THE NATAL SUMMIT
AUGUST 15, 2020
Listen to The NATAL Summit panel conversations on our podcast!
The NATAL Summit was a one-day virtual event to explore the future of care for Black birthing parents in the US. Sponsored by Black Mamas Matter Alliance and Storq, The Summit brought together Black parents and family members, birthworkers, medical providers, and advocates.
In short, it was a culmination of our first season: the podcast, which has already generated over 150k downloads in the US, Canada and UK; our #NATALChats IG Live series, where honest conversations with members of the birthing community happen biweekly; and our Facebook community, where over 100 parents, providers, and birthworkers connect on a daily basis.
The NATAL Summit brought our entire digital community together in one space for a series of honest and lively conversations that challenged all of us to move towards a better system of care for Black birthing parents.
The Summit consisted of five fireside conversations:
Opening Conversations with Black Mamas Matter Alliance Interim Director, Angela Aina
The NATAL Production Team offered a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to produce Black stories with dignity and how the team approached the season from a craft perspective. Speakers: Martina Abrahams Ilunga, Gabrielle Horton, Tiara Darnell, Jess Jupiter, Jhodie Williams
Several NATAL Parent Storytellers gathered in a multi-generational conversation about the value of oral traditions, agency, and healing for Black birthing parents. Speakers: Marilyn Abrahams, Shellie Blackson, Trish Jones
Medical Providers and Birthworkers shared steps needed to create a more integrated model of care that empowers Black birthing parents and protects the sacredness of the childbirth process. Speakers: Dr. Sinmi Bamgbose, Latham Thomas, Dr. Jamila Perritt, Tanya Smith Johnson
Birth Equity Advocates from the non-profit sector to government discussed how they're advancing public narratives, alongside effective data-informed public policies that result in better health outcomes for Black birthing parents. Speakers: Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC), Jamille Fields Allsbrook, Kimberly Seals Allers, , Charles Johnson
Thank you to our sponsors:
