06/15/2020
Beautiful. Sometimes “because I said so” is all the reason we need.
Words from one of our co-founders, Shaylene Costa of Carrier Connections RI:
Black Babywearing Week 2020
“Because I said so!”
On May 29th, three years ago during a car ride from Boston, a dear friend of mine asked me “What are we planning for Black Babywearing Week?” To which I laughed, because that week did not exist and I know she meant to ask about Black Breastfeeding Week. I know this conversation happened on May 29th -thanks to Facebook memories. My memories also reminded me Black Babywearing Week launched on June 10th, three years ago, mere weeks after that fated conversation.
“Why do we need a Black Babywearing Week, we all wear babies!”
“Why is this week only for Black babywearers?”
“Why can’t everyone attend the events?”
“Why are only Black owned businesses posted on the website?”
Because I said so. Because I’m Black and my children are Black. Because as a Black babywearer, I was thrust into a mothering subculture that was unwelcoming to me online. Because I could not find a Black babywearing educator in my state. Because Africans are traditionally babywearers so backing a baby is in my roots. Because I like to celebrate with my friends in a safe space in person and online. Because we can raise awareness and get donated carriers to families that might not otherwise afford them. Because babywearing is still seen as something to avoid in my community lest you “look too African”. Because I wore my baby until preschool. Because I am a babywearing educator in my community now. Because when I started wearing my baby I couldn’t find a video tutorial of a Black educator. Because Black babywearing educators before me paved the way. Because I am the direct benefit of the work they did. Because now I am a Black educator with video tutorials. Because I said I wanted everyone to wear their babies. Because I am rooting for everybody Black.
