Our Process

Research Questions:

• How do Black birthing peoples in Albany County experience pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period?

• What are the needs and assets of local communities impacted by racial disparities in birth outcomes?

• In what ways can we organize to build supportive, cohesive communities around birthing peoples?"

Guided by these research questions, this project employed transformative storytelling and photovoice – methods that center the voices of those most impacted in producing knowledge about and designing ways to address the problem.

The methodology was developed in consultation with Carolyn Keefe at BirthNet through the creative initiative of Emily Cooper, who piloted the project in the spring of 2018 through her internship there. BirthNet is a local education and advocacy organization on childbirth and maternity care that identifies as a birth justice organization (see the pilot above).

Planning began in 2018/2019 through the leadership of project coordinators: Rajani Bhatia (faculty sponsor), Emily Cooper (alumna), Mahalia Cummings (undergraduate), and Nakia Tillman (community partner). Through a competitive process including submission of resume and interviews, a team of mainly undergraduate students (“the listeners”) was recruited in spring 2019. Preparation began in summer 2019 with assigned readings and the production of an autobiographical photovoice narrative on a health-related theme (see one student's story above). In fall of 2019, students enrolled in an independent study with the faculty sponsor, and met regularly to engage readings, undergo methods related training such as in trauma informed listening and basic video editing, to conduct community outreach to recruit “storytellers,” and to work in the library to produce photovoice narratives about the pregnancy, birth, and early parenting experiences from ten storytellers.

On March 7, 2020, all co-researchers met to view draft narratives and conduct preliminary analysis. The project was to culminate with a public event on April 25^th (cancelled due to the pandemic) showcasing the data produced during National Black Maternal Health Week.

The project received support from UAlbany's Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement, Initiatives for Women, the Department of Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies, and the Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities. Community co-sponsors included BirthNet , Youth FX and The Children’s Café in Albany’s South End.