Today was my first orientation for the birth companion project and training I am participating in. My sisters with Mamas of Color Rising (MOCR) have been organizing tremendously around birthing access in Austin for poor women of color. Mamas of color rising is a collective of working class and poor mothers of color based in the Austin, TX area.
Sankofa means in the Akan language of Ghana, "go back and take" often used with the proverb "It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten." . This meaning is very close to my heart, because that is the reason why I have been drawn and called to birth support work. I believe it is time to go back and learn the indigenous practices of my ancestors and live as they did.
At the orientation we learned about the program, specifics, time commitments and parts of the bigger vision that the Mamas have. I also learned more about the NEED for women of color support networks, the NEED for access for alternative birthing options, and the "Womb to Prison Pipeline".
What a fierce day reconnecting with my sisters, meeting new sisters, and participating in an intentional and revolutionary space and project.
There will be a women in hip hop showcase (featuring Invincible of Detroit and Krudas Cubensi just to name a few!) and benefit for this project on Tuesday March 15, 2011 at austin's historic Victory Grill.....!