Through their eyes: Gatekeepers of the Deep South w/ Whitney Williams-Black
A life cycle facilitator's viewpoint is informed by the families we serve, the care teams we interact with, and the larger dynamics of our sociopolitical climate. Deeply Rooted is a platform for life cycle facilitators at the beginning and end of life from around the world to share experiences,"Through Their Eyes". This time we’re going to North Carolina.
As a full-spectrum doula, Whit Williams-Black (she/they) is dedicated to serving the community. Early on in Whit’s birthwork journey, she felt the call to serve Black mamas, young parents, poor, LGBTQIA+, and QTBIPOC people in the South. Her goals are to one day become a community midwife and to open birth centers and community gardens across the Southeastern States of America.
Whit began studying power, reproductive justice, and feminist movements in 2015. She obtained a B.A. in Gender and Women’s Studies with a minor in Social Justice in 2018 from Hollins University. Since graduation, Whit has become a certified full-spectrum doula with Ancient Song Doula Services in NYC. Whit also completed Whole Body Pregnancy Childbirth Educator training in 2021. Professionally, they have served as a Community Educator-- facilitating workshops on Reproductive Justice, Consent, and Pleasure.
Looking for resources in the Durham area for pregnant families? Check out these recommendations from Want to Be Well Doula:
My "Home Team" of doulas are a wealth of resources from lactation, to baby wearing, birth to postpartum, fertility to miscarriage and loss. We support all families and center Black families in our network.
Yemoja Headwaters is an annual retreat for birthworkers who serve people in the South to experience rest, luxury, community, and skill sharing. In 2024, the event runs from March 22nd to March 25th in the mountains of North Carolina. We are collecting donations to offer a weekend long experience to birthworkers and guests at no cost. Funds will cover lodging, catering, travel, gifts, and childcare.
Grown In Durham is a new resource I have been connected to. They desire to support BIPGM families rearing children who are experiencing food apartheid. I cannot wait to work more with them.
Mama Tina of Sankofa Birth and Wellness is a huge resource that I lean on for professional and personal matters. Not only is she one of the most respected Black midwives on North Carolina she is also an herbalist, parent, wife, and devoted community member.
Follow @wanttobewelldoula on IG or connect more with Whit through their website.
