the personal to the political, in a range of mediums, from text to video. I will collect and publish the individual blog posts. The links to all posts will then be gathered into one overarching post that will serve to host and introduce the blog carnival (momrising.com).

HOW TO SUBMIT: Please submit through the link, or you can email it directly to: lactationjourney@hotmail.com

Please do not feel you need to be a 'writer' in order to participate. Whether you consider yourself a 'seasoned' professional, or not, your voice counts! Please bring your honest perspective, and you are welcome to be as personal, conservative or as politically-charged as you'd like.

INCLUDE:

• Your  post! Can be previously published work, and there are no restrictions on length. You are welcome to use whichever format you'd like in order to convey your message, i.e. creative fiction article, poem, YouTube video, etc. Please note: If you insert a YouTube video in leu of a full-length post, please include a paragraph or two explaining the key points of your video. This will be inserted into the post (here's an example). Please also include the url to your video. 
• Post Title
• Your name and email address (or you can submit anonymously)
• A headshot 
• A picture to insert into your article. This is not required, but often times posts containing images related to the post topic are shared more frequently around the social networking sites. 
• A link to your website or blog
• A 2-3 sentence byline/'About Me' (preferably in third person -- he, she, they), and can include your Twitter @. 

TIMELINE: This carnival will be hosted here on the Lactation Journey Blog, and posts will be published on Thursday, May 9th 16th, but you are welcome to submit yours as soon as you'd like.

*This blog deals with the social, cultural and very racial aspects of Afro-decendent breastfeeding from a radical Black Feminist perspective. It is straight-forward and quite political (unapologetically so). If you feel this may be a concern to you, before you submit, I would encourage you to click around on this site for a bit, to ensure you are OK with having your content featured here.

*Comments: Comments are maintained by Disqus. I suggest when your work is published here, you subscribe to the comments. To do this, navigate to your post (or any other that you'd like), and scroll down to the very bottom until you reach the 'comments' section. There, you will see two grayish links, which allow you to subscribe either by RSS or through email. By subscribing, you will be notified when someone has responded to your post, and you can make sure you engage your reader and answer questions, if necessary.

If you have any other comments, concerns, thoughts or questions at all, just ask!
 

Deadline for submissions is Thursday, May 2, 2013! Thursday May, 9th, 2013!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Acquanda + Women's History Month + Wombanist Views Radio

If you missed the Wombanist Views Radio Show today, I've embedded it below. How awesome it was to be invited to be a guest during Women's History Month, to discuss the "efforts in breastfeeding advocacy and the cultural implications and why it is an important health concern." Whenever I'm involved in any type of public speaking on breastfeeding, I always hope to at least convey a few critical issues about community engagement and participation. Hopefully this was able to raise some awareness around these important issues. Of course there's also a zillion and one other things I would have liked to discuss, but of course one can only get so much in in 30 minutes.

You'll have to forgive my bit of nervousness -- which, is the reason I kept saying 'absolutely' and also flubbed a couple other times :OI. Also, I'm still getting over a cold, so excuse the grogginess. But other than that, let's talk about it.

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Update: I went back and listened to this, and like before would like to add a few extra words, and make sure I clear a few things up:

1. Breastfeeding is not the answer to all of our problems, and hope I did not come off with this belief. Like I've said before: Breastfeeding is not a 'fix-all' button! I believe breastfeeding can and does help avert illness, infant mortality as well as offer many other benefits even on a local and global level, but I am unsure if I came across as suggesting if we just breastfeed then all health and social ills associated with a lack of tradition will simply disappear. I have not, do not, nor will I ever subscribe to this.
2. Every woman in my family has breastfed. But like the rap artist who rhymed about "B-Fing -- The most beautifullest, natruallest and heallthiest thing..  I ain't gonna front like they ain't seen a bottle." I grew up around breastfeeders -- some exclusive, but I ain't gonna front like our babies have never seen a bottle or have never used infant formula. And I'm sorry if I came off with the impression otherwise. 

Oh, and just a small sidenote: I think the Whitney Houston music is awesome! That song is often in the cue and listened to when I'm out taking my walks, because it's upbeat and make me feel good. And it's such a perfect tune for the theme this month!

Black people and breastfeeding disparities: How we stand in our OWN way of a healthier community

First, I want to tell you that I am not writing in my normal MO. I am simply free-typing (free styling), which I never do -- I was born in the mid-70s, so pencil and paper before uploading is how I roll, and is how I can best get my thoughts clearly expressed. This usually is not my usual blogging day either, but I have something to say and am hoping my point comes across. I'm am not apologizing for any of the content, but if it sounds a bit choppy, then you'll understand. I'm hoping more than focusing on my grammatical errors and such, this will create a much-needed dialogue.

This is a painful post for me to write. Not only because it forces me to look at an area where I know sooner or later will make me sad about the state of affairs, but it draws upon some of my personal life experiences and forces me to visit these areas, which often I'd rather not. But before you read on, go watch the video by Jaylove47, entitled Blacks Hate Each Other, and then come back. Make sure you don't read ahead before you watch it.

A couple of weeks ago, someone got mad at me because I called her a Black Feminist. Actually, I didn't call her a Black Feminist, per se, but instead alluded to it. I told her from the viewpoints she was displaying in her YouTube video that I watched, I believed she was on her way to becoming a Black Feminist. Needless to say she ardently disagreed. Later, I found out that she was so against the ideas of Black Feminism because like so many others she believed that it excluded Black men. I was recently preparing to write a post about how Black Feminism, at very least, is not about hating Black men, and that as breastfeeding advocates we must be more inclusive of them in our advocacy. Of course I still believe this. I mention this because even though that post is going to have to wait -- it fits in what I have to say now, because it was only when I adopted a Black Feminist consciousness is when I began to understand and make sense of it all.

The other day I was out visiting the university I was recently admitted to, and whose offer I already accepted -- heck, I already sent my official transcripts. I was as excited as humanly possible that I was actually going to this place to talk to all of the anthropology professors, who will offer me guidance on a topic that has become such a force within my scope of advocacy and activism -- which manifested itself in my complete lack of sleep the night before. While I was there, I was reminded by the video which basically states that Black people are our own worst enemies. Or, that we just hate each other. While I was on campus, I sat back and watched while Black men completely dissed a Black woman on two separate occasions. Now you may say "Big deal." But I look at this completely different. No. this is nothing new, and the insecurity these men have that they projected outwards reminded me of the many other instances that I have witnessed this. And also of times that I have been the subject of this internal violence within the Black community. When I was 15 and in 10th grade, I was in PE class, and remember being asked by a white classmate why Black people talk so badly about each other all the time. You can say this is nothing more than some high-school drama, and I know there's definitely a level of truth to that, but I think it goes much deeper. I know it does. And I knew this was the truth, since even back then I had seen it countless times. It was no secret. More and more now I am seeing this with the blatant disregard for others in this community, and what it has come down to, for me at least, is why do I do the work that I do and if I will continue, and why?

This internalized self-hatred that we project onto others, doesn't only happen in these spaces. I've seen it on the bus, projected at a really dark-skinned brotha, who I believe was from Sudan. I've seen a Black woman get picked out of a crowd of about 100 white people and stigmatized by another Black person. I was once at a breastfeeding meeting -- the same one where I landed a seat next to the xenophobic white woman who said she can't see herself using 'Black' breastfeeding literature for her white clients -- and had shade thrown at me by other Black women -- you know, because that type of hate is so productive being in that atmosphere where we were there because we wanted to save Black life and all, right?! There have been many times that when I have met a (usually a young, Black person), and I can tell this has been their experience with other Blacks just by the vibe they give off. I know many of you who read this post also know what I'm talking about. My resistance to this legacy of intra-racial mental violence is to strike up a conversation with the young person to ease their tension. Yet, this is only a minuscule example of countless others that are woven into the fabric of our community. Don't you think this affects each of us mentally? Physically? Our breastfeeding rates? Our overall health?

If you go to YouTube, you will find endless episodes of Black men figuratively ripping the life out of Black women -- over our dating choices, our jobs, our skin tone, hair -- anything. Although this perspective -- Black men vs Black women makes up the majority of it, I believe, this not only happens from that angle, but vice versa. Black women also do the same to other Black women. For me, I view this like math problems when you're looking for a common denominator -- through a process, you eliminate to get to what you want. From what I have seen people have looked far beyond anyone else to scope each other out to look for their kind for this. Make sense? That Black people seem to scout out other Blacks to do this. We will bypass anyone around and pick each other out of a crowed to do this. I haven't even touched on physical violence and Black on Black crime.

My feelings continue to get hurt from all of this, and it pisses me off so much, that I really have been questioning if I am going to continue this work. And, why I bother in the first place. If others don't care, why the hell should I?

I'm not saying I'm looking for these utopian ideas among Black people or anyone for that matter -- even though I know we as people are capable of changing things in society and the planet, but I know for myself that I constantly work at challenging racism in every aspect of work that I do but it seems that many of the instigators are not just around us -- they are us! 

I have lost countless people in my life who cannot accept my politics, and especially my racial politics, and have even cried myself to sleep before by being castigated for criticizing a dominating system that continues to harbor racist sentiments against Blacks. But from what I see, as Black people we are harboring ill sentiments against ourselves. You know, the things we do where instead of looking at what we're doing we always place the blame on racism. White supremacy. Class issues. The devil.

Look, I am not at all saying these things do not play a tremendous role in social inequity and a baby's access to the breast or whatever other area. I know they do. And I know there is a historical legacy that shapes today. But I also see that there is the role we play in our own demise. I have to be honest with you that when I look at several issues in breastfeeding, where the way I see it is connected to every other area of society on a local and global scale, I tend to look at a larger picture to see where the origins of disparities come from. I have constantly challenged anti-Black racism and other issues of whiteness and such. But I'm starting to look at things a bit differently now. And I promise you that if indeed I do continue onwards with my education looking at breastfeeding among Black women, and spend at least five years of my life researching this area, you best know that a segment of my research will focus on the ways we ourselves by the way we hate on each other, create and maintain our own disconnect and disparities. Believe that.

Acquanda As Wombanist Views Radio 'Feature Guest' for Women's History Month

I've been invited to be a feature guest on Wombanist Views for their Women's History Month episode. Wombanist Views 'is a radio program that is dedicated to broadcasting the voices of women, who are doing positive and exciting things in their communities.'

I'll be sharing information regarding (the culture, politics, inequities and reasons more people must become involved in) breastfeeding support, and a few other things as well. Below are the directions to the show which airs three weeks from today:

Air date is Thursday March 28, at 3:30 PM Pacific Time.

Url: Wombnast Views on Blog Talk Radio.

Let me know if you'll be tuning in! I really hope you can make it. 

Why I Just Dropped Out Of The University of North Carolina's Breastfeeding and Feminism Symposia

I'm not speaking at the University of North Carolina this month, after all. I was scheduled to present two discussion sessions at the 8th Breastfeeding and Feminism Symposia, but I canceled. I was literally in the middle of booking my plane ticket and making hotel reservations, when I saw an article from Clutch Magazine about a UNC Rape Victim [who] Faces Expulsion.

I read the article about Landem Gambill, who was being threatened for speaking publicly about her rapist -- an ex boyfriend, who is also a student at the university, and whose ostracism comes because they say she is being disruptive. The 'Honor Court' threatened to charger her with this violation:

"Disruptive or intimidating behavior that willfully abuses, disparages, or otherwise interferes with another (other than on the basis of protected classifications identified and addressed in the University’s Policy on Prohibited Harassment and Discrimination) so as to adversely affect their academic pursuits, opportunities for University employment, participation in University-sponsored extracurricular activities, or opportunities to benefit from other aspects of University Life."

I emailed the Symposia's planning Committee, and expressed my concern before I told them that I would do more research. While reading about Landem Gambill I saw that there had been numerous cases of the University's neglect in highlighting issues of sexual violence and various others who had launched complaints against the school for neglecting to do something. I received a reply from one of the committee members stating she was definitely concerned with violence against women at their campus as well as others, and sent me the link to the University's response, which after reading it did not feel is was a real reprimand on this behavior, on violence or on the perpetrator but felt instead as if they were issuing one that attempted to absolve themselves of the fact that this happened under their campus direction. Also, another committee member told me it was not the institution, but the students who run the high court.

I was really bothered by this story and all of this. I didn't know if I should continue with the presentations and change my content from speaking about breastfeeding and Black Feminism to speaking out against rape culture. After emailing back and forth over the past couple of days with these committee members this was my response:

"Thank you for replying to my email and going a step further in providing additional information on this recent headline that has seemed to highlight other issues within structure. Yes, violence on all campuses and non-campus environments concern me and others as well. I have done as much research as I can regarding the case of Landen Gambill once I initially heard of this recently, given the amount of time I have in order to either proceed or withdraw. Unfortunately I have not seen a great effort by the University of North Carolina to make a whole effort to eradicate the presence of rape culture on campus, or to even reprimand the actions of the perpetuator or the larger issue. And when we don't speak out against something, we are doing nothing more than stating our support. I cannot attend a session that underpins the principles of feminism in an environment I believe has not worked towards resolve in this issue or the many others who have also launched a complaint of sexual violence. What kind of feminist would that make me? The fact that expulsion is an option at all shows there is an underlying support of these kinds of crimes against women on campus and a willingness to accept it - and shame and blame the victim. I thank you for the opportunity, but please cancel my registration as well as refund my registration fee."

* Thank you to all who contributed towards the Breastfeeding and (BLACK) Feminism Chip In. The funding was to be used to offset the charges that I incur at this event, in order to continue doing this important work. Some of you have told me to keep the funds and use them for other breastfeeding promotions and advocacy, which I am thankful for and is what I will do. If this is what you'd like then let me know. Otherwise, I will begin processing the return of your donation.

Please sign the petition to help stop the impunity of the perpetrators of 'The Little Girl' who was raped, and have not been brought to justice. 

Soraya Chemaly: 50 Facts About Rape

DR. STANFORD IS (not so far from being) IN THE HOUSE! Final Education Score: Master’s, 2, PhD, 1 #JustCallMeProfessorHIJKLMNOP

“Last July, I walked on stage in front of a large audience. I was an invited speaker, asked to share my perspective at a summit at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, organized by ROSE (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere), a grassroots coalition founded to raise awareness of breastfeeding among Black and African American women. My objective that day was to give a 30-minute presentation on ways to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates among this group, who statistically continue to rank lowest of any demographic in our nation, and whose increase could effectively help thwart the staggering infant mortality rate that plagues this community. As I stood behind the podium and looked onto the crowd, which consisted of lay and professional healthcare advocates, community activists and many other officials from local and nationwide, including the 16th U.S. Surgeon General, I told them that in order to eradicate the lengthy list of health disparities linked to these low breastfeeding rates we must cease focusing on Black women who breastfeed. Instead, look past these protagonists, and recognize the unique and complex history of Black women in this country and enlist the help of anyone interested in challenging socio-political inequity, structural violence and cultural insularity, all which are situated at the center, and all hinder an infant’s access to its mother’s breast. This was a significant shift in the way breastfeeding advocacy and promotion has been viewed as a tradition.”

Remember a little while back when I said I was busier than life and I’d let on to what was going on around here soon enough? Well, I was engaged in what felt like an unyielding application of school and fellowship applications, (the first paragraph of my Statement of Purpose is above, because I just thought I’d share. I used my experience speaking at ROSE Breastfeeding Summit, to set the tone. And I’m sure the fact that the Surgeon General was in the audience didn’t hurt with the decision). But without further ado…..

I GOT IN!

Just the other day I received notification that I was accepted into the renowned Sociocultural Anthropology PhD program, after I opened my email and viewed the fancy schmancy letter – well, here, let me read it to you:

Ahem – *Clears throat*

Dear Acquanda Y. Stanford (that’s me ;)

Dear Acquanda Y. Stanford:

We are pleased to inform you that the Sociocultural Anthropology Graduate Program in the Department of Anthropology has admitted you…. Our faculty, staff and students join me in welcoming you to one of the most prestigious, progressive universities in the United States…. This is a very competitive program and many applicants with impressive backgrounds apply…. Please contact me if you have any further questions…. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Anthropology Department is well-known for its rigorous curriculum, which I am SO thankful for. I love challenging environments, and being worked in school. And not to boast or anything, seriously, but it is an extremely difficult program to get into. But I still think it’s crazy insane I am about to enter a PhD program, since I initially never ever planned on it. When I was in community college I remember my instructor one day said to me (though I don’t really remember the exact subject at hand) “You’ll see when you teach anthropology….” This is the same one who gave me the extra push to actually apply to this program, and the one who previously introduced me to the idea of a concurrent PhD and Master’s of Public Health degree, which I will also be pursing, along with a certificate in Feminist Studies.

I want to teach – to transform – and create a reciprocal learning environment that opens up the doors for radical social change. That’s my goal. And pursuing a doctoral degree will qualify me to do so at the university level, which is my ultimate endeavor. But I also want to continue to engage people in the public sphere. This is also the reason I feel my education is a double-edged sword. In some ways I believe it may hinder my access to the communities I most want to serve. Yet my reasons for even attending school is that I recognized that in order to ‘use the master’s tools to dismantle the master’s house’ I would need to equip myself with what it takes to combat these issues – in various ranks. That’s why I’m here.

What will my research focus on? Bet you’d never guess in a million years, right?! As far as I know I am the only Black woman in this country with an anthropology background who focuses on this area and the Black experience. Using the tools of anthropology, I want to construct the larger framework around Black breastfeeding. Breastfeeding extends far beyond a baby on a breast, and it requires critical attention to areas of gender, race, class, geographic location, history and much, much more. I want to delve deep into the issues of power and dominance, culture and biology, female and community agency, language and our knowledge of the past and present and view this area through various lenses that encompass critical social theories. I believe that “this biological site can serve as a gateway to underpin a new set of theoretical questions that can complicate our thinking and allow for the expansion of knowledge on ideas of community engagement, globalization, global health and disparities, maternal-infant health and various others with research that will evolve and syncretize local, national, and global processes, expanding perspectives not previously explored.” Sorry, that’s just another small clip from my Statement of Purpose. *smile*

I also am ready to continue transforming this discipline. I absolutely believe that an anthropological approach is key to addressing many issues that face our society, and its tools can be used to create radical and revolutionary change and positively transform. But I also know that it has a long and sordid history of participating in colonialism and exclusion and racial and gender exclusivity, but there have been many who have worked effortlessly to challenge this legacy. I'm thrilled to carry the torch.

When all is said and done, where I always urge people to disregard the hierarchy and ensure everyone has a say, and used a string of letters of the alphabet to mock our reliance on formal education, which I believe can too often keep people from truly engaging each other, I really will be Professor HIJKLMNOP. I will have a zillion and one initials behind my name that if you ask me, is actually kinda creepy. But still not so bad for a H.S. dropout, eh?! Thankfully this area is one that allows for academic activism, and using education to lift and liberate because I really do love what I do. And I’m so, so thrilled about what lies ahead.

This image provides an excellent depiction of the type of educator I aspire to be!
#powertothepeople

FOUR Conferences, THREE Presentations, two babies on my knee, and a Black HERstory Twitter Party #BlkBfing

I think this will read like more of a newsletter-type-ish post than an actual 'post' 'post'. Partially because well, I'm a bit busy these days -- I'm slammed with projects I need to work on, plus my little sister is out of town visiting family, so I have her three children which I'm helping to get off to school, making lunches, helping do homework, etc, while their dad is at work. My one-year-old great nephew is also over for a Valentine's visit, and since my sister usually babysits her sister-in-law's baby -- another one-year-old, while his mom goes to work, I'm helping watch him, too. And they are both sitting - one on each of my knees as I try and type this =D. I did, however, want to put some updates out there just to let on with a few things happening in my world and in the Black breastfeeding world around.

ROSE Breastfeeding Coalition just sent out their 'Save The Date' email for their 2013 Summit in Atlanta, to address Black women's breastfeeding disparities. It will be held on August 8-9, and the theme this year is Organizing for Action: Building the Surgeon General's Call to Action to Address Disparities and Strengthen  Support Systems, though I'm not sure what venue it will be held in. I want to make sure you can mark your calendar. I hope I'm able to attend this year. I had such a great time speaking at the last one. ROSE has also partnered with Moms Rising and the United States Breastfeeding Committee for a Blog Carnival in honor of Black History Month. If you missed that post, which was published last week, just scroll down for all of the details. I really hope you can submit something.

A few days after that, on the 27th at 9 pm EST, these organizations along with Sojourner Marable Grimmet, co-founder of the breastfeeding advocacy organization Table for Two, and daughter of the late and fabulously great Manning Marable (whose wife is anthropologist, Leith Mullings, btw), will be hosting a National Breastfeeding Making HERstory Twitter Party to 'discuss the importance of breastfeeding and increasing African American rates.' The flyer is above (click on the image to enlarge), and if you're on facebook, you can RSVP. Make sure you use the hashtag #BlkBfing. I'm @LactationJrny.

Also, a flyer about a conference in Detroit, MI, just came through my email. Innovations in Breastfeeding Support Seminar 2013 is hosted by Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Association (BMBFA), and is 'to inform healthcare professionals on innovative solutions that address the cultural road blocks in breastfeeding support for African Americans.' Here's the event page, where you can register. You can contact the founder of BMBFA, Kiddada Green via email or you can call her:  (800) 313-6141 ext. 2, to get more info.

I'll be presenting at the Inequity in Breastfeeding Support Summit -- aka the racism, white privilege and power conference happening here this June. I think the really good thing about this is that it is open to anyone -- lay and professionals and anyone else interested in supporting breastfeeding. I'll periodically post info about it so keep an eye out, but also know that you can join the Summit's Facebook Like Page, if you want to stay in the know.

And lastly, I'm preparing for the Breastfeeding and (Black) Feminism Symposium in North Carolina. I'm really looking forward to this, not only because it's specifically a conference on breastfeeding and Black Feminism, a couple of my favorite subjects, but I've seen the agenda, and the other workshops and what others are presenting on, and I can't wait to hear them. At first I thought I was giving my presentation only one time, but as it turns out I'll be giving two 20-minute presentations. I'll be presenting the same content, but at two different times, so it's twice as nice. My presentations are called Reorganizing the Village: Viewing Black Breastfeeding Support Through a Black Feminist Framework, and I'll be giving a short account on the history of Black Feminism, and the ways to get more community members involved in with advocacy -- the greater community. I love any chance I get to discuss this. My bestie also lives over there so I'm super duper excited about seeing her, her family and a few others, who I haven't seen in over four years.

I created a chip in for this event -- at the UNC. As of yet, I don't keep a static 'donate' button on my site, but my spiel is the same when I'm responsible for the tab -- I created the chip in to allow anyone interested in helping to offset the charges from this event. I'm not hooked up with a large organization, and I don't receive grants from the government. My breastfeeding work is done largely independently, so the help of my community is only what will allow me to continue this important work. Please consider supporting these great efforts by chip(ping) in, and maybe sharing the link. Anything helps, and thank you for consideration.

Through the remainder of February, anyone who donates $20.00+, will get a free seat to May's Radical Breastfeeding Webinar!

And now to tend to my children. Over the next two weeks, I'll have two one-year-old babies, a pre-teen, one nine year old, and a seven year old.

#muthahoodaintforsissies

Happy Valentine's Day. ♥

Angela Davis's Advice on Breastfeeding Advocacy! Well, in a Former Black Panther, Social Justice Activist, Civil Rights Icon, prison abolitionist and once an FBI's top 10 most-wanted, MLK Celebration sort of way (Video)

Yes, that's my reflection taking the picture :O)

"Remain cognizant of the struggles which have carved out a place for you. Also, be willing, in turn, to add your own contribution to the ongoing quest for justice and equality." -Angela Y. Davis

I had the awesome experience of going to see Angela Davis last week. Twice! (If you are in the unfortunate situation and have gone this long unsure of who she is, please cancel out of this blog, Google her, and come back later once you've done a good amount of learning-up on this amazing and revolutionary woman. They don't make 'em like this anymore). Just a month earlier while at doula training, I was talking to a fellow student and telling her how I would love to see her -- a conversation I completely forgot about until the morning I was getting dressed and ready to go and see her. By a fluke just days before the event I found out she was coming to town to give a lecture at the Community College, and then the keynote at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, so I attended both. Obviously! For as long as I can possibly remember I have wanted to see Dr. Davis, hear her speak and just vibe from her years of wisdom, political activism, resilience and resistance (in reality, I want to take her out for a drink and pick her brain.... but I guess I'll settle for hearing a lecture and a speech). The talk discussed the legacy of Dr. King -- where we were then and where we are now, recognizing even though we have made great strides, we still have a long way to go -- the ongoing struggle. This also encompasses community organization, and patience.

At the end of the lecture, during the Q&A (from my front row seat ;)), I got to ask the very last question. I asked Professor Davis what type of advice she has to activists and advocates to keep going. That when you just want to throw in the towel, what can people do to continue on? This is an area that I don't really see anyone talking about, and I think it needs more discussion; it's sort of like 'everyone wants to have dinner, but no one wants to talk about doing the dishes.' At least that's the way someone from the audience equated what I asked, when I was approached after the event about my question. I wanted to know from someone who has been on the front lines of political activism for decades, and has, no doubt been through it all -- how to go on?

I know I'm not alone and there are plenty others who feel this way and wonder the same. My question comes from a place where even though I love what I do, I've been looking for some type of inspiration. I know my frustrations often come from what I feel is so much general apathy and a lack of interest in social change – from too many -- you know, the ones who don't do anything at all, yet try to silence you?! I find the bulk of people aren't concerned with most things unless it directly affects them, and then are then only interested in 'saving' themselves. There are too many who can do something and don’t – to really challenge racism, class issues and white supremacy – and all other forms of oppression and domination. And recognize we are all to blame and can all do something. Confronting these types of sentiments from others while I'm in this 'struggle for justice and equality,' I sometimes feel these are overwhelming, and drain my energy and at times make me wonder why I even give a care.

I think her response was also something she talked about in her lecture on Dr. King's legacy. Professor Davis said that in addition to creating change in a way that does not wear us down and practicing self-care -- she does yoga three times per week, that we 'need a combination of urgency and patience' -- and to recognize what we're looking for won't happen overnight. When Dr. Davis was talking about activism in her lecture, she emphasized that the struggle is ongoing -- what we're wanting won't happen tomorrow, and we must 'imagine things beyond our immediate scope' and work with future generations in mind. She mentioned the latest Presidential election, and suggested there actually is organization and interest among the people. All of this really touched a soft spot for me. I think that often times I do work to 'get the message in our DNA' -- that will transcend generations – but I also know that there's definitely times I've found myself looking for a 'fast food' type of solution' that Ms. Davis referred to –  suggesting everyone wants things to be automatic. I think that plays a part in my frustration.

The messages from Angela Davis –  from the lecture and the keynote, and the sentiments of the MLK Holiday, reminds me that even though there were significant strides made then and that we are ‘living a reality we may not have imagined a generation ago,’ something else she emphasized, the focus is on continuing. A friend of mine said recently that we must understand that even though we want change and dedicate our time and energy, we may not see the fruit of that labor it in our lifetimes. That's something else to think about.

What I've also thought about is that 'ongoing reservoir of inspirations' for me, means surrounding myself with people who have the same vision -- or a similar one, who are also working towards a similar goal. I've been giving this a lot of thought, and I will continue to do so. I'm not one who is quick with letting people off the hook and not holding them accountable for creating change I know is possible, but I'm slightly less frustrated, somewhat - at least for the moment anyway. But I'd love to hear from you all out there, who work to create positive social change and radical transformation. What happens when you feel this way, because I know you do. What's your opinion? I'd love to hear your take.

"It's not going to happen tomorrow. But act as if it were possible."

Here is the video from the lecture at Edmonds Community College. You can see the back of my head in much of it. LOL. I wish there were one also from the keynote address at the Convention Center later that night. If I happen to come across it, I'll post it.

An MLK Commemoration with Angela Davis

"As part of the community's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration feminist and writer Angela Davis speaks on campus. Through her activism and scholarship over the last decades, Davis has been deeply involved in our nation's quest for social justice. Her work as an educator both at the university level and in the larger public sphere has always emphasized the importance of building communities of struggle for economic, racial, and gender justice. Davis has lectured throughout the United States as well as in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America. In recent years a persistent theme of her work has been the range of social problems associated with incarceration and the generalized criminalization of those communities that are most affected by poverty and racial discrimination."

Benefits of Breastfeeding w/Queen Ifama and Sister Acquanda

I was on the Queen Ifama show this past Sunday on Blog Talk Radio. The 'Truth Terrorist' invited me to be a guest to talk about breastfeeding, and introduce an initiative to support Black Feminism in breastfeeding.

I had such a wonderful time talking about something I'm so passionate about. I love offering insights and ways to get more people joining in and explaining why we need to be proactive in breastfeeding support, and hearing their suggestions as well.

I was a bit nervous in the beginning (hence why I dorkishly explained my username), and when I was asked about being a doula, totally didn't explain exactly what the significance of doulas are for Black women and why we need them. Gah!

*Sigh*

After I listened to the show, there were some things that I felt may not have come across as clear as I would have liked, or that may be interpreted incorrectly.

Here are a few things I'd like to clear up: 

1. Breastfeeding is not a 'fix-all' button! I believe breastfeeding can and does help avert illness, infant mortality as well as offer many other benefits even on a local and global level, but I am unsure if I came across as suggesting if we just breastfeed then all health and social ills associated with a lack of tradition will simply disappear. I have not, do not, nor will I ever subscribe to this. Even though I agree with Queen Ifama -- that we will be healthier as a society overall, there are far too many issues that we, as a collective people, must work on. 
2. When I talk about the 'Strong Black Woman' in this context, it is not a suggestion that I believe Black women are superhumans. Instead, one of the most dehumanizing results of racism and sexism is this myth that has been sustained for generations. Black women have been made to seem as if she can handle the weight of the world -- without flinching -- and with a smile, while silently suffering in her mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. 'Strong Black Women' are dying. When I reference this figure, it is because I believe this is one of the many forms of oppression situated at the center of low breastfeeding rates. 
3. "We must all work at dismantling the stigmas to bring the one that is responsible for lowered breastfeeding rates to the top." Correction: They are interlocking. We must eradicate them all.

Overall, I think it went really well -- I didn't leave crying this time around. I was invited  back anytime, which is good because there's definitely a whole lot more I'd like to talk about. I was also told I could even put a panel together for the show -- and that's insanely tempting. Who's down?

I'm on in the second hour, at the 63 minute mark, and for about one hour through the end of the show discuss Black Feminism in theory, praxis and politics of Black breastfeeding. I'd love to know your insights or what you think about the topics at hand. 

Disclaimer: Queen Ifama cusses, just in case you're sensitive to profanity. 

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