Aurora Chavez at Expecting Justice: Implementing Interventions to Support Black and Pacific Islander Birthing People

This summer I had the pleasure of interning with Expecting Justice, a Black-led collaborative, mobilizing leaders from across San Francisco to take action for healthy Black and Pacific Islander births. This opportunity allowed me to strength my anti-racism lens, expand my imagination to seek reparations for BIPOC communities, and practice having challenging conversations regarding anti-racist work and solidarity. I worked on supporting the Abundant Birth Project, Racism as a Root Cause Approach and launching the Summer 2021 Doula Training. 

Expecting Justice partnered with Sumi’s Touch to launch a Full-Spectrum Doula Training for the Black and Pacific Islander Community of San Francisco. The training was created to respond to the need of community doulas. Community Doulas, particularly those who identify with the community, improve birth outcomes for Black and Pacific Islander Mamas and Babies. I was inspired by the stories and passion of the training participants and was able to support the planning logistics and participation outreach. 

The Abundance Birth Project is the first income supplement program in the United States that will provide unconditional cash to 150 Black and Pacific Islander Mamas in San Francisco to address structural inequities and achieve birth equity. What inspired me most about this project was the power of trust and reparations that manifested due to the centering and prioritization of Black and Pacific Islander communities in every step of the way. I gained skills in media advocacy, using Racism as a Root Cause Approach and how to continuously build trust among in a work setting that prioritized the dignity and power of community. 

I am thankful to Expecting Justice for investing in me, challenging me, and providing me with the fuel I needed to continue advocating for health equity. Thank you, Wallace Center, for making this opportunity possible!