"Birthing A Community": A Tribute To African American Midwives

On Sunday, March 15, 2009 I witnessed a community pay tribute to a woman, among many, who birthed a community. Her name is Mrs. Rebecca Green Jackson and she was awarded the 2009 Agnes C. Sherman African American Women in History Award last night. Mrs. Jackson (and this is straight from the program) belongs to the last generation of midwives who lived on St. Helenas Island, South Carolina.

Her career as a midwife began in 1962 when she entered the profession to help provide for her young, growing family. Mrs. Jackson attended training classes in midwifery at Penn Center, following which she continued her training at the County Health Department on a monthly basis. She worked under the supervision of a licensed midwife in the community where she made home visits and delivered five babies until her retirement in 1971.

While at the exhibit, I was in the women's restroom (of all places) when I heard someone saying "Thank you, Jesus; Praise God". When I saw who it was I realized it was the guest of honor, Mrs. Jackson. I was fortunate enough to speak with Mrs. Jackson and while talking to her I could tell that she felt very blessed on this evening. Mrs. Jackson and other midwives on St. Helenas Island felt that being "midders" was their calling from God. I can't say for sure that they even viewed it as a profession, even though it was. But, I can say with great certainty that they were as concerned with their patients spiritual health as they were their physical health. Midwifery was, and still is, much more than monetary means or a profession. It's providing good, wholesome, personalized care for a mother and her baby, for a family, for a community. When I think of my career as a midwife I think of giving back whether it's emotional support to the mom to keep her spirits while she endures this pregnancy, reassuring words to the family, or offering childbirth classes to young moms who may not be able to afford those classes otherwise.

Me and Mrs. Rebecca G. Jackson

The award-winning exhibit, "Birthing A Community", was loaned to York W. Bailey Museum for this momentous occasion. It was originally curated by Michaela Brown for Fairfield County Museum.

Birthing A Community is an exhibition on the history of midwifery in Fairfield County from slavery to modern trends in prenatal care. The exhibition offers a brief tribute to more than thirty midwives, including Verola Mapel, the last generation of midwives still living in Fairfield County today. The SC Federation of Museum presented the Award of Achievement to Fairfield County Museum for the quality of the exhibition.

I started this journey thinking of myself and now I realize that it wasn't all about me. God had other plans. He always does. :) Being on St. Helena's Island, I realized the rich history of midwifery from my ancestors. I even found out through speaking with my grandmother that her grandmother (my great-great grandmother) delivered her. Hearing that and learning about African-American women giving of their time and themselves to care for and nurture babies, black and white, further convinces me that this is the profession for me.

Curator Michaela Brown and Myself

I'd like to say a huge thank you to the York W. Bailey Museum for this awesome and inspiring event. Thanks to curator Michaela Brown for such a beautiful and educational exhibit and Fairfield County Museum for being so gracious in their lending. TBBC would also like to thank midwives everywhere for their continuous service to their communities. It's been a great weekend!