Dismantling White Supremacy Internally & Externally
In light of the recent murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others we are speaking up to say: We must not let this continue another minute.
Bridgetown Baby is committed to dismantling white supremacy, internally and externally.
We have never shied away from using our voice to promote social justice, in general, and Black maternal health, in particular.
We are proud of what we have done so far.
Worked since our foundation in 2014 to build a team that reflects the diversity of our larger community.
Held internal group conversations examining our own biases and ways to dismantle white supremacy and the systemically racist structures that we encounter in our everyday lives.
Raised over $13,000 for the Sacred Roots Community Doula Program to train new Black doulas in Portland.
Partnered with Forward Together to raise funds to improve birth and postpartum outcomes for Black and Indigenous mamas in Oregon.
And we know that this is only a start.
We are recommitting to educate ourselves, engage in anti-racism practices, and amplify the Black voices that are leading the movement for change. We continue to develop this work but will include the following:
Facilitated discussions for doulas to explore our own biases and determine how our white doulas can leave the sidelines and do the work, not simply as allies but as co-conspirators.
Book studies (on our immediate list: Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad and My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem), and discussion of podcasts such as NATAL, to deepen our learning.
Ongoing information-sharing for the families we serve: profiles of children's book about celebrating and honoring diversity; guidance for talking with children about racism; and more.
These are the beginnings of how we can work - together - to create a new, more just, reality. Stand with us, learn with us, take action with us.
In solidarity,
Merriah Fairchild, Bridgetown Baby Founder
Our take-action gallery:
