Pass The Yams: BLKBRY Workshop Centers Blackness in Reproductive Justice
#ReproductiveJustice - Jazmin Williams is the Founding Director of BLKBRY and BLKBRY Community, a reproductive justice organization serving Black families in Washington State. At the Burien Community Center, BLKBRY recently hosted a "Pass The Yams" workshop led by Raven Freeborn, a Healing Justice practitioner. The workshop focused on policy, advocacy, and centering Blackness within the reproductive justice movement. Attendees, including doulas and midwives, explored topics like colonialism, capitalism, and anti-Blackness, and how these issues affect policy and community organizing.
The "Pass The Yams" workshop aimed to equip community members with the tools and resources to advocate for themselves and transform the conditions affecting Black birthing people and families. Raven Freeborn emphasized the importance of collective power and addressing historical oppression to create a different future. The workshop also highlighted the significance of doulas and midwives in providing community care and supporting birthing people through various stages of their reproductive journey.
BLKBRY's work extends beyond individual client care. The organization engages with the local Black community through initiatives like a community pantry, partnerships with Black-owned businesses, and events featuring Black speakers and vendors. BLKBRY aims to keep Black dollars circulating within the Black community and ensure that their services are culturally congruent and accessible. The organization also prioritizes continued education and training for its team members, partnering with anchor organizations in the reproductive justice movement to stay up-to-date on best practices and emerging issues.
Despite facing challenges, such as questions about their focus on explicitly serving Black families, BLKBRY remains committed to its mission. The organization measures its impact through feedback from clients, team meetings, and adapting its programs to meet the evolving needs of the community. BLKBRY's dedication to centering Blackness and providing comprehensive support reflects a broader movement among Black women to reclaim ancestral practices and address the disparities in maternal health care.
