During Black History Month, Region III recognizes the extraordinary contributions of eight women from their region.
Calling Rosa Parks from Alabama: Parks stood up for civil rights by staying seated in an environment that dictated that she, as a black woman, must surrender her seat to a white man. In Montgomery, Alabama, Parks’ actions birthed the Montgomery Bus Boycott and stimulated nationwide efforts to abolish racial disparities in public services.
Calling Mary McLeod Bethune who was born in South Carolina and who founded a school in Florida: Bethune championed the goal of improving the marked disparity in education by establishing a school in Daytona Beach, Florida, for African American students.
Calling Mary Francis Hill Coley from Georgia: Coley was one of the Grand Midwives highlighted at the 2018 ACNM Annual Meeting. Coley was a midwife who personified “with woman.” She walked miles from house to house to decrease the disparity of care among a vulnerable population.
Calling Oretha Castle Haley who was born in Tennessee and moved to Louisiana: Haley was a civil rights activist and became the leader of the Congress of Racial Equality in New Orleans. Haley promoted better healthcare for the black population.
Calling Fannie Lou Hamer from Mississippi: Hamer faced the prejudices and the withheld opportunities placed on blacks in Mississippi. She repeatedly took the test to vote but was falsely told that she failed. She persisted in an attempt to obtain the right to vote for blacks and was actively involved in registering blacks to vote. Due to her actions, she was unjustly placed in jail and beaten to the point of suffering disabilities.
Calling Maya Angelou who lived in North Carolina for more than 30 years: Angelou was a civil rights activist, poet, singer, dancer, composer, and best-selling author. One of her best sellers was I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. As a civil rights activist she fought an ongoing struggle for social and racial fairness.
Calling Charlotta Spears Bass from South Carolina: Bass was the first black woman to run as a candidate for Vice President of the United States. As a publisher, Bass used her position to press for social changes and to advocate for civil rights.
Region III is also calling out a name of today. Calling Patricia Loftman, CNM, LM, MS, FACNM: Loftman is the chair of the ACNM Midwives of Color Committee and an ACNM Board Member. Loftman personifies activism in this struggle for diversity and inclusion and the tiring fight against racial disparity. Region III says “Thank you!” to Loftman and all who have worked before us.
Keep calling.
Region III Representative