08/25/2022 | City News
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, city Councilor Tracye Whitfield, Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, City Solicitor Talia Gee and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Judi Crowell joined with Shenell Ford, Heart2Heartbeat Lactation & Wellness, and the Breastfeeding Community Action Circle to recognize and support National Black Breastfeeding Week as part of National Breastfeeding Month in City Hall.
Mayor Sarno issued a proclamation declaring the week of August 25 – 31, 2022 as ‘National Black Breastfeeding Week’ in the city of Springfield. Councilor Whitfield presented a city council proclamation recognizing the month of August 2022 as ‘National Breastfeeding Month’.
Mayor Sarno states, “I commend Ms. Ford – ‘Shenell.’ This young lady has really worked hard to get the word out and increase awareness. She has helped to educate and support others on this very important nurturing and public health issue. Thanks to her continued leadership advocating for mothers and families, and thanks to the efforts from Attorney Talia Gee, city employees now have a dedicated parental leave lactation room right here in City Hall to privately and comfortably attend to their lactation needs.”
August is National Breastfeeding Month, with celebrations occurring throughout the month beginning with World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1st-7th), Native Breastfeeding Week (Aug.9th-15th), Spotlight on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (Aug. 16th-24th), and Black Breastfeeding Week (Aug.25th-31st).
Black Breastfeeding week was birthed from the vision of three innovators in the field of maternal child health, Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka, out of the need to raise awareness around the unique challenges and triumphs of being Black and breastfeeding.
This year marks the 10th celebration of Black Breastfeeding Week, and it continues to bring visibility to the experiences, joys, and beauty of Black breastfeeding. This year’s theme is “10 Years, a New Foundation.”