8th Annual Mother Wit Conference Saturday, October 29th | 9:30AM - 4:30PM EST.
Red Tent - Pre-Conference Covering
Saturday, October 29th | 8:45AM - 9:30AM
Opening Ritual /Land Acknowledgment
Ancestral Call
Akwaaba To The Village (Welcome)
Keynote Speaker Ericka Hart
Panel #1 "Decolonizing Birthing: Liberation Practices For the Future of Black Maternal Health"
Workshop Offerings
Life vs Years Facilitated By: Omari Maynard & Dr. Onaje Muid We often equate the amount if time we've lived with the amount of life we've lived, but these two measurements are not one in the same. If we are truly looking to shift weight and restore balance we must first ask ourselves what are the things that I need in order to create harmony within myself. Once we explore and identify these truths we can begin the journey of shifting the mind set from adding years to your life to Adding Life to Your Years.
Aftershock: What's Next? Facilitated By: Rev. Asim L.F. Shannon & Myla Flores Aftershock, now what? Attendees will be receive answers to questions regarding the now, what after the shock of loss is experienced and healing prompts to take action during the grieving process.
We Be Giving Birth Too: Birthing while Black & LGBTQ+ Facilitated By: Taja Lindley Conversations about birth can often center heteronormative assumptions about who gives birth, how and why. These assumptions create gaps in health care and research. In this workshop, we’ll discuss some of the nuances of the sexual and reproductive health needs, desires, questions and concerns of Black LGBTQ+ folk - from access to fertility treatments and technology to culturally competent care and gender neutral language. This workshop is for folks across the spectrum of gender and sexual identities, but will center Black LGBTQ+ folks. Come with curiosity. Bring your questions and your stories.
Birthing Agency and Advocacy Facilitated By: Domenique Rice As a birthing partner we not only go through a physical shifting process, we go through a mental, spiritual, emotional one. When a child dies in this process, there is no understanding of how to process this shift in the new "after". You still experience birth and post- partum- your milk comes in, blood still flows, your body still aches, yet you are forced to experience this all while grieving. In this workshop, you will join Domenique Rice, mother to five beautiful Black Latin children, four living. She will share her personal experience birthing both life and death, and empower you in discussion to advocating while pregnant. What techniques can we use to possibly know better, and do better while advocating while pregnant? How can you as either the birthing partner or support person accomplish this in a safe space?
Beyond Birthing: The A, B, C’s of The 4th Trimester Facilitated By: Nachelle Wilson Centering the birther in the postpartum experience is important in preventive care for loved ones. Knowing the signs of preeclampsia, postpartum depression and anxiety, how to cultivate community, & when to seek professional guidance can inform, empower, and support one's autonomy in reclaiming the postpartum experience. Know the signs, stand in your power, advocate and take back postpartum. Now is the time.
Panel #2 "Gravitational Pull: Restoring Balance Through The Power of Anti-Racist Politics, Practices and Policies"