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Legacy of Light: Honoring Granny Midwives and the Continuing Journey of Black and Brown Doulas

Writer's picture: JaneanJanean


Legacy of Light

Legacy of Light

In the annals of American history, amidst the tumult of progress and struggle, there exists a lineage of unsung heroines who illuminated the path of childbirth with their wisdom, resilience, and compassion. These women, affectionately known as "Granny Midwives," were the stalwart guardians of maternal health and advocates for birthing justice within their communities. Shafia M. Monroe's poignant words, "One of the darkest moments in US history was the systematic eradication of the African American midwife from her community, resulting in a legacy of birth injustices," resonate profoundly as we reflect on the profound contributions of these remarkable women.


Bennie "Mama" McGuire, Sibby Kelly, Rachel Harris, Mamie Odessa Hale, Margaret "Miss Margaret" Charles Smith, Maude Callen, Mary Francis Hill Coley, Biddy Mason, and Onnie Lee Logan are symbolic of the strength and expertise embodied by Granny Midwives. In an era marked by institutionalized racism and medical neglect, they served as beacons of hope, offering holistic care and cultural sensitivity to generations of women.


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Bennie "Mama" McGuire, a revered midwife in rural Georgia, epitomized the resilience and resourcefulness of her counterparts. Despite facing systemic barriers, Mama McGuire courageously attended to countless births, imparting invaluable knowledge passed down through generations. Her commitment to preserving traditional birthing practices empowered African American women to reclaim agency over their bodies and birthing experiences.



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Similarly, Sibby Kelly, hailing from the swamps of Louisiana, transcended adversity to become a pillar of strength within her community. Recognizing the disparities in healthcare access, Kelly traversed treacherous terrain to deliver babies and provide essential prenatal care to underserved populations. Her unwavering dedication to maternal well-being laid the groundwork for future generations of birthworkers advocating for equity and inclusivity.




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Rachel Harris, renowned for her expertise in herbal medicine and spiritual healing, bridged the gap between traditional and modern childbirth practices. Harris's holistic approach to maternal care emphasized the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-determination among her clientele. Her legacy continues to inspire contemporary birthworkers to integrate culturally relevant modalities into their practice, honoring diverse birthing traditions.


In urban centers across America, Mamie Odessa Hale and Margaret "Miss Margaret" Charles Smith emerged as trailblazers in the fight against obstetric racism and institutionalized discrimination. Armed with knowledge and compassion, they challenged prevailing stereotypes and advocated for comprehensive reproductive healthcare for marginalized communities. Their tireless advocacy paved the way for the emergence of grassroots organizations dedicated to combating disparities in maternal health outcomes.


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Maude Callen, affectionately known as the "Angel of the Hills," embodied the spirit of compassion and service in her work as a nurse-midwife in the rural South. Despite limited resources, Callen provided compassionate care to impoverished families, addressing their physical needs and emotional and spiritual well-being. Her legacy underscores the transformative power of empathy and solidarity in the pursuit of birth justice.



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Mary Francis Hill Coley, a pioneering midwife and community organizer, played a pivotal role in dismantling the stigma surrounding childbirth in African American communities. Through education and advocacy, Coley empowered women to assert their rights and demand dignified treatment during pregnancy and childbirth. Her legacy continues to resonate in the work of contemporary birthworkers striving to create inclusive and affirming birthing spaces for all.


Biddy Mason and Onnie Lee Logan, both formerly enslaved women turned midwives, exemplified resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Mason's journey from bondage to freedom epitomized the indomitable spirit of African American women throughout history. As a midwife and philanthropist, she championed causes related to maternal health and social justice, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of reproductive rights activism.


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Onnie Lee Logan, a revered midwife and storyteller, preserved her community's oral histories and cultural traditions through her work as a griot and birthworker. Her commitment to preserving ancestral knowledge and uplifting the voices of marginalized women serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in healing and transformation.


As we honor the legacy of Granny Midwives, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of their contributions to contemporary birthwork. Today, Black and Brown Doulas and midwives uphold the principles of cultural competency, holistic care, and community empowerment espoused by their predecessors. By returning to some of the practices pioneered by Granny Midwives, such as culturally relevant care, advocacy for maternal rights, and community-based support networks, birthworkers can address persistent disparities in maternal health outcomes and foster a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system.


The legacy of Granny Midwives serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations of birthworkers committed to advancing birthing justice and reproductive autonomy. By honoring their contributions and reclaiming their ancestral wisdom, we can create a world where every birthing person is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.



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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.

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Land Acknowledgement Statement

We would like to recognize and acknowledge that Chicago Volunteer Doulas carries out its mission in Illinois, which includes ancestral lands of the Peoria, Kaskaskia, Piankashaw, Wea, Miami, Mascoutin, Odawa, Sauk, Mesquaki, Kickapoo, Potawatomi, Ojibwe, and Chickasaw Nations. We have a responsibility to acknowledge these Native Nations and to work with them as we move forward as a radical and inclusive organization.

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