Dem Black Mamas Podcast

Dear Mama, Who is the girl the woman who survived in the belly of the boat that brought you here? Where did she come from?  How do we find our way back to that place?  Why should we find our way back to that place?  In this episode, WE JOURNEY & Dr. Gina Paige, co-founder of African Ancestry is ridin with us! Along the way:

Dear Mama You are worthy to rise each day and dance in your dreams with your children by your side. You are worthy of serenity in birth. You are worthy of joy while holding your children. Join Midwife Jamarah Amani of Southern Birth Justice in partnership with the WNBA for a meditation experience to remind you:  You are complete. You are not alone.  You are magic. Meditations by Mamas are led by Black mamas to help us maintain alignment with healing, creativity, and liberation to manifest joy and abundance. We're coming to LA on September 3rd!!! Early bird has been EXTENDED TIL SUNDAY, AUGUST 20th. Get on the mothership & ride with us LIVE!  GET YOUR TIX NOW>>>https://demblackmamas.com/events/ For more about Jamarah visit the shownotes for this episode on our website: https://www.demblackmamas.com/podcast

Dear Mama, What if I told you understanding menopause was a matter of life and death? In her 2022 book You Got Anything Stronger, Gabrielle Union went into deep detail about how in her words, “the surge and retreat of hormones” during perimenopause and menopause caused her to have passive suicidal ideations and pointed out that science has focused on hiding symptoms or treating the symptoms of menopause that have mattered most to men like vaginal dryness.  The part of Union's book that made me pause (see what I did there) was when Union stated, “According to a 2020 CDC study, the suicide rate among women is highest for those ages 45-64” and calls out how women's depression is often linked to men or their children, focusing on the external features of women's lives and not the internal.  That's when I knew we had to do an episode about Menopause and I knew just who turn to Omisade Burney Scott s creator of the platform Black Girl's Guide to Surviving Menopause which includes a podcast of the same name.    Black Mama Creative Week is the perfect time to drop this episode. Burney-Scott is a trailblazer in this field and roots her work in her spirituality producing creative projects such as Messages From the Menopausal Multiverse. In this episode, we talk: 

Dear Mama, Our hope for you today is: ✨ For you to honor the truth of your motherhood journey ✨ Space to heal from harm, disappointment & trauma ✨ Rest in your being  to release yourself from attaching your worthiness to doing In this special mother's day episode we celebrate Black Motherhood through poetry, imagination and meditation with a poem by me Crystal Tennille Irby, Image a new world with NeKisha Killings and a Liberation Meditation from Thea Monyee.  Celebrate your whole self.  It all belongs.   Happy Mothers Day Black Mamas & don't forget Black Mama Creative Week kicks off Saturday, June 24th! ✨

Dear Mama, Dream with me.  Can you imagine a world with a Black midwife in every family, in every community, easily accessible, at our fingertips, a world in which birth choices aren't controlled by capitalism, a world in which the birth practices that Black women used to literally birth this country are honored, a world in which they are revered, a world in which Black midwives could practice the full scope of reproductive health and reproductive choices are respected, a world in which Black mothers don't fear death in the midst of giving birth, experience it with fully joy and bodily autonomy.  It's Black Maternal Health Week and we are grateful for the opportunity to sit with two people invested in building that world: Jamarah Amani, founder of National Black Midwives Alliance & cofounder of Southern Birth Justice Network & filmmaker K. Sanderson  In this episode we're talking: 

Dear Mama, There are two things that happen to everyone in this life that we don't talk about - birth and death -  both can challenge and transform everything we believe in. They can be messy and uncomfortable roads to travel and sometimes art can help us through.  In Black Panther Ryan Coogler proved he is a master at guiding us through uncomfortable conversations & in this episode we are joined by one of our faves Michele Foss of The TV Doctor Podcast to talk about how Coogler guides us through grief in Wakanda Forever.  We can't think of a better way to kick off Women's History Month than talking about a film held together by Black women & centers the mother daughter relationship.  May we never forget and ALWAYS celebrate their work. In this episode we're talking: 

Dear Mama, Hey Mamas!  The election dust has settled, MLK's birthday is in our rearview mirror & February is on the horizon which means we are rested and hopeful so now is the perfect time to look at the political landscape for Black folx with clear eyes.  Yup! It's the Black Mama Magic Election Update. Our first episode was in response to the 2016 election and we haven't missed an election cycle yet. In this episode we talk: about how we feel now vs. 2016, what gives us hope, In this episode we talk:

Dear Mama, What if I told you conscious parenting wasn't about your children, it was about your journey to freedom, about you creating the life and relationship you desire about leaving behind a system that you and your children may be highly functioning in but it's in fact causing harm and it just don't feel good. These are the beautiful revelations we discovered in our conversation with liberation partner and conscious parenting coach Domari Dickinson. This conversation is about more than conscious parenting, it's about how Black mothers can free ourselves from the myths and shackles of motherhood. We are diving deep into finding liberation in the Black motherhood experience, for our children and for ourselves over the next three episodes and Domari Dickinson kicks this series off in a powerful way.  In this episode we talk:

Dear Mama, Stop waiting for the big moment.  Celebrate now.  Celebrate the big things, the small things, the major milestones and the minor ones even if they're only meaningful to you, even if they come much later than you expected.  Instead of judging the journey, rest in gratitude.  Our celebration is a thank you to God, Spirit, the universe, the ancestors, the orishas, the angels and our very own souls  for all they've done, for clearing our path, for holding us, standing with us, carrying us. We celebrate this 50th episode.  We are grateful to you and most of all we are grateful for the journey and we trust the expansion that lies ahead.  ✨

In this episode, we share some behind-the-scenes moments/audio of the grounding that helps us connect before we begin and focus on and be fully present before we begin each episode.   Church Announcements:  Responsive Reading: Black Mama Magic Card 28: I Am Supported At All Times Black Mama Magic Card 36: What About the Rest Black Mama Magic Card 41: The Wait Is Over Dem Black Mamas Magic Evermore Box  The intention of this box is for Black Mamas to honor the light within themselves.  The items inside the Magic Evermore box will prepare Black mamas to soak up all the energy of the sun all summer and remind them of the importance of documenting themselves, the power to manifest the life you want, and to soften and pour into yourself when your mothership hits rough waters. Items inside: ☀️Full Black Mama Magic Card Deck ☀️Incense from Smell Good Spa ☀️Mama Magic: Evermore Picture Frame ☀️Postcards ☀️Gratitude Jar ☀️Herbs: Jasmine, Eucalyptus, & Lavender ☀️An investment in yourself and in Dem Black Mamas Podcast. When you invest in us, you are investing in a platform curated by three women actively creating spaces of healing, creativity & liberation. Order by the 25th of each month to receive the following month.   Magic Makers Workshops REGISTER NOW!, Writing Workshop: I AM: Writing an Artist/Personal Statement & Cover Letter, Sunday, November 20th, 6pmET Crystal Producing 2022 Birth & Breastfeeding Conference Presented by Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, Monday, October 3rd - Wednesday, October 5th   NeKisha: Say Less: A virtual BIPOC silent co-working space  1st Monday 8amET-11amET Link To Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87843521969 3rd Monday 8pmPT-11pmPT Link To Join:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512076376 Thea: The Grateful Body: Expansion Retreat, November 3rd - November 6th New Episodes of Shaping the Shift, The Love Series OUT NOW! Books Mentioned in This Episode: The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity Episodes related to his episode or mentioned in this episode:  DBM Episode 41: Surrender, Worthiness & Learning From Our Children featuring Precious Bivings  

Church Announcements:  Responsive Reading Black Mama Magic Card 33: I Trust All Of Me Dem Black Mamas Magic Evermore Box  The intention of this box is for Black Mamas to honor the light within themselves.  The items inside the Magic Evermore box will prepare Black mamas to soak up all the energy of the sun all summer and remind them of the importance of documenting themselves, the power to manifest the life you want, and to soften and pour into yourself when your mothership hits rough waters. Items inside: ☀️Full Black Mama Magic Card Deck ☀️Incense from Smell Good Spa ☀️Mama Magic: Evermore Picture Frame ☀️Postcards ☀️Gratitude Jar ☀️Herbs: Jasmine, Eucalyptus, & Lavender ☀️An investment in yourself and in Dem Black Mamas Podcast. When you invest in us, you are investing in a platform curated by three women actively creating spaces of healing, creativity & liberation. Order by the 25th of each month to receive the following month.   Crystal & NeKisha are presenting at the 2022 Black Maternal Health Conference & Training Institute, September 17-18 Theme: Building for Liberation: Centering Black Mamas, Black Families and Black Systems of Care Virtual Tickets are still available.  Link to register: https://blackmamasmatter.org/bmhc22/ Magic Makers Workshops REGISTER NOW!, Writing Workshop: I AM: Writing an Artist/Personal Statement & Cover Letter, Sunday, October 23rd, 6pmET   Crystal Producing 2022 Birth & Breastfeeding Conference Presented by Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, Monday, October 3rd - Wednesday, October 5th NeKisha: Melanated Mammary Atlas Celebrates ONE YEAR!! Created by our very own NeKisha Killings, the Melanated Mammary Atlas® is your portal to a world of images displaying mammary related conditions on Asian, Indigenous, Black and Brown folks. We feature the first and only cache of images of this type available for viewing and constantly updated by health professionals and the public. United States Lactation Consultant Association Conference, September 22nd-24th Say Less: A virtual BIPOC silent co-working space  1st Monday 8amET-11amET Link To Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87843521969 3rd Monday 8pmPT-11pmPT Link To Join:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512076376 Thea: The Grateful Body: Expansion Retreat, November 3rd - November 6th New Episodes of Shaping the Shift, The Love Series OUT NOW! Link to register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ej5zja5n9113cb65&oseq=&c=&ch= Creative Consulting w/ Crystal:  Books: Episodes related to his episode or mentioned in this episode:    

#DearMama, where do we belong? Where can we be safe? Where can we be brave? Where can our children thrive? Where can we be? These are questions that more and more Black mothers are searching beyond the borders of America for answers to. Today, we explore these questions with daughter of the diaspora, Parthenia Luke. A descendant of formerly enslaved Black folks who left America in the late 1800s for Liberia, we have a raw, honest, and real conversation about what it means for Black Americans to leave America, and what it means for our children and us to stay.  For full show notes visit our website demblackmamas.com and follow us on YouTube.  New video version of our podcast drop September 1st! Church Announcements/Prayer Requests/Praise Reports: Responsive Reading: Black Mama Magic Card #11 - "Magic is real. You are proof." Crystal:  Magic Evermore Box: https://bit.ly/magicevermore The intention of this box is for Black Mamas to honor the light within themselves.  The items inside the Magic Evermore box will prepare Black mamas to soak up all the energy of the sun all summer and remind them of the importance of documenting themselves, the power to manifest the life you want, and to soften and pour into yourself when your mothership hits rough waters. Items inside: ☀️Full Black Mama Magic Card Deck ☀️Manifestation crystals ☀️Incense from Smell Good Spa ☀️Mama Magic: Evermore Picture Frame ☀️Postcards ☀️Gratitude Jar ☀️Herbs: Jasmine, Eucalyptus, & Lavender ☀️An investment in yourself and in Dem Black Mamas Podcast. When you invest in us, you are investing in a platform curated by three women actively creating spaces of healing, creativity & liberation. Thea: Join Thea for Sacred Sundays by texting SACRED to 213.377.1827 & Choose your own adventure NeKisha: New Website for Nikki & Nikki Lactation Career Consultants: https://www.nikkiandnikkiibclc.org/ Say Less: A virtual BIPOC silent co-working space  1st Monday 8amET-11amET Link To Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87843521969 3rd Monday 8pmPT-11pmPT Link To Join:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512076376 Mac & Cheese: For today's mac and cheese, we are speaking to Parthenia Luke. Parthenia is a social worker by passion and profession. She's passionate about social justice as it pertains to the human right to be and to belong. As an emerging scholar working towards a PhD in social work, she aims to shed light on the long-term implications of gentrification, especially for individual residents and for entire communities. Her passions carry into her work as an instructor in higher education, where she advises administrators and leads efforts to promote a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable experience for graduate and undergraduate students. We dig in deep into our mac and cheese today as we discuss her challenges in social justice work, Liberia, her family's history, and what Black mamas can learn about liberation beyond borders. Invest in us! ​​Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt. Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions magic@demblackmamas.com Join our email list Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas

#DearMama, we believe that imagination and creativity are tools that helped our ancestors survive and create a culture that continuously evolves. We believe motherhood is not the graveyard of our dreams but fear IS! We believe liberation is the deep belief that you can create the life the you want and friendships that give us grace and call us to our highest selves are essential in motherhood and help us catch our wildest dreams. In this episode we discuss what we've manifested and navigating our friendship, spiritual practices and FEARS while pursuing our dreams. This is why we created Black Mama Creative Week - a series of digital events starting on June 24th to June 30th. Because motherhood is not the graveyard of dreams. Motherhood is an opportunity to expand and dive deeper into your creativity. So celebrate the ingenuity and innovation of black motherhood with us and get ready to inspire and be inspired.  Check our show notes on our website (demblackmamas.com/podcast) for all links mentioned in this episode, including the link to purchase your Magic Evermore Box. Invest in us! ​​Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt. Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas

Dear Mama, From Rosewood, Florida to Tulsa Oklahoma Black folx have always been about the the business of building sustainable thriving communities. What if I told you we are in the midst of the same opportunity now?  What if I told you we could build communities rooted in healing, creativity and liberation? What if I told you the real estate is in the palm of your hands?  Yup I'm talking about the interwebs.  In this episode writer, content creator, sociologist, abolitionist, womanist, and intersectional feminist Nikki Blak gives us the tools to cultivate our virtual real estate and challenges us to think about the internet, in particular social media as an infinite canvas and a rushing river. Imagine That! So if you are trying to find your footing in these internet streets, if you are trying to find your folks, if you are a creative, innovator, if you have a story to tell, a message in your gut burning with the fierce urgency of now, or you have grown weary and frustrated with the interwebs period THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU! SPECIAL OFFER FROM NIKKI BLACK >>>$10 off 30-Day Digital Happiness Journal CODE: DBMHAPPINESS Church Announcements/Prayer Requests/Praise Reports: Crystal:  Crystal & Thea will be speaking at Black Pod Festival (https://www.blkpodfestival.com/) hosted by Black Pod Collective goin down in ATL May 28th-29th.   Magic Evermore Box: https://bit.ly/magicevermore The intention of this box is for Black Mamas to honor the light within themselves.  The items inside the Magic Evermore box will prepare Black mamas to soak up all the energy of the sun all summer and remind them of the importance of documenting themselves, the power to manifest the life you want, and to soften and pour into yourself when your mothership hits rough waters. Items inside: ☀️Full Black Mama Magic Card Deck ☀️Manifestation crystals ☀️Incense from Smell Good Spa ☀️Mama Magic: Evermore Picture Frame ☀️Postcards ☀️Gratitude Jar ☀️Herbs: Jasmine, Eucalyptus, & Lavender ☀️An investment in yourself and in Dem Black Mamas Podcast. When you invest in us, you are investing in a platform curated by three women actively creating spaces of healing, creativity & liberation. Black Mama Creative Week is the last seven days of June. Thursday, June 24th - Thursday, June 30th Writing Workshop: I AM: Writing an Artist/Personal Statement & Cover Letter Link To Register: https://bit.ly/amwritingworkshop Thea: Blood & Bajaraque - One Year Anniversary Book Special Join Thea for Sacred Sundays by texting SACRED to 213.377.1827 & Choose your own adventure NeKisha: New Website for Nikki & Nikki Lactation Career Consultants: https://www.nikkiandnikkiibclc.org/ Say Less: A virtual BIPOC silent co-working space  1st Monday 8amET-11amET Link To Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87843521969 3rd Monday 8pmPT-11pmPT Link To Join:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512076376 Invest in us! ​​Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt. Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas Related Episodes We mention our Black Mama Creative Episode: DBM Ep 15: Black Mama Creative: https://demblackmamas.com/dbmepisode15blackmamacreative/

#DearMama, take time this Mother's Day to honor your friendships. Honor those who have expanded you, stretched you, given to you, trusted you, and elevated you. We come here to be seen and loved, and I'm so grateful to have friends in my life who see me. In this episode, Thea and I share the genesis and evolution of our friendship and the challenges we've faced along the way. As always, this podcast has always given me exactly what I need, and today I needed to see love and trust active in my life, holding me. Our intention is that this episode allows you to see yourself and all the women pouring into you as always. Church Announcements/Prayer Requests/Praise Reports: Magic Evermore Box  Link: https://bit.ly/magicevermore The intention of this box is for Black Mamas to honor the light within themselves.  The items inside the Magic Evermore box will prepare Black mamas to soak up all the energy of the sun all summer and remind them of the importance of documenting themselves, the power to manifest the life you want, and to soften and pour into yourself when your mothership hits rough waters. Items inside: ☀️Full Black Mama Magic Card Deck ☀️Manifestation crystals ☀️Incense from Smell Good Spa ☀️Mama Magic: Evermore Picture Frame ☀️Postcards ☀️Gratitude Jar ☀️Herbs: Jasmine, Eucalyptus, & Lavender ☀️An investment in yourself and in Dem Black Mamas Podcast. When you invest in us, you are investing in a platform curated by three women actively creating spaces of healing, creativity & liberation. Order by June 1st for $175 and in time for Summer Solstice. Order by the 25th of each month to receive the following month.   Thea: New Website: theamonyee.com Join Thea for Sacred Sundays by texting SACRED to 213 & Choose your own adventure NeKisha: New Website for Nikki & Nikki Lactation Career Consultants: https://www.nikkiandnikkiibclc.org/ Say Less: A virtual BIPOC silent co-working space  1st Monday 8amET-11amET Link To Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87843521969 3rd Monday 8pmPT-11pmPT Link To Join:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512076376 Crystal:  Turning 7 year program Writers Well Youth Fellowship into a non-profit Writers Well is a program for Black girls/femmes 14-19 living in South Carolina interested in writing and/or performance.  It's a brave space for Black girls to nurture their imagination. Follow on IG: @writerswellyouthfellowship and/or donate: https://bit.ly/blackgirlswritethefuture Writing Workshop: I AM: Writing an Artist/Personal Statement & Cover Letter Sunday, June 26th, 6pm, Zoom Link To Register: https://bit.ly/amwritingworkshop Invest in us! ​​Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt. Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas Related Episodes Our first Mother's Day Episode: DBM Ep 6: I Get It From My Mama - Annette, Etta Mae & Monica: https://demblackmamas.com/igetitfrommymama/Episode mentioned in this episode We mention our Black Mama Creative Episode: DBM Ep 15: Black Mama Creative: https://demblackmamas.com/dbmepisode15blackmamacreative/  

#DearMama, We believe in rooting our motherhood and healing because healing is a part of our inheritance and a part of the generational wealth that we pass on to our children. When we heal, we're not just healing for ourselves. We're healing for our ancestors. We're healing for future generations, making the path clearer and smoother for them as they travel down the road. We believe that our culture should not be rooted in pain. Instead, our culture should be rooted in our healing, our joy, our creativity, and our brilliance. Invest in us! ​​Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt. Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas The Blacker The Brain Info We are an interdisciplinary collective committed to decolonizing various areas of the public sector including but not limited to: Education, Healthcare, Housing, and Mental Health, in an effort to assist in the healing, protecting, and elevating of Black bodies. Website: https://theamonyee.com/the-blacker-the-brain/ IG: @theblackerthebrain https://www.instagram.com/theblackerthebrain/  

#DearMama, we're about to embark on a meaningful conversation all about your body, creativity, and motherhood. And Staci Mitchell, a yogi, artist, and professor, helps us navigate this discussion all about the Black body, creativity, and Black motherhood. Staci is someone who embodies full power, joy, and energy, and we're so excited to have her here today to share all about embracing motherhood on your own terms despite tradition, honoring your creativity and intention, and listening to your divine body. Church Announcements Thea: New Website: theamonyee.com Join Thea for Sacred Sundays by texting SACRED to 213 & Choose your own adventure NeKisha: New Website for Nikki & Nikki Lactation Career Consultants: https://www.nikkiandnikkiibclc.org/ Say Less: A virtual BIPOC silent co-working space  1st Monday 8amET-11amET Link To Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87843521969 3rd Monday 8pmPT-11pmPT Link To Join:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512076376 Crystal:  Turning 7 year program Writers Well Youth Fellowship into a non-profit Writers Well is a program for Black girls/femmes 14-19 living in South Carolina interested in writing and/or performance.  It's a brave space for Black girls to nurture their imagination. Follow on IG: @writerswellyouthfellowship and/or donate: https://bit.ly/blackgirlswritethefuture Writing Workshop: I AM: Writing an Artist/Personal Statement & Cover Letter Sunday, April 24th, 6pm, Zoom Link To Register: https://bit.ly/amwritingworkshop Invest in us! ​​Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt. Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions demblackmamas@gmail.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas  

Dear Mama, The Mother Ship hit some unchartered territory and It got TIIIIGHT in the up #BlackMamaMagic room but WE AIN'T NEVA scared so we allowed and trusted. We discussed what it means to surrender, reconciling our ancestors spiritual agreements with their human existence, allowing our children to impact our works and how to make yo booty sit high-ya.   Our guest Precious Bivings affectionately known as Coach P helped me discover the tools I needed to transform my life into a powerful transformative creative experience. If you wanna go higher, keep listening.  If you wanna be stretched, keep listening.   If you wanna find your power, we got you this episode. If you want yo booty to sit up HIGH-YA. KEEP LISSENIN! Church Announcements Thea: New Website: theamonyee.com Join Thea for Sacred Sundays by texting SACRED to 213 & Choose your own adventure NeKisha: New Website for Nikki & Nikki Lactation Career Consultants: https://www.nikkiandnikkiibclc.org/ Say Less: A virtual BIPOC silent co-working space  1st Monday 8amET-11amET Link To Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87843521969 3rd Monday 8pmPT-11pmPT Link To Join:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512076376 Crystal:  Turning 7 year program Writers Well Youth Fellowship into a non-profit Writers Well is a program for Black girls/femmes 14-19 living in South Carolina interested in writing and/or performance.  It's a brave space for Black girls to nurture their imagination. Follow on IG: @writerswellyouthfellowship and/or donate: https://bit.ly/blackgirlswritethefuture Writing Workshop: I AM: Writing an Artist/Personal Statement & Cover Letter Sunday, April 3rd, 6pm, Zoom Link To Register: https://bit.ly/amwritingworkshop Invest in us! ​​Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt. Dem Black Mamas Social Media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas SUPPORT OUR SISTER POD: Shaping The Shift hosted by our very own Thea Monyee IG | Facebook  INFORMATION & INSPIRATION Looking for some Black Mama Love, support, and connection?   Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection Join the new app for Black Moms, Meet Akina founded by Black mom and entrepreneur Leigh Butler, Meet Akina is a new social media app for Black Mamas, Black Bonus Mamas, and Aunties Are you a Woman of Color or a Black person interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration follow Women of Color Podcasters and/or Black Pod Collective on IG. We need more of us feeding us! If you're a Black woman interested in becoming a lactation consultant check out Nikki & Nikki Lactation Career Consultants

Dear Mama, We all deserve the grace and permission to explore our shadows and cradle ourselves in radical honesty. After losing the desire to continue producing our podcast, I went on an unexpected hiatus where I found the answers I was looking for. WE BACK & Today, Thea and Nekisha are riding shotgun with me as we all share our journey looking back at what 2021 taught us and where we're headed in 2022. Church Announcements Thea: New Website: theamonyee.com Join Thea for Sacred Sundays by texting SACRED to 213 & Choose your own adventure NeKisha: New Website for Nikki & Nikki Lactation Career Consultants: https://www.nikkiandnikkiibclc.org/ Say Less: A virtual BIPOC silent co-working space  1st Monday 8amET-11amET Link To Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87843521969 3rd Monday 8pmPT-11pmPT Link To Join:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512076376 Crystal:  Turning 7 year program Writers Well Youth Fellowship into a non-profit Writers Well is a program for Black girls/femmes 14-19 living in South Carolina interested in writing and/or performance.  It's a brave space for Black girls to nurture their imagination. Follow on IG: @writerswellyouthfellowship and/or donate: https://bit.ly/blackgirlswritethefuture Writing Workshop: I AM: Writing an Artist/Personal Statement & Cover Letter Sunday, April 3rd, 6pm, Zoom Link To Register: https://bit.ly/amwritingworkshop Invest in us! ​​Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt. Dem Black Mamas Social Media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas SUPPORT OUR SISTER POD: Shaping The Shift hosted by our very own Thea Monyee IG | Facebook  INFORMATION & INSPIRATION Looking for some Black Mama Love, support, and connection?   Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection Join the new app for Black Moms, Meet Akina founded by Black mom and entrepreneur Leigh Butler, Meet Akina is a new social media app for Black Mamas, Black Bonus Mamas, and Aunties Are you a Woman of Color or a Black person interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration follow Women of Color Podcasters and/or Black Pod Collective on IG. We need more of us feeding us! If you're a Black woman interested in becoming a lactation consultant check out Nikki & Nikki Lactation Career Consultants

Dear Mama, When it comes to Black Maternal Health, our work is not over when Black mothers survive and the child is born alive.  Black maternal health should not fade into our peripheral because Black Maternal Health Week has passed  In this episode we discuss being invited to do an art installation for Round 50 of Project Row Houses that centered Black Maternal Health, the importance of art in this movement and art’s capacity like nothing else to creep into the crevices of culture and push us forward.  Before we jump into that convo we take a discuss witnessing our children during hard situations inspired by card number 19 from our Black Mama Magic Card Deck: I honor my child’s divine path.  We hope this episode reminds you that motherhood is not the graveyard of dreams, that our children are divine beings on their own divine journey, and when your mothership hits rough waters to soften.  SYLLABUS Church Announcements/Praise Reports/Prayer List Requests: Black Mama Magic Card Pull: Card #19 - I honor my child’s divine path.  Black Mama Magic Mini Card Deck  & Magic Evermore Summer Solstice Box ON SALE NOW  Crystal's teaching writing and healing.  NeKisha is getting her keynote on! Thea has a new web home & published her FIRST book from her press! Check the show notes for this episode on our website for ALL links to support the mamas! Mac & Cheese: In this episode we discuss being invited to Houston to do an art installation for Project Row Houses and the importance of art as mothers and in the Black Maternal Health Movement. Black Mama Say: A word from the mamas to mamas. ASSIGNMENTS Visit our website demblackmamas.com to do TWO important things:  Invest in us by purchasing the Magic Evermore Summer Solstice Box or a Black Mama Magic Mini Card Deck  on SALE NOW!  Check our website for pictures & video from our installation. All of these things can be done on our website demblackmamas.com As always thanks for rockin with us.  For full show notes & time stamps check out website: demblackmamas.com  MORE WAYS TO INVEST IN US Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt:⠀⁣ Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions magic@demblackmamas.com Join our email list by visiting our website Patreon   One Time Donation: PayPal Venmo Now let's get free yall & jump into Episode 39 of Dem Black Mamas!

Dear Mama, Come celebrate with us.  Celebrate this beautiful mothering journey.  Celebrate with us the powerful legacy of Black motherhood that always offers healing, is abundant in creativity, and expands liberation. We are celebrating Women’s History Month by elevating the radical work of mothers raising transgender children.  In this episode guests midwife Jamarah Amani & Michelle are Black mothers building a Promise Land rooted in equity and love. We would like to say thank you for your patience during our unexpected hiatus while I was healing from COVID.   SYLLABUS Church Announcements/Prayer Requests/Praise Reports: All who have had COVID and lost love ones to COVID Frontline workers Gratitude Crystal writing workshop coming up on Sunday, March 28th & NeKisha's first conference keynote on Monday, March 29th (check the show notes on our website for registration links: demblackmamas.com)   Mac & Cheese: In this episode we talk with midwife Jamarah Amani & transgender youth advocate Michelle about what they learned about themselves & what raising transgender children taught them about liberation.  Black Mama Say: Black Mamas on The Insurrection ASSIGNMENTS Visit our website demblackmamas.com to do three important things:  Check the show notes for this episode & register of Crystal's writing workshop & register to hear NeKisha's first conference keynote. Our Black Mama Magic Mini Card Deck will be on sale again soon so sign up for our email list  And get yo mug on Mama and invest in us by purchasing a mug, which is our #MerchOfTheMonth from our Black Mama Magic Shop  All of these things can be done on our website demblackmamas.com As always thanks for rockin with us.  For full show notes check out website: demblackmamas.com  INVEST IN US Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt:⠀⁣ Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions magic@demblackmamas.com Join our email list by visiting our website Patreon Merch One Time Donation: PayPal Venmo Now let's get free yall & jump into Episode 37 of Dem Black Mamas!

#DearMama  We have a right to explore all the ways to tap into our freedom.  Motherhood should be an opportunity, an experience, a journey of expansion.  Liberation is about breaking down any barrier that binds you, even borders.  We must always be willing to do whatever AND GO wherever we can to be free this lifetime.  SYLLABUS Church Announcements/Prayer Requests/Praise Reports: We got prayers & praise Thea & Crystal have workshops coming up on January 31st (check the show notes on our website for registration links: demblackmamas.com) Mac & Cheese: In this episode we talk with Aja Marie the person behind the blog Doing Life Afraid and the voice behind the podcast, She Said We Shed and a former American dreamer, who realized that dream wasn’t hers and ditched everything she and her son hated to pursue everything that lit them up.  That led to long term travel and closer connection with her son. Black Mama Say: Every Time I Turn Around ASSIGNMENTS Visit our website demblackmamas.com to do three important things:  Check the show notes for this episode to get $5 off of Asia’s workbook The Path to Freedom: The Extended Travel & Moving Abroad Workbook Our Black Mama Magic Mini Card Deck will be on sale again soon so sign up for our email list  And get yo mug on Mama and invest in us by purchasing a mug, which is our #MerchOfTheMonth from our Black Mama Magic Shop  All of these things can be done on our website demblackmamas.com As always thanks for rockin with us.  For full show notes check out website: www.demblackmamas.com/podcast INVEST IN US Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt:⠀⁣ Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions magic@demblackmamas.com Join our email list by visiting our website Patreon Merch One Time Donation: PayPal Venmo Now let's get free yall & jump into Episode 37 of Dem Black Mamas!

#DearMama  We have a right to explore all the ways to tap into our freedom.  Motherhood should be an opportunity, an experience, a journey of expansion.  Liberation is about breaking down any barrier that binds you, even borders.  We must always be willing to do whatever AND GO wherever we can to be free this lifetime.  SYLLABUS Church Announcements/Prayer Requests/Praise Reports: We got prayers & praise *Thea & Crystal have workshops coming up on January 31st (check show notes on our website for registration links: demblackmamas.com) Mac & Cheese: In this episode we talk with Aja Marie, the person behind the blog Doing Life Afraid and the voice behind the podcast, She Said We Shed and a former American dreamer, who realized that dream wasn’t hers and ditched everything she and her son hated to pursue everything that lit them up.  That led to long term travel and closer connection with her son. Black Mama Say: Every Time I Turn Around ASSIGNMENTS Visit our website demblackmamas.com for three important things:  Check the show notes for this episode to get $5 off of Asia’s workbook The Path to Freedom: The Extended Travel & Moving Abroad Workbook Our Black Mama Magic Mini Card Deck will be on sale again soon so sign up for our email list  And get yo mug on Mama and invest in us by purchasing a mug, which is our #MerchOfTheMonth from our Black Mama Magic Shop  All of these things can be done on our website demblackmamas.com INVEST IN US Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt⠀⁣ Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions magic@demblackmamas.com Join our email list Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas Venmo: venmo.com/demblackmamas SUPPORT OUR SISTER PODS: Shaping The Shift  IG | Facebook  Intercultured Podcast IG INFORMATION & INSPIRATION Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection?  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group ⁣We need more of us feeding us!  If you're a Black woman interested in becoming a lactation consultant check out Nikki & Nikki Lactation Career Consultants. 

#DearMama, in the year ahead, we are calling in love, joy and feelings of belonging. We wish for you tranquility, security and the unshakable knowing that you are enough. Just as you are. Your life is not for the purpose of comparing to others. Your life is your own and you are your own best thing. Join Intentional Living Coach, Community Organizer & Mentor, and Kids Cultivator Home School Founder & Co-Leader, Leslie Bray for a #MeditationByMamas experience that will help you to set your intentions and move forward confidently, knowing that you are enough. Follow Leslie on IG Follow Kid Cultivator Home School IG | FB #MeditationByMamas -- just in time to get us centered for the new year. #MeditationsByMamas are lead by Black mamas to help us maintain in alignment with healing, creativity, and liberation to manifest joy and abundance. ⠀ INVEST IN US! When you invest in us, you invest in a platform curated by three Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. There are multiple ways to help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt Patreon Merch 1 Time Investment/Venmo Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Engage with us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Email us with questions, comments, and/or show topic suggestions: magic@demblackmamas.com Join our email list through our website. 

#DearMama, don't think it peculiar or strange to have #liberation heavy on your mind in this season. We're leaving an old year behind and naturally, it's got us yearning to be untethered. It's got us wanting to feel new. We feel strong, full of possibility and brimming with hope, daring to believe that going forward we can do what we were never able to in the past -- get all the way free. Join Muffy Mendoza in our newest installment of #MeditationsByMamas to feel empowered and ready to pursue liberation. Muffy Mendoza is a tribe builder, informational and motivational speaker, author and executive director at Brown Mamas, a Pittsburgh-based fiscally sponsored nonprofit that works to provide moms-of-color with positive socialization opportunities and connect them with the resources and information they need to raise happy, healthy adults. Most notably, Muffy is known for having cultivated a community of nearly 5,000 African-American moms hungry for social change due to a lack of safe spaces for moms-of-color in the Pittsburgh region. Muffy has leveraged this platform to author her first book, The Brown Mama Mindset, that was featured at the 2018 Essence Festival and is currently sold at various cities across the U.S. In 2019 Muffy was nominated for an Iris Award for her outstanding work as an activist and influencer. As if building a massive tribe of moms isn’t enough, Muffy stays focused on tribe building at home as a homeschooling mom of 3 boys and wife of one awesome husband. Follow/Like Muffy Mendoza: IG | Facebook Follow/Like Brown Mamas: IG | Facebook To listen and/or subscribe tap the link in the bio & hit the tab LISTEN NOW: Meditations By Mamas Liberation Meditation. To subscribe go to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud or on any podcast streaming platform, search Dem Black Mamas Podcast & hit subscribe. #BlackMamaMagic™️ #MeditationsByMamas @demblackmamaspodcast #MeditationWithMamas -- just in time to get us centered for the holiday whirlwind!⁣#MeditationsByMamas are lead by Black mamas to help us maintain in alignment with healing, creativity, and liberation to manifest joy and abundance. ⠀ INVEST IN US! When you invest in us, you invest in a platform curated by three Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. There are multiple ways to help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt Patreon Merch 1 Time Investment/Venmo Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Engage with us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Email us with questions, comments, and/or show topic suggestions: magic@demblackmamas.com Join our email list through our website. 

#DearMama You have a right to rest. You do not have to earn it. You ought not have to fight for it. You are worthy of this and so much more. ⁣ Join Jasmin Forts for #MeditationWithMamas experience that we need right now! We know you're busy being everything to everyone but take a moment to listen to this. Jasmin is the self-proclaimed AntiHustle Professional and Founder of A Rested Working Woman & A Sisters Siesta, a career and support group services specializing in practical maintenance and mental health resources for professional black women. She has been featured on several publications such as Black Enterprise and Teen Vogue sharing her insight on HR practices and anything supporting wellness for professional black women. She is the author of “A Sisters Siesta: A Pocketbook Guide of Positivity, HR Protocol, and Vignettes for the Professional Black Woman” and coaches hundreds of women needing support to excel professionally. #MeditationWithMamas -- just in time to get us centered for the holiday whirlwind!⁣#MeditationsByMamas are lead by Black mamas to help us maintain in alignment with healing, creativity, and liberation to manifest joy and abundance. ⠀ INVEST IN US! When you invest in us, you invest in a platform curated by three Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. There are multiple ways to help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt Patreon Merch 1 Time Investment/Venmo Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Engage with us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Email us with questions, comments, and/or show topic suggestions: magic@demblackmamas.com Join our email list through our website. 

#DearMama, sometimes you just need to gift yourself with a deep whoo-sah!⁣ ⁣ Put yourself on time out, go to an empty room or a quiet corner, and just allow your chest to expand with breath. ⁣ ⁣ Feel gratitude. Feel frustration. Feel whatever it is that you need to feel for that moment, without self-judgment.⁣ ⁣ Allow yourself to simply be.⁣ ⁣ Exist fully and unapologetically in your Blackness. Suspend yourself in love. Love for self, love for our people, love for your children, love for your partner.⁣ ⁣ And then you can get back to everything & everyone. Just remember; first, you are everything thing to yourself.⁣ ⁣ Join Crystal Tennille Irby for a much needed #MeditationWithMamas -- just in time to get us centered for the holiday whirlwind!⁣ Crystal Tennille Irby is a spoken word poetry grand slam champion, published writer, director and identifies as a #BlackMamaCreative, an artist creating work across multiple artistic disciplines centering Black women and mothering, absent of the white gaze.  She is the current co-host and executive producer of Dem Black Mamas Podcast, a podcast that delves into the unique experience of Black mothers raising free children in an unfree world.  Crystal is a TEDxGreenville presenter,  a Watering Hole Poetry Fellow and the founder and Director of Writers Well Youth Fellowship, a program for Black girls ages 14-19 focused on writing and performance. Her recent credits include, Untitled Reconstruction Project, which she directed and co-produced and Untamed Womb: Reclaiming Wonder Through Healing, Liberation & Creativity, a Project Row Houses installation which she co-curated.  Crystal has presented at numerous conferences including Black Maternal Health Conference & Training Institute; Let’s Talk About Sex, & HIV Prevention & Education Summit.  In addition to her creative endeavors, Crystal has over 15 years of experience working to dismantle systemic and institutional racism.  She works as a community doula helping Black birth persons stay connected to their body and as a facilitator for Speaking Down Barriers pushing communities forward by helping Black people heal from race and gender trauma. Crystal is the mother of 4 children and shares her life with an Omega man.  #MeditationWithMamas -- just in time to get us centered for the holiday whirlwind!⁣#MeditationsByMamas are lead by Black mamas to help us maintain in alignment with healing, creativity, and liberation to manifest joy and abundance. ⠀ INVEST IN US! When you invest in us, you invest in a platform curated by three Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. There are multiple ways to help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt Patreon Merch 1 Time Investment/Venmo Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Engage with us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Email us with questions, comments, and/or show topic suggestions: demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list through our website. 

#Dear Mama Exhale. Amen. Ashe White folk gon white folk & patriarchy is a helluva drug.  We all we got and thank God we got each other.  No one is coming to save us because we have the creativity and brilliance to save ourselves.  So let's approach this election as an opportunity to be imaginative.   As we head to the polls and anticipate the outcome of this year's presidential election, the Mamas have a plan to prepare you for the political and social aftermath of what has been a tumultuous year & OF COURSE we got that #BlackMamaMagic #ElectionPlaylist: http://bit.ly/blackmamamagicelectionplaylist This week's serious subject is infused with signature Dem Black Mamas humor and insights informed by a Black, womanist, and inherently intersectional feminist perspective. Come get this truth and exhale the "amen" and "ashé" you didn't know was brewing in your spirit all this time. INVEST IN US Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt⠀⁣ Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas Venmo: venmo.com/demblackmamas SUPPORT OUR SISTER PODS: Shaping The Shift  IG | Facebook  Intercultured Podcast IG INFORMATION & INSPIRATION Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection?  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group ⁣We need more of us feeding us!  If you're a Black woman interested in becoming a lactation consultant check out Nikki & Nikki Lactation Career Consultants. 

#DearMama, Your gifts will make a way for you. Speak into existence all you desire for yourself, your community, your children, your friends, and your family. Declare for yourself how you will be fulfilled by your work. Show up in the fullness of your authentic self and allow your talents to bless the world.   In this episode #BlackMamaMagic + #AggiePride = Janiya Mitnaul Williams (@mrswilliamswiththesons), mother of four, founder of  Mahogany Milk Support Group (@mahoganymilk) and literally works everyday to change the trajectory of the health outcomes among Black people as the current Program Director of the Pathway 2 Human Lactation Training Program at North Carolina A&T, the 1st lactation certification program at a public HBCU.⁣⁣   Our desire is to expand the conversation around breastfeeding beyond the physical to the spiritual and position breastfeeding as a critical element of the movement for Black Lives.  We need more of us showing us how to feed our babies in the thriving Promise Land we imagine.  So we are excited to have a conversation with a Black Mama laying this critical foundation for liberation.   For full show notes check out website: www.demblackmamas.com/podcast INVEST IN US Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt⠀⁣ Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas Venmo: venmo.com/demblackmamas SYLLABUS Church Announcements/Prayer Requests:  Prayer Request: Jacob Black Black Parents Virtual Schooling The State of Florida Anybody with allergies in California Announcements: Nekisha: New IG @ahamomentmaven  Thea: Introduces The Blacker the Brain & it’s first lecture An Intro to Decolonizing Mental Health Mac & Cheese: Janiya Mitnaul Williams  Black Mama Say: "It Is What It Is" SUPPORT OUR SISTER PODS: Shaping The Shift  IG | Facebook  Intercultured Podcast IG INFORMATION & INSPIRATION Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection?  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group ⁣We need more of us feeding us!  If you're a Black woman interested in becoming a lactation consultant check out Nikki & Nikki Lactation Career Consultants. 

#DearMama we need to make time for joy and create space to celebrate ourselves and each other. Let's throw our heads back and laugh from our bellies. Let's be free amongst each other. Let's affirm our sisterhood. Let's shine. ⁣ In Episode 34: Black Mama Love, we celebrate our favorite Black mamas of television, film, and literature as well as discuss our favorite creatives, moments with or own mamas, and our children. We're talking about the best advice, dreams for our children, spreading joy, and enjoying some much needed, well-deserved laughter. We hope you have as much fun listening as we did recording. INVEST IN US Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt⠀⁣ Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas Venmo: venmo.com/demblackmamas SUPPORT OUR SISTER PODS: Shaping The Shift  IG | Facebook  Intercultured Podcast IG INFORMATION & INSPIRATION Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection?  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group  

#DearMama we were lied to when we were told that children were to be seen and not heard. Many of us were harmed because of that popular notion. Changing oppressive ideologies and false narratives begin with us, in our homes and communities, and often in our own bodies, hearts, and minds. Now is the time to allow your inner child to speak. Listen intently to her. Speak to her, praise, and affirm her. Give Black girls the care they deserve by starting with yourself.  Cassandre (@withlovecassandre) is a mom of 2 spirited boys, wife to her husband of 8 years, doctor, and educator. Years of 'doing it all' finally culminated in severe burnout following the traumatic birth of her now 18-month-old son. Now, she is passionate about self-care practices for Black millennial women- especially moms - who've been socialized to be self-sacrificing since birth. She is also host of the Be Well, Sis podcast (@bewellsis_podcast) - a wellness podcast dedicated to providing resources and having candid conversations for Black millennial women to be their best selves physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. #MeditationsByMamas are lead by Black mamas to help us maintain in alignment with healing, creativity, and liberation to manifest joy and abundance. ⠀ INVEST IN US! When you invest in us, you invest in a platform curated by three Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. There are multiple ways to help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt Patreon Merch 1 Time Investment/Venmo Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Engage with us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Email us with questions, comments, and/or show topic suggestions: demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list through our website. 

#DearMama, though you may often feel out of place know that you are exactly where you belong. No matter what borders you cross or which ones crossed you. Whether the moves you made were by choice, under duress, or by force. You may look for a place outside of yourself to call home but home is within you. You have a right to be here. The land beneath you and the sky above you is yours to claim.   Fresh out of Black Mama Creative Week, we've got a wonderful #newepisode for you. Tune in for a rich discussion with Haitian American Mama featuring our special guest co-host Stepha Lafond of Mama Slay Life!  We cover Stepha’s birth story, her journey from Haiti to America, motherhood and the diverse views of Black diaspora’s relationship to Africa.  Stepha is a motherhood transition coach who is dedicated to helping moms navigate the delicate space between who they were and who they are still becoming. Her services and programs infuse personal development and spirituality and are designed to help moms reclaim their personal power so they can do life and motherhood on their own terms. For full show notes, check our website. Invest In Us!⠀⁣ Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt⠀⁣ Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas SUPPORT OUR SISTER PODS: Shaping The Shift  IG | Facebook  Intercultured Podcast IG INFORMATION & INSPIRATION Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection?  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group  

#Dearmama it's time to tune in to your creativity with intention. It's time to liberate yourself from the false and often unattainable ideas of how your creativity is SUPPOSED to look. It's time for you to #decolonize by divesting from #grindculture, ableist productivity ideology, formulas, and comparison. It's time for you to rediscover the joy in your art. It's time for #blackmamacreativeweek and a #newepisode of Dem Black Mamas! Tune in to Episode 31: Ritual in Creativity as we go deep with the amazing Akilah S. Richards (@fareofthefreechild) to learn about unlocking creativity through ritual. Akilah S. Richards is an absolute force of nature. She is the host of Fare of the Free Child, a lifestyle and parenting podcast about the connection between liberation, learning, and parenting, particularly among BIPOC communities. The voice and work of this Jamaican-born, digital nomad, have been featured on NPR, NBC TV, Good Morning America's blog, and in several literary and in-person spaces throughout the U.S., Jamaica, and South Africa. She is a TEDx Speaker, an accomplished digital content writer, and sought-after facilitator whose highly-anticipated book, Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation and Healing Work (PM Press), will be released in the Fall of 2020. We are made more whole by her wisdom and honored to have her as a special guest during Black Mama Creative Week. For full show notes, check our website. Invest In Us!⠀⁣ Invest in a platform curated by 3 Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. Help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt⠀⁣ Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas SUPPORT OUR SISTER PODS: Shaping The Shift  IG | Facebook  Intercultured Podcast IG INFORMATION & INSPIRATION Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection?  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group  

#DearMama When civilizations fall, art remains to tell the story.  The story we want to remain for this moment in time is our love for you.  #Juneteenth reminds us that our culture is a magnificent love story. Thank you to Shaira Lanice & Anya Doula for lending your voices.  Invest In Us! Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas  

#DearMama This is our offering to you.  Speak life into yourself.  Love on yourself.  Be kind, gentle and compassion with yourself.  Remember your humanity.  We have more than our blood and blood of our children to offer.  As the founder of Black Mom's Guide to Calm, Jamie Fleming works with mamas (and women) who are tired of being burned out, stressed out, and worn out and are ready to do something about it. She teaches them how to create calm in the chaos of their daily lives.  Black Mom’s Guide to Calm is a safe space for stressed out mommies to overcome their overwhelm and find inner peace, joy, wholeness and relief. #MeditationsByMamas are lead by Black mamas to help us maintain in alignment with healing, creativity and liberation to manifest joy and abundance.  INVEST IN US! When you invest in us, you invest in a platform curated by three Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. There are multiple ways to help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt Patreon Merch 1 Time Investment/Venmo Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Engage with us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Email us with questions, comments, and/or show topic suggestions: demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list through our website. 

#DearMama: Surrender.  Surrender is trusting. Surrender is knowing where you stop and a higher power begins.  Surrender is opening your arms to allow what you need to find you, hold you and nurture you.  This meditation is lead by our very own Thea Monyee and a concrete tool for rest and replenishment.  Thea is the one of the cohost of #DemBlackMamas & mother of three.  She has recently launched her own podcast Shaping the Shift, available on all streaming platforms. Shaping the Shift is a podcast about change and uncertainty for dreamers and creatives. It is a mouthpiece for MARLEYAYO, the creative wellness consulting company founded by Thea Monyee with the goal to actively support and create tools to reverse the adverse effects of colonization and enslavement by liberating marginalized people around the globe through joy, pleasure, creativity, and intentional decolonization. The vision is to create and nurture a multi-dimensional organism that prioritizes the reintegration of spirit and liberation through education, entertainment, consulting, and land stewardship.  #MeditationsByMamas are lead by Black mamas to help us maintain alignment with healing, creativity and liberation to manifest joy and abundance.  INVEST IN US! When you invest in us, you invest in a platform curated by three Black women actively cultivating spaces rooted in healing, creativity, and liberation for Black mamas. There are multiple ways to help us continue to be #BlackMamaBuilt Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Engage with us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Email us with questions, comments, and/or show topic suggestions: demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list through our website.  Patreon Merch One Time Donation

#DearBlackPeople Birthing in a supportive chosen environment should not be othered or a privilege.  It should valued as the norm.  Whether we give birth or not we should all be connected to the experience.  We should all be fighting for Black birth persons to be empowered to articulate and unapologetically create the birth experience we want long before a positive pregnancy test.  Black maternal health does not begin with pregnant Black people.  It begins with changing our minds. It begins by giving voice and value to bodies from the moment they enter the world.  So if the moment arrives to usher a soul Earth side as our guest Dr. Sayida Peprah says “thriving is already instilled as a right not a privilege” and joy is the baseline. Now let’s get free yall and jump into Episode 30 of Dem Black Mamas! Invest In Us! Don't just listen, subscribe Share with at least one person Follow us on any social media platform @demblackmamaspodcast Engage through social media comments, DM us or email with questions demblackmamas@gmail.com Join our email list Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas SHOW LINE UP Church Announcements/Prayer Requests:  Prayer Request:  We all want Akilah Richards of Fare of the Free Child to homeschool our kids through zoom People giving birth during COVID-19, Birth workers, & everyone who has is suffering from, caring for someone, and/or lost someone from COVID-19 Announcements: Crystal talks launching the new #DemBlackMamas series #MeditationsByMamas and being a guest on Cozy Womb Podcast Nekisha talks working with the Facebook group Sewing to Save to provide mask for healthcare workers; Live Q&A about lactation & support for lactation counselors, & the FB group The Midnight Milk Club Thea talks working with GoDaddy to help small business during #COVID19 through #OpenWeStand, Black Girls Rock Quarantine Parties, and The Wellness Therapist work to get us through the pandemic. Mac & Cheese: Dr. Sayida Peprah, Psychologist/Doula/#BlackMaternalMentalHealth advocate  Founder of: Diversity Uplifts & Front Line Doulas Follow & Support Dr. Peprah: Facebook | IG | Twitter   Follow & Support Frontlines Doulas: IG | Facebook | Twitter  Black Mama Say: It’s Gone Be a Problem SUPPORT OUR SISTER PODS: Shaping The Shift  IG | Facebook  Intercultured Podcast IG INFORMATION & INSPIRATION Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection?  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group  

#DearMama You are worthy of a reset.  A second chance. A shift.  This month's meditation is lead by Anya Willoughby and a concrete tool to transform a moment & realign your energy.  Anya works as a birth doula in the Greater Houston area and host of Intercultured Podcast. She worked as a nurse for over 15 years in women's health services. Anya became a Licensed Vocational Nurse while serving in the U.S. Army. Most of her nursing experience has been working in private practice OBGYN offices caring for women throughout the lifespan. Anya left working in the medical industry in order to offer holistic, family-centered, culturally competent care. She is committed to doing her part in reducing the maternal mortality rates, especially for black women. #MeditationsByMamas are lead by Black mamas who want to help us maintain in alignment with healing, creativity and liberation to manifest joy and abundance. 

#DearMama especially my creatives mamas, create your thing, that book, that script, film, podcast, whatever, use social media, don't let social media use you, shoot your shot & then check your DMs because that's how we got the guest for this episode!  In this episode we speak with writer, director DeMane Davis.  DeMane is a proud product of the #AvaEffect & her receipts are long and strong.  She is the producing director of the upcoming four part netflix series Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam CJ Walker starring Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, Blair Underwood and Tiffany Haddish.  The series will be released Friday, March 20th.  And yall know the deal don’t just listen subscribe and follow us on all social media platforms @demblackmamaspodcast so you won’t miss an episode. Please keep emailing us, keep engaging with us through social media comments, your reviews, and SoundCloud comments. Keep sharing us, even if it’s only with one other person. If you’re a new listener, welcome to the ride. Invest in us by becoming a DBM patron, buying merch or giving a one time donation. For full show notes check our website demblackmamas.com. Now let’s get free yall and jump into Episode 29 of Dem Black Mamas! SHOW LINE UP Church Announcements/Prayer Requests:  S/o to women who help us catch our dreams -- Precious Bivings: FB Group (MASH Collective MASH = Make Amazing Shit Happen)| IG  Sista Midwife Nicole Deggins: IG | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube   Tamica ClayBrook Crystal: Black Maternal Health Week 4/11 - 4/17 Follow Black Mamas Matter for more information & details. Twitter | IG | FB | YouTube Our breast guru is puttin in work.  Check out Nekisha's Webinar : How Did I Miss That?: Breast Assessment and Non-White Skin Tones Thea is helping folx get right.  Check out her latest television appearances:  OWN Family or Fiancee: Jazmine & Reggie: The Preacher’s Wife to Be On the 7 with Dr. Sean: Joy, Pleasure, & Love with Thea Monyee  Mac & Cheese:  DeMane Davis is a TV Director and a Producing Director. Ava DuVernay graciously asked her to direct two episodes of the second season of her groundbreaking TV series Queen Sugar which airs on OWN which has changed the entire landscape (and the numbers) by only hiring female directors and specifically hiring first-time female directors. Ava asked DeMane to be producing director of season three. In addition to producing the entire season she directed three episodes, including the premiere. Queen Sugar was recently renewed for a fifth season! Since then DeMane has directed on For The People; The Red Line for CBS, How To Get Away With Murder, Station 19 and YOU for Netflix. She was also Producing Director on Self Made: Inspired by Madam CJ Walker a four part series which premieres on Netflix on March 20th. She directed the last two episodes. Most recently she's been back to Shondaland to direct an episode of their final season of How To Get Away With Murder. Her episode airs in April of 2020!  She is also a Commercial Director and is with Sweet Rickey, a collaborative, female-owned production company versed in creating original content. DeMane is a Sundance Fellow Class of 97 and two of the features she wrote premiered in competition at The Sundance Film Festival. LIFT, Kerry Washington’s first solo feature, is available on Amazon. In addition directing, she is also a Freelance Copywriter/Creative Director and voiceover talent. Self Made details the life of America’s first self-made millionaire — how she fought for social change and simultaneously overcame post-slavery racial and gender biases, personal betrayals, and business rivalries to build a ground-breaking brand that revolutionized black haircare. DeMane Davis: Twitter | IG  Nicole Jefferson Asher: Twitter | IG A’Lelia Bundles: Twitter | IG On Her Own Ground: The Life & Times of Madam CJ Walker My Mother Myself Sundance Labs  Collection Plate Causes: Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam CJ Walker  Black Mama Say: Note to the Democratic Party Follow us on all social media platforms @demblackmamas.  LINKS Ways to Invest in Dem Black Mamas:  Patreon | Merch | One-Time Donation Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection?  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection. Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group.  Nikki & Nikki Career Lactation Consultants:  FB | IG | Twitter | YouTube Be sure to follow subscribe and listen to our sister podcasts: All Heart Podcast: IG | FB Intercultured Podcast: IG www.demblackmamas.com Shop Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

It's #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHealingMonth and we are so excited to kick of #MeditationsByMamas lead by Black mamas who want to help us maintain in alignment with healing, creativity and liberation to manifest joy and abundance.  Our first mediation is a Full Moon/Shedding Meditation lead by Stepha LaFond.  Stepha is a motherhood transition coach who is dedicated to helping moms navigate the delicate space between who they were and who they are still becoming. Her services and programs infuse personal development and spirituality and are designed to help moms reclaim their personal power so they can do life and motherhood on their own terms.   Full moon meditations are most effective on the day of the full moon, three days before or three days after.  The full moon phase is a time of reflection to let go of things or relationships that are no longer serving you or holding you back.  It's also a time to surrender and embrace the unknown as an opportunity to transform.    

Dear Mama: We carry history in our wombs and we can create history in our wombs. These are words of our guest Sista Midwife Nicole Deggins.  The stats on Black maternal health are not our legacy and don’t have to be our destiny. This isn’t a long intro because this episode is packed and we want you to jump right into it. We go from why it’s important to live the #HelloFreshFluffandFoldLife to expanding the work of Black Maternal Health & why doula’s make a difference. You have a few more days to sign up with the Sista Midwife’s Doula training in Los Angeles.  It’s gon be lit yall! Check our show notes for the registration link. As always thanks for rockin with us. Don’t just listen subscribe and follow us on all social media platforms @demblackmamaspodcast so you won’t miss an episode. Please keep emailing us, keep engaging with us through social media comments, your reviews, and SoundCloud comments. Keep sharing us, even if it’s only with one other person. If you’re a new listener, welcome to the ride. Invest in us by becoming a DBM patron, buying merch or giving a one time donation. For full show notes check our website demblackmamas.com. Now let’s get free yall and jump into Episode 28! SHOW LINE UP Church Announcements/Prayer Requests:  Project Row House Installation  Thea Monyee: GoDaddy Maker Hello Fresh Code Sista Midwife Doula Training w/ Nicole Deggins  REGISTER NOW: https://courses.sistamidwife.com/courses/losangeles IG: @sistamidwife https://www.instagram.com/sistamidwife/ Twitter: @SistaMidwife https://twitter.com/sistamidwife Facebook: @SistaMidwife https://www.facebook.com/SistaMidwife/ YouTube: Sista Midwife Productions https://www.youtube.com/user/SistaMidwife Mac & Cheese:  A Conversation with Sista Midwife Nicole Deggins Black Mama Say:  “Yall gon not make me lose my mind…”   Follow us on all social media platforms @demblackmamas.  LINKS Ways to Invest in Dem Black Mamas:  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas Nikki & Nikki Career Lactation Consultants:  FB: https://www.facebook.com/iyamidoulaservices IG: https://www.instagram.com/nikkiandnikkiibclc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiNikkiIBCLC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySgoTbyiCpREfGELEoeCKQ All Heart Podcast:  FB: https://www.facebook.com/allheartpodcast/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/allheartpodcast/ Website: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/all-heart-podcast/id1409705304?mt=2 www.demblackmamas.com Shop Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection.  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection. Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group.   

#DearMama If you’re feeling like you’re in quicksand, disconnected, or running on empty, then this is the episode for you! It is a reminder to not to limit spirit, that spirit is in EVERYTHING and we must continue to dig deeper for a higher connection.  In this episode we revisit Episode 4 How I Made It Ova, recorded two years ago and evaluate our spiritual evolution since then. This is an “Empty the Crates” episode meaning we recorded it a while back and never released it. So some of the commentary may be a little dated.  It’s still a gem though yall. Listen & ask yourself: What do I need to be rooted in to gain alignment on all levels of my being, in every aspect of my identity to manifest the life I need for me and my children to thrive? Let us know what your answer is or even if you couldn’t come up with an answer send us your thoughts and questions about this episode. As always thanks for rockin with us.  Don’t just listen subscribe and follow us on all social media platforms @demblackmamaspodcast so you won’t miss an episode. Please keep emailing us, keep engaging with us through social media comments, your reviews, and SoundCloud comments. Keep sharing us, even if it’s only with one other person. If you’re a new listener, welcome to the ride. Invest in us by becoming a DBM patron, buying merch or giving a one time donation. For full show notes check our website demblackmamas.com. Now let’s get free yall and jump into Episode 27! SHOW LINE UP Church Announcements/Prayer Requests:  DBM Patreon Page Thea Monyee: Ayo Consults  Sista Midwife Doula Training w/ Nicole Deggins, Los Angeles, Nov 8th-10 & November 15th-18th REGISTER NOW: https://courses.sistamidwife.com/courses/losangeles Follow/Like Sista Midwife: IG | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Mac & Cheese:  Revisiting Episode 4 (How I Made It Ova) & evaluating the evolution of our spirituality Collection Plate Causes:  The Afiya Center Follow/Live The Afiya Center: IG | Facebook | Twitter   Black Mama Say:  “Truth Is…” For full show notes visit our website:  www.demblackmamas.com Like/Follow Us: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook  

Dear Mama, Take a trip with me back to when you read your first book by Terry McMillian, E. Lynn Harris or Eric Jerome Dickey and their names & their characters names rolled off our tongues like family members.  These authors wrote Blackness without explanation or apology. In these books we were allowed to love, fail, explore, and soar without the weight of being flattened by whiteness. Above all else those books were page turning fun! If you, your mama, or Auntie cut their grown-ness on these books then you’ll love this episode and our guest Frederick Smith & Chaz Lamar, authors of In Case You Forgot, the story of two newly single, Black, queer, and socially aware men who have packed up to start again--in love, career, and life--in the West Hollywood neighborhood of LA.  Zaire James, on the cusp of 30, has decided marriage isn't all it's cracked up to be. Despite friends, family, and coworkers loving Zaire's "perfect" partner, divorce is a necessary step for finding himself and being free. Kenny Kane has made a career of deferring dreams, lowering expectations, and chasing partners not on his level in hopes of finding a love to call his own. However, on the verge of the big 4-0, he realizes the clock is ticking on all his dreams.  As Zaire and Kenny undo the significant relationships of their pasts, they hope new opportunities, energy, mindsets, and connections will reinvigorate what is missing in their lives--drama and all. In this episode we delve into this juicy book and all it’s layers, the tension & love between Black women and queer Black men, heteronormativity, Black trauma, healing and laugh ALOT. In Case You Forgot is published by Bold Strokes Book and is available wherever you buy books. As always thanks for rockin with us.  Don’t just listen subscribe and follow us on all social media platforms @demblackmamaspodcast so you won’t miss an episode. Please keep emailing us, keep engaging with us through social media comments, your reviews, and SoundCloud comments. Keep sharing us, even if it’s only with one other person. If you’re a new listener, welcome to the ride. Invest in us (all links in our show notes on our website) by becoming a DBM patron, buying merch or giving a one time donation.  Now let’s get free yall... SHOW LINE UP Church Announcements/Prayer Requests:  Black Mama Creative Week: Check our Facebook page for interviews Thea Monyee: Ayo Consults Sista Midwife Doula Training w/ Nicole Deggins  REGISTER NOW: https://courses.sistamidwife.com/courses/losangeles Follow Sista Midwife:  Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube   *My Daughter’s Keeper by Mark Winkler  Follow Mark: Instagram  Mac & Cheese:  *In Case You Forgot  Frederick Smith: Instragram | Twitter | Facebook Chaz Lamar: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Bold Strokes Books: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook  Collection Plate Causes: The National Network of Abortion Funds  Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube    Black Mama Say: “Las Time I Checked”   SYLLABUS *The Verbal Contract: Actions vs Words - Truth Talks with Thea Monyee https://youtu.be/xNiSy_656xs *Books by Frederick Smith:  Down for Whatever | Play It Forward | Right Side of the Wrong Bed LINKS *Ways to Invest in Dem Black Mamas:  Buy Merch | Become a Patron | Donate     *Interested in becoming a lactation Consultant? Check out Nikki & Nikki Career Lactation Consultants>  Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube *Be sure to subscribe to our sister pod All Heart Podcast & follow them on Instagram & Facebook www.demblackmamas.com Shop Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection.   Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection. Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group. 

Dear Mama: Let all the myths of motherhood crumble at your feet.  Dig motherhood out from under the rock of sacrifice. Look at your children and be willing to be a student, be willing to receive.  See them as path makers and pathfinders. It is work. It takes presence. It takes an open heart and a willing soul. All the things white supremacy is built to beat out of us. The truth is, if we are committed to building the Promise Land outside of us by dismantling systemic and institutional oppression, then we've got to be willing to build a Promise Land within us. This is not to say that motherhood is easy; that it's not frustrating and exhausting but it ain't the thing killing us. White supremacy is. This is our prayer for every Black mother. This is our declaration for #BlackMamaCreativeWeek - Motherhood is not the graveyard of dreams. We’re excited to be joined in this episode by one of our Patron Donna Jeneen and National Book Award nominee Margaret Wilkerson Sexton. Thank you for supporting us all week. If you missed any of our Facebook Lives, you can still check them out on our Facebook page and we will have all of our live videos up on YouTube by Tuesday, July 2nd.  Please be sure to tag us and use the hashtag #BlackMamaCreative #BlackMamaCreativeWeek #BMCW19 Let us know how your felt about the week by emailing us and engaging with us through social media comments. Please keep sharing us, even if it’s only with one other person. If you’re a new listener, welcome to the ride. Invest in us (all links in our show notes on our website) by becoming a DBM patron, buying merch or giving a one time donation.  now let’s get free yall and jump into Part 1 of Episode 25 of (Insert the girls saying Dem Black Mamas) EVENTS Sista Midwife Nicole Deggin Doula Training November 2019, LA: https://courses.sistamidwife.com/courses/losangeles GUEST INFO & LINKS PREORDER THE REVISIONERS by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton  NOW! INDIE BOUND: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781640092587 AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Revisioners-Novel-Margaret-Wilkerson-Sexton/dp/1640092587/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+revisioners&qid=1561679221&s=gateway&sr=8-1 BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-revisioners-margaret-wilkerson-sexton/1130454675?ean=9781640092587 Margaret Wilkerson Sexton: www.margaretwilkersonsexton.com Donna Janeen: https://donnajaneen.com/ LINKS Thea Monyee: Webinars, Courses and Ayo Consults: http://www.theamonyee.com NeKisha Killings: Speaking Engagements: https://www.nekishakillings.com/ Lactation Consultation: https://www.lionesslactation.com/ Michigan Breastfeeding Network: https://www.mibreastfeeding.org/webinars/ Interested in becoming a lactation consultant check out Nikki & Nikki Career Lactation Consultants:  FB:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/nikkiandnikkiibclc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiNikkiIBCLC https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySgoTbyiCpREfGELEoeCKQ Listen & Subscribe to our sister podcast All Heart Podcast:  FB: https://www.facebook.com/allheartpodcast/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/allheartpodcast/ Website: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/all-heart-podcast/id1409705304?mt=2 www.demblackmamas.com Shop Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection.  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection. Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group  

Dear Mama: We believe EVERY BLACK MAMA matters and when we say EVERY we mean EVERY.  This episode is dedicated to the mamas giving birth in the belly of the beast of white supremacy, the US prison system, and the birth workers like our guest Doula Chauntel Norris who refuse to sit and wait for the world to change but live the words of Audre Lorde, we are ones we’ve been waiting for. We appreciate your support and ask you to to please keep emailing us, keep engaging with us through social media comments, your reviews, and SoundCloud comments. Please keep sharing us, even if it’s only with one other person. If you’re a new listener, welcome to the ride. Invest in us (all links in our show notes on our website) by becoming a DBM patron, buying merch or giving a one time donation. Now let’s get free yall and  jump into Episode 24. SHOW LINE UP Church Announcements/Prayer Requests: Support NeKisha's breastfeeding group Cubs Cafe Breastfeeding Family Support Group for Families of Color  in LA & we're hosting a doula training in LA in November lead by Sista Midwife Nicole Deggins Doula Chauntel is booked and busy. She'll be speaking at March for Moms and presenting at the United States Breastfeeding Conference ; Baobob Birth Certified Lactation Training 7/15-7/19 Thea Monyee takes a deep dive into pleasure: Pleasure Noir Webinar; S/o to Jimanekia Eborn who created Healing Box in collaboration with Kink Kit for sexual assault survivors and their partners Mac & Cheese: Doula Chauntel Norris discusses her work as a Doula with the Alabama Prison Birth Project Collection Plate Causes: Black Mamas Matter Allliance Black Mama Say: “Lawd’s willin" Organizations Minnesota Prison Doula Project Pregnant In Prison Statistics (PIPS) SisterSong U.S. Prison Culture Blog For more detailed information about this episode, mothers who are incarcerated and pregnant, organizations, and how you can help shift policy check out DBM Episode 24 Guide.   Ways to Invest in Dem Black Mamas: Patreon | Merch | One Time Donation Interested in becoming a lactation consultant check out Nikki & Nikki Career Lactation Consultants & follow them on social media: Facebook | IG | Twitter Be sure you're listening to and subscribed to our sister podcast All Heart & follow them on social media. Facebook | IG www.demblackmamas.com Shop Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection.  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection. Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group.      

Dear Mama: Let’s take a deep dive past sex tips and tricks, beyond stimulation and center pleasure.  Pleasure lasts beyond orgasms. Pleasure pours into us, inspires us and touches our deepest creativity.  We’re talking nude yoga, Black porn, weekday sex and kundalini so this is what we call an #EarbudsEpisode meaning this episode contains explicit language of a sexual nature so you may wanna ask your little ones to put their earbuds in or pop yours in.  We wanna hear from you. So please keep emailing us, keep engaging with us through social media comments, your reviews, and SoundCloud comments. Please keep sharing us, even if it’s only with one other person. If you’re a new listener, welcome to the ride. Invest in us (all links in our show notes on our website) by becoming a DBM patron, buying merch or giving a one time donation. Now let’s get free yall, let’s feel free yall, and discover our pleasure and jump into Episode 23.  SHOW LINE UP Church Announcements/Prayer Requests: Crystal has a performance with RJ; Thea has a MAJOR breakthrough; Nekisha shares BIG news Mac & Cheese: Mamas Pleasure Matters Collection Plate Causes: Hillman The Game Black Mama Say: Point Blank Period DBM Episode 23 Syllabus: Crystal Tennille Irby: http://crystaltennilleirby.com/ Nekisha Killings: https://www.nekishakillings.com/ Thea Monyee: https://theamonyee.com/ Courses: Thea Monyee: #InnerGroundRailroad: A Psycho-Spiritual Framework for Supporting the Reclamation of Access to Joy & Pleasure for Black Folks (https://www.bgminstitute.com/p/the-inner-ground-railroad) NeKisha: #BreastsideManner: A Patient-Centered Approach to Lactation Support (https://www.goldlearning.com/speaker/595/nekisha-killings) Show References: Redefining Wealth hosted by Patrice Washington: https://www.patricewashington.com/listen/ Drop Squad: A Spike Lee Film: https://www.amazon.com/Drop-Squad-Eriq-LaSalle/dp/0783230540 Tao of Sexology: https://www.amazon.com/Tao-Sexology-Book-Infinite-Wisdom/dp/0942196031/ref=sr_1_ 1?keywords=tao+of+sexology&qid=1553486493&s=books&sr=1-1 Joan Morgan: Pleasure, Black Women & Being Creative (Video): http://www.inherentdesignbyselalewis.com/joan-morgan-on-pleasure-black-women-and-being-creative/ Black women, sex toys, and pleasure: African American Women take pleasure into their own hands: https://thegrio.com/2012/06/18/black-women-sex-toys-and-pleasure-par ties-african-american-women-take-pleasure-into-their-own-hands/ Joan Morgan on Black Sex, Identity and the Politics of Pleasure: http://parlourmagazine.com/2013/02/joan-morgan-on-black-sex-identity-and-the-politics-of-pleasure/ Confidence and Joy Are the Keys to a Great Sex Life (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=107&v=HILY0wWBlBM Afrosexology: http://www.afrosexology.com/pillowtalk Afrosexology was birthed out of our desire to experience a more sex-positive Black community. One that encourages self agency & promotes love in regards to our bodies, relationships, and sexualities. One that liberates us from the sexual shame & policing that we've inherited from generations of sexual & body oppression. One that follows in the tradition of Black sexual politics by seeking to rediscover & reclaim our sexuality. Our mission is to educate, explore, and reclaim Black sexuality.  Our vision is to promote Black self empowerment through sexual liberation. Ways to Invest in Dem Black Mamas: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/demblackmamas Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/demblackmamas Interested in becoming a lactation consultant check out Nikki & Nikki Career Lactation Consultants: FB: https://www.facebook.com/NikkiandNikkiIBCLC/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/nikkiandnikkiibclc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiNikkiIBCLC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySgoTbyiCpREfGELEoeCKQ Be sure you're subscribed and listening to our sister podcast All Heart: Website: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/all-heart-podcast/id1409705304?mt=2 FB: https://www.facebook.com/allheartpodcast/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/allheartpodcast/   www.demblackmamas.com Shop Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection.  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection. Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group.  

EPISODE INTRO & SHOW NOTES #DearMamas Dear Village.  Thank you for loving us, sharing us and engaging with us.  Thank you to everyone who sent us questions and showed us some love.  Thank you for thinking enough of us to want to hear from us. We are so grateful you want to connect with us.  We don’t want Dem Black Mamas to be a presentation or monologue. We want Dem Black Mamas to be an energy exchange, a dialogue between three #BlackMamaCreatives and a conversation with you. So please keep emailing us, keep engaging with us through social media comments, your reviews, and SoundCloud comments.  And keep sharing us, even if it’s only with one other person. We are grateful for you and inspired by you. If you’re a new listener, welcome to the ride...And before we dive in, we keep it all the way real which means sometimes we get a little bit raw, so this episode contains explicit language of a sexual nature..now let’s get free yall  SHOW LINE UP Church Announcements/Prayer Requests: Invest in DBM through Patreon. We working yall!  All three of us have online course available! Crystal collaborates with Philadelphia FIGHT to host Dear Black Body Webinar    Thea launches her course #InnerGroundRailroad: A Psycho-Spiritual Framework for Supporting the Reclamation of Access to Joy & Pleasure for Black Folks  NeKisha launches #BreastsideManner Webinar and continuing series on breastfeeding Mac & Cheese: Ask Us Anything: 1)A marriage without affection & no oral sex 2)Thea’s book & NeKisha’s advice to writers who self publish?  3)Pastor John Gray & “wives raising husbands”  4)Spankings 5)B. Smith Collection Plate Causes: Speaking Down Barriers    Follow Speaking Down Barriers: FB IG Twitter Black Mama Say: “You can take that to the bank...” Follow us on all social media platforms @demblackmamas. LINKS Black Girl Mixtape FB  https://www.facebook.com/blackgirlmixtape/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlmixtape/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlkGirlMixtape Anita Yoshi Moreno of Iyami Doula Services FB: https://www.facebook.com/iyamidoulaservices Ways to Invest in Dem Black Mamas: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast Nikki & Nikki Career Lactation Consultants: FB: https://www.facebook.com/iyamidoulaservices IG: https://www.instagram.com/nikkiandnikkiibclc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiNikkiIBCLC All Heart Podcast FB: https://www.facebook.com/allheartpodcast/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/allheartpodcast/ www.demblackmamas.com Shop Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection.  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection. Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group.  

#DearMama Ask for what you want and what you need.  Believe you are worthy of help and you deserve to be free.  Believe your fave is watching your work and if you send her an email she’ll say “Of course I know your podcast and I’d love to be a guest” Yes Yes Mama! our fave Black Mama Feminist Jamilah Lemieux joins us in the Mac & Cheese segment! Be sure to tag us on social media when sharing the episode and use the hashtag #BlackMamaFeminist. Please amplify our collection plate cause and stick around for our Black Mama Say to find out what phrase Black Mamas use to end a conversation.  SHOW LINE UP Church Announcements/Prayer Requests: DBM merch; WOC Podcasters; Black Moms Connection; Thea talks about her Reiki Training and inspires Hall of Fame shade from NeKisha; NeKisha talks about an exclusive night at Disney and seeing #ForeverFLOTUS Michelle Obama live. Mac & Cheese: Black Mama Feminist Jamilah Lemieux Collection Plate Causes: Pregnancy In Prison Statistics (PIPS) Black Mama Say: “At the end of the day...” If you’re a first time listener, welcome to ride and be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening. If you’re a returning listener, please keep the ratings and reviews on iTunes and Facebook coming.  If you’re listening on SoundCloud your comments are welcomed and tap the heart if you liked the episode and if you really like it repost.  Follow us on all social media platforms @demblackmamas. If you’re feelin this episode we ask that you share, RT or repost but if you’re not big on sharing on social media, just share with one person who you feel can benefit from listening.  You can also DM or email us at demblackmamas@gmail.com with your thoughts, questions or to just show us some love.  We love hearing from you! Let’s get free yall! LINKS JAMILAH LEMIEUX Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamilahLemieux IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamilahlemieux/ CASHAWN THOMPSON Twitter: https://twitter.com/theblkgrlmagic IG: https://www.instagram.com/theblkgrlmagic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlkGrlMagic/ LATHAN THOMAS (Glow Maven/Doula) Twitter:https://twitter.com/GlowMaven IG: https://www.facebook.com/LathamThomasGlowMaven/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/LathamThomasGlowMaven/ TIFFANY De LEON (Reiki Master - Teacher)  IG: https://www.instagram.com/_holding.space_/ Invest in Dem Black Mamas: https://teespring.com/stores/demblackmamaspodcast Nikki & Nikki Career Lactation Consultants: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySgoTbyiCpREfGELEoeCKQ All Heart Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/all-heart-podcast/id1409705304?mt=2 SYLLABUS Eastern Body Western Mind  bell hooks: Ain’t I A Woman  Joan Morgan: When Chicken Heads Come Home to Roost: A Hip-Hop Feminist Breaks It Down  Michelle Wallace: Black Macho & the Myth of Superwoman  Why Black Mothers Are in a Life-or-Death Crisis   www.demblackmamas.com Shop Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection.  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection. Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group.  

Dear Mama, Thank you for rocking with us for 20 episodes.  My, my how we've grown together.  This podcast is like our journal.  In this episode we're gonna look back at all the moments that helped us grow.  We hope you laugh, cry, exhale, learn, and heal. Love, real, free, Black Mama Magic Love, from Dem Black Mamas, Crystal, NeKisha, & Thea SHOW OUTLINE Clip 1 & 2 - Episode 2: Michelle 4C LaVaughn Chocolate Robinson Clip 3 - Episode 3: OOOOHHHH Baby Clip 4 - This clip is an outtake we cut from an episode.   Clip 5 - Episode 2: Michelle 4C LaVaughn Chocolate Robinson Clip 6 - Episode 6: I Get It From My Mama Clip 7 - Episode 12: Black Love Clip 8: Episode 18: Deez Black Votes Clip 9: Episode 15: Black Mama Creative DBM DEALS For 25% off your first month of personalized Care/of Vitamins, Visit TakeCareOf.com and enter code MAMASCARE www.demblackmamas.com Shop Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Looking for some Black Mama Love, support and connection.  Join the Facebook group Black Moms Connection. Are you a Women of Color interested in starting a podcast?  For information and inspiration join the Women of Color Podcasters Facebook Group.   

#DearMama Sometimes the armor gets heavy.  Sometimes we gotta put down our sword and shield and cry and grieve and hold each other.   There is no outline for this episode because we scrapped it.  We felt heavy and decided to show up authentic. When we hit record, we had no idea where we were going and releasing this episode and laying bare all of our vulnerability is scary as the truth often is.  The truth is this is where the healing is. The truth is this is how we get out of the valley, how we get to the mountaintop, how we get to freedom.