How 'Ya Mama Doing

Lede New Orleans

Aug 9, 2023 • 3 min read

As the Spring 2023 Fellowship comes to a close, our newsletter team reflects on the power behind the stories shared at the "How 'Ya Mama Doing" exhibit hosted by Lede New Orleans last month.

Lede New Orleans fellows and staff at the “How ‘Ya Mama Doing” end-of-fellowship showcase, on July 22. (Photos by Chris Taylor)

By Jay Marcano and Mandy Ortiz

Lede New Orleans capped off their Spring 2023 cohort by hosting the “How ‘Ya Mama Doing” showcase at Fourth Wall, located in the Central Business District of New Orleans. This interactive exhibit, consisting of pieces curated by each fellow, explored stories about Black motherhood and maternal health in New Orleans. As we gathered in community at the event, we were given the chance to look back on all of the amazing work that our community reporting fellows have accomplished over the last four months.

Guests partake in exhibit activities created by fellows and staff. (Photos by Chris Taylor)

At times, the narratives around Black maternal health can be filled with fear, trauma, and injustice. However, throughout this cohort, the fellows have reported on stories that remind us that motherhood doesn't look one way; every mother has their own experience, and that is a beautiful thing. Motherhood shouldn't be wrapped in isolated fear. While reporting on this topic, we have come to see the power of community in navigating what it means to have a child. From pregnancy to fostering a relationship with doctors, caregivers, or doulas (you can access the Black Doula Directory here) to navigating the ins-and-outs of raising a child, we can all come together to support one another to ensure no person feels alone or unsafe in the birthing and raising of a child.

Fellows Alexis Simms and Cierra Clark at “How ‘Ya Mama Doing” end-of-fellowship showcase. (Photos by Chris Taylor)

The Belly Paiting station curated by fellow Jimmie Price. (Photos by Chris Taylor)

We will continue to share the stories captured by our fellows from this Spring, but as this fellowship is coming to a close, we are excited to soon welcome our Fall cohort. We are turning to folks from our communities to help us determine what topic Lede New Orleans should cover next! If you are interested in having a say in what we will be reporting on this Fall, please fill out this survey here. Oh, did we mention there is a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card for filling it out? We are grateful to everyone who has helped us bring another showcase to life, and we are thrilled to see where our reporting will take us all.

Guests digitally map out the energy of their mother's aura, curated by fellow Yacob Arroyo. (Photos by Chris Taylor)

Guests all raise a toast of close-out the “How ‘Ya Mama Doing” end-of-fellowship showcase. (Photos by Chris Taylor)

This article is available to republish under a Creative Commons license. Read Lede New Orleans’ publishing guidelines here.

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