The Joy And Deep Fear Of Being Pregnant And Black In America

Despite the world being what it is, I am cautiously optimistic about bringing a child into the world one day. As I’ve said before, from forced sterilization to pregnancy-related death, Black birthing people already face deep disparities in reproductive care. Even when we make it through the birthing process safely, time and again we see the child welfare system police Black families, including those who exert autonomy over how their child comes into the world. Temecia and Rodney Jackson made headlines earlier this month after baby Mila was put in foster care for 3 weeks in the wake of their home birth. It’s frightening to consider what could’ve happened (what has likely happened to so many others) if their story didn’t become news. Here, Black mothers including Alicia Christopher, Dr. Charity Watkins, and Michelle Jones Simms graciously share their birthing stories — the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Back at it again with my little outfits! I’ve been a spring/summer bike short girlie from time immemorial, but last summer a friend (Hey, Susana!) influenced me into buying these amazing, showstopping, spectacular Nike basketball-ish shorts. I got caught up in the tennis skirt trend soon after — worth it! Inspired by last week’s summer weather preview, here’s how I plan to style these items as the temps heat up.