Community Matters: Understanding the Historical Context of Black Infant Survival, A Community Forum

Nakeitra Burse, DrPH, MS, CHES, is the Owner/CEO of Six Dimensions, a certified woman owned, minority owned public health research, development and practice company. Dr. Burse has been a servant in the field of public health for over twelve years. Dr. Burse is dedicated to understanding the impact of systems on the health of communities. Dr. Burse is the Executive Producer of the short documentary, Laboring with Hope. The film highlights the issues of maternal morbidity and mortality among Black women. Dr. Burse’s work has been featured in a variety of settings, including Soledad O’Brien’s Disrupt and Dismantle series on BET.

Community Support Systems: Strong networks within Black communities often provided informal support through extended families and close-knit relationships. Community members frequently relied on one another for childcare, shared resources, and knowledge about health practices, which helped improve infant survival rates.

Nicole Deggins, CNM, MSN, MPH is one of the country’s leading maternal health consultants and advocates named “The Midwife Shifting the Narrative” by ESSENCE Magazine. She is a sought-after trainer, public speaker and educator working to eliminate perinatal disparities and bring transparency to prenatal education and the medical obstetrical system. As the founder and CVO of Sista Midwife Productions (SMP) she is dedicated to helping individuals and communities create a paradigm shift around the experience of giving birth. Nicole is the creator of the largest online Black Midwife and Doula directories, and her signature SMP Birth Sister/Doula training. Nicole uses 30 years of experience working with pregnant women and families, to train and support birth workers, communities and organizations that work with childbearing families. Through webinars, keynotes, live workshops, and events, Nicole creates enlightening and engaging programs. She teaches that “Birth is The Revolution” and through birth we can heal our communities.

Cultural Practices and Traditions: Many Black families maintained cultural practices that emphasized the importance of maternal health and infant care. Traditional practices, such as breastfeeding, herbs and home remedies, and communal childcare, helped sustain infants’ health and well-being.

David Fluellen is the visionary Founder and CEO of the Urban Family Development Center (Urban FDC), bringing over 16 years of experience in the nonprofit sector across Ohio. With a strong commitment to community empowerment, Mr. Fluellen leads Urban FDC in its mission to provide families in urban communities with the tools and resources needed to overcome poverty and achieve long-term stability. In 2015, Mr. Fluellen developed Dads2B, a pioneering program created in partnership with the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (Moms2B). This initiative, offered in Franklin and Montgomery Counties, equips fathers and support persons in high-risk communities with prenatal education, focusing on maternal health, positive family dynamics, and infant care. The program empowers fathers to play active, meaningful roles in their children’s lives, creating stronger family bonds and healthier communities.

Adaptability and Resilience: The historical context of adversity fostered resilience within Black communities. Families adapted to their circumstances, finding innovative ways to cope with economic hardship and limited resources. This adaptability was crucial in ensuring that infants received the care they needed.

Rev. MC. Brown II

Faith and Spirituality: Many families found solace in faith and spirituality, which provided emotional support and a sense of hope. Religious institutions often played a pivotal role in community cohesion, offering programs and assistance that benefited mothers and infants.

Maleka J. James, MPH, CD 

Maleka James, MPH, CD, is a dedicated community change agent and a leader in maternal and child health. As a mother and doula, she passionately advocates for policy and systemic changes that impact maternal and infant health. Professionally, Maleka has strengthened the community by developing and previously leading a task force aimed at eliminating disparities in birth outcomes and providing a unified response to the infant mortality crisis. Currently, she serves as the Infant & Child Wellness Initiatives Project Manager at Dayton Children’s Hospital, focusing on quality improvement efforts to reduce infant mortality and improve maternal health. Maleka holds a B.S. in Biology from Kentucky State University and a Master of Public Health from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. She is an active member of several boards in the Dayton area. Maleka and her husband Christopher are proud parents of three beautiful children.

Advocacy and Activism: Over the years, advocacy efforts aimed at improving health care access and addressing social injustices emerged within Black communities. These movements sought to dismantle systemic barriers, leading to greater awareness and mobilization around issues affecting infant health survival rates.

Zsakeba Henderson, MD FACOG

Dr. Henderson is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Equity, Safety, and Wellbeing Consultants, where she provides expert consultation to improve perinatal and maternal healthcare and outcomes. She also serves as the Senior Health Advisor for the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality (NICHQ), advancing the work of the organization to achieve optimal health for children and families. She previously served as Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Medical Officer at March of Dimes, providing strategic direction and clinical expertise across the organization to help end the maternal and infant health crisis, and as a Medical Officer in maternal and infant health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, with more than 20 years of experience leading numerous maternal and infant health initiatives. Dr. Henderson is a nationally recognized leader in the growth and spread of perinatal quality improvement efforts across the country, including leading the establishment of the National Network of Perinatal Quality Collaboratives (NNPQC).

Improvement in Healthcare Access: Although historical disparities exist, there have been significant advancements in healthcare access for Black families, particularly with the establishment of community health centers and programs focused on maternal and child health. These initiatives have contributed to better pre-natal care and resources for new mothers.

Sharla Smith, PhD, MPH is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Health and Director of Birth Equity in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Kansas School of Medical Center-Kansas City. Dr. Smith earned an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a Master of Public Health degree in Health Policy and Management, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Health Services and Systems Research from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She is a health services and systems researcher that has been working in public health since 2006. Her current research focuses on Black maternal and infant health and community engagement. Dr. Smith is passionate about developing a culture of birth equity through community engagement, empowerment, and education. Dr. Smith is the founder and executive director of the Kansas Birth Equity Network, a community-centered network that creates equitable solutions to improve Black maternal, paternal, and infant health in Kansas. Her current funding aims to reduce disparities in early onset preeclampsia, postpartum preeclampsia, and maternal and paternal mental health. Her most recent grant will develop a patient centered doula-provider group perinatal care program to reduce disparities in preeclampsia and improve aspirin adherence in low-income Black populations.

Education and Awareness: Increasing awareness around infant care practices and maternal health has empowered many Black families to seek out information and resources, leading to improved health outcomes.