"axes, herbs, and satchels: open the archives" connects Black maternal mortality crisis with the erased history of Black midwives * Brooklyn Paper
Briefly

The play "axes, herbs, and satchels: open the archives" by The Anthropologist addresses the alarming maternal mortality crisis among Black and Brown individuals in America by shining a light on the historical role of Black midwives. This women-led theater group has spent 17 years exploring suppressed stories through investigative performances. The play's significance is underscored by recent statistics indicating that Black women face a maternal mortality rate significantly higher than their white counterparts. The co-directors aimed to emphasize the importance of culturally rooted birthing practices and the contributions of Black midwives in improving health outcomes.
"Part of that research process started to uncover these natural remedies and knowledge that was held within the African American community, specifically with midwives."
"axes, herbs, and satchels: open the archives" addresses the systemic racism in the healthcare system and the critical part Black midwives and doulas play in a positive birthing experience and outcome in the Black and Brown community.
Read at Brooklyn Paper
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