A number of our MCH students attended the 2021 Black Maternal Health Conference, hosted by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), April 16-17, online. What follows is a post from one of the attendees.
By Tiwani Oseni, BS
Growing up, some of my main influencers were artists and activists who were care-free, unique, and unapologetically themselves! The Black Maternal Health Conference introduced so many influencers in the public health community. Ranging from an artist I’ve loved from a child, to courageous innovators fighting for change, this conference introduced me to the many faces joining together to educate and raise awareness about Black maternal health.
With every session and speaker that I listened to, I was able to leave with more insight than what I came in with. Ranging from topics such as doulas, maternal nutrition, prenatal care, and other essential topics in maternal health, I was constantly learning throughout this weekend. During this conference, one speaker really stuck out to me and ignited an already lit fire in me that is ready to join the movement towards adequate health care for all Black women. This speaker was Kimberly Seals Allers, an author, journalist, and founder of the Irth App. This app mirrors the “yelp review” style and is tailored towards Black women and maternal care. Users – ranging from healthcare professionals to mothers – are able to leave reviews on various providers and hospitals specific to maternity and infant care.
As a student studying both MCH and Health Education & Communications, the innovation of this app is something that I praise and would love to hopefully add to. I would love to implement or contribute to apps like this to increase accountability in the medical system, specific to Black care. Hearing Kimberly speak on this app and other work she’s done definitely served as a reminder as to why I’m studying what I’m studying and also helped me set a visual goal as to what I’d like to accomplish with the knowledge I am receiving at Tulane SPHTM. This conference served as a collection of teaching moments, but also gave me a plethora of individuals to look up to as role models and accomplishments I hope to someday obtain.
Tiwani Oseni, BS is a first year MPH student concentrating in Health Education & Communications and earning a certificate in Maternal and Child Health. She plans to graduate in May 2022. Her interests include health promotion, community health, and maternal mortality in underrepresented communities
