CVDoulas provides access to free and low-cost labor, postpartum, and pregnancy loss support. Our work eliminates morbidity and mortality among Black Birthing People and those resource denied in pregnancy and birth care.
It's Black August 2023, which is a significant month for the Black community in the United States. It is a month of remembrance, resistance, and reflection. The history of Black August dates back to the 1970s and is rooted in the struggle for liberation and justice.
It was in August 1619 that the first enslaved Africans were brought to the shores of Virginia. The month also witnessed significant events in the Civil Rights Movement, such as the March on Washington and the Watts Riots in Los Angeles.
However, Black August as we know it today has its roots in the 1970s. It was a time of intense political and social upheaval in the United States. The Black Panther Party, founded in 1966, was at the forefront of the struggle for Black liberation and justice. The party had a strong presence in Oakland, California, and other parts of the country.
In August 1971, George Jackson, a Black Panther Party and Black Guerrilla Family member, was killed in San Quentin prison. Jackson was a revolutionary leader and author whose death sparked nationwide protests and uprisings in prisons.
In response to Jackson's death, the Black Panther Party and the Black Guerrilla Family declared August 'Black August,' a month dedicated to honoring the Black liberation struggle's fallen heroes and continuing the fight for justice and freedom.
Black August is a time of fasting, political education, and physical training. It's a time to remember the sacrifices of those who have come before and to renew commitments to the struggle. It is a time to honor the fallen heroes and to continue the work that they started.
Chicago Volunteer Doulas takes its role in the community seriously and showcases that commitment through our dedication to improving Black Maternal Mortality with the help of community-based Doulas. Below, you'll find a few resources that can help you be the change for Black August, even in your very own corner of the world.
LEARN
This month, CVD celebrates National Breast/Chestfeeding Month, highlighting the advantages of breast/chestfeeding for infants and mothers. Many CVDoulas offer lactation support. Each Doula is equipped with a wide range of certified knowledge and is matched in the best-suited ways to meet the client's needs.
RESIST
In honor of Black Breastfeeding Week, Chicago South Side Birth Center will host their second annual stroll on August 26th at Russell Square Park. According to SSBC, "We believe that communities of color deserve deeply intentional support on their body/breast/chestfeeding journeys. This event will highlight the disparities of breastfeeding rates in Black communities and uplift the people and organizations providing resources and support to families wanting to provide their little ones with human milk and overall wellness in our communities." They're inviting everyone out to join them. Visit the event page for details!
SACRIFICE
Many experts tout having the secrets to the best strategies for exercising while fasting. But, when it comes to working out while fasting, those opinions differ. More still, tons of studies often produce conflicting results. ill, there's a consensus that unless you have certain medical conditions, you're likely to do much harm; it may even help you burn more fat.
TRAIN
Selena Watkins is a professional dancer, fitness entrepreneur, and the Founder/CEO of Socanomics® a Caribbean dance workout and cardio workout fueled by Soca music. Selena's credits include performing with Shakira for the Superbowl LIV Halftime Show, Nicki Minaj World Tour, Beyonce's Black is King, Trainwreck the Movie, & the NBA Brooklynettes.
FAST
The Daniel Fast is a dietary plan that originated from the biblical story of Daniel. During his time in Babylon, Daniel rejected the king's rich and decadent food offerings and instead opted for a diet packed with fruits, vegetables, and grains. Nowadays, the Daniel Fast remains a popular and highly respected practice that involves avoiding meat, dairy, processed foods, and sweeteners for 21 days. The fast is about physical and spiritual health, allowing individuals to draw closer to a Higher Power through prayer and fasting.
FIGHT
Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey of The NAP Ministry, is a powerful and thought-provoking book that explores the importance of rest in a society that glorifies busyness and productivity. In this book, Tricia Hersey challenges the traditional notion that rest is a luxury and argues that it is, in fact, a necessity for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Through personal anecdotes, historical perspectives, and cultural analysis, she shows how rest has been marginalized and stigmatized, particularly for people of color and marginalized communities. With a call to action for restorative justice and self-care, Rest is Resistance is a timely and insightful read for anyone who wants to reclaim rest as a radical act of resistance.
STUDY
Center for Reproductive Rights reported in January 2023, that Illinois enacted an interstate shield law protecting providers, patients, and people who help others access abortion and gender-affirming care from licensure consequences and the reach of out-of-state investigations and legal actions. Read more about HB4664 102nd General Assembly on the State of Illinois Legislation website.
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