Protective Guardians: Honoring Black Women Who Paved the Way for Maternal Health and Wellness

In the heart of Cleveland, the All Our Babies: Birthing in the Afrofuture initiative is more than just a series of events; it’s a call to honor the past while reimagining the future of Black maternal health. Through art, storytelling, and community engagement, this project invites us to explore the legacies of the women who have acted as protective guardians for generations. These guardians—both historical figures and mythological inspirations—have shaped the foundation of maternal care, wellness, and empowerment in the Black community.

From real-life heroines like Mary Coley to mythological inspirations like Oshun, these figures embody resilience, wisdom, and a vision for a future where Black motherhood thrives. Join us as we delve into their legacies and invite you to become part of this transformative journey.

The Legacy of Protective Guardians

Black maternal health is inseparable from the legacies of women who have fought for care, equity, and respect in childbirth. The following protective guardians represent both historical figures and cultural icons whose contributions resonate with the goals of All Our Babies.

Mary Coley: The Granny Midwife

Mary Coley, affectionately known as “Miss Mary,” was a renowned midwife who served rural Black families in Georgia during the mid-20th century. Her story was immortalized in the 1952 documentary All My Babies, which showcased her dedication to improving maternal health in communities often overlooked by the healthcare system. Miss Mary’s legacy reminds us of the power of community-based care and the importance of advocating for safe and equitable childbirth.

Lucy, Anarcha, and Betsy: The Unnamed Mothers of Gynecology

Lucy, Anarcha, and Betsy were three enslaved women whose suffering under experimentation laid the foundation for modern gynecology. Their resilience in the face of unimaginable cruelty speaks to the systemic inequities Black women have faced in healthcare. Today, their stories are being reclaimed as a testament to the need for justice and equity in maternal health.

Bridget “Biddy” Mason: From Midwife to Landowner

Born into slavery, Bridget Mason used her skills as a midwife to buy her freedom and later became one of the first Black women to own land in Los Angeles. Her journey from servitude to empowerment reflects the transformative power of self-determination and community care. Biddy Mason’s story inspires us to reimagine what freedom and success can look like for Black mothers.

Oshun: The Divine Feminine

In Yoruba mythology, Oshun is the goddess of love, fertility, and femininity. She symbolizes the divine power of creation and nurturing, often associated with rivers and water. As a protective guardian, Oshun inspires us to embrace our ancestral roots while envisioning a future where motherhood is sacred, empowered, and celebrated.

Margaret Charles Smith: A Midwife in the Jim Crow South

Margaret Charles Smith worked as a midwife in Alabama during one of the most oppressive periods of American history. Her book, Listen to Me Good: The Life Story of an Alabama Midwife, captures her unwavering commitment to Black mothers despite systemic racism and limited resources. Her life reminds us of the importance of community resilience and self-sufficiency.

Reclaiming Narratives Through Afrofuturism

The All Our Babies: Birthing in the Afrofuture initiative draws heavily on the principles of Afrofuturism—a movement that blends cultural heritage with visions of empowered futures. Afrofuturism allows us to reimagine Black motherhood and maternal health through a lens of creativity, innovation, and justice. By honoring the protective guardians of the past, we create a foundation for building thriving futures.

Through this lens, we’re asking:

What does maternal health look like when rooted in equity, care, and empowerment?
How can we incorporate ancestral wisdom while embracing new possibilities for health and wellness?
How do we ensure that Black families are safe, affirmed, and celebrated in every stage of motherhood?

Be Part of the Journey

As we prepare for the first activation of All Our Babies: Birthing in the Afrofuture on March 29, 2025, we invite you to join us in honoring these legacies and creating a future where Black families can thrive.

Get Involved

Attend the First Activation: Join us on March 29, 2025, from 1-5 PM at the Cleveland Clinic Langston Hughes Community Health & Education Center. This open house will feature workshops, storytelling, music, and opportunities to connect with artists and birth workers. RSVP Here.
Submit to the Afrofuturistic Mama Lookbook: If you’re a Black mother with a story to tell or a style to showcase, we want to hear from you! Submit your details and Afrofuturistic-inspired look by May 11, 2025 (Mother’s Day) to be featured in our groundbreaking lookbook. Learn More and Apply.
Artist Submissions: Are you a creative who wants to contribute to this powerful initiative? We’re looking for art that blends Afrofuturistic themes with Black maternal health. Submit Your Work.