We recently connected with Marpessa Allen and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Marpessa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Recently I was rummaging through old college photos and found pictures of my “student activist” days. There were pictures of walk-outs, me holding signs, speaking engagements, and candid shots with community youth. I wore myself out! Looking back it was a launching pad that organically informed my advocacy journey.
As an undergraduate, I felt invincible. I felt that if I stand by my community I would be immune to severe hardships and pushback. I have no idea where I picked up that logic. Once I became an adult and eventually a mother; I was blindsided by the enormous challenges I faced. Sometimes I felt cornered from all sides especially when it came to healthcare. I am an avid believer in routine visits to the Doctor’s office from your teeth to your toes.
The hardest and most confusing appointments, however, were my prenatal appointments which eventually set the stage for my labor experiences. Fast forward after having varied results with each one of my first 3 children, it was clear that my race played a factor in the quality of my care. As much as I love Colorado, as a native, I wasn’t surprised by the alarming rate that Black women or their babies were dying in labor 4xs more than white mothers. This means that the labor room is equivalent to the violence against Black men at the hands of police enforcement.
What jabs the knife further for Black women is the acceptance of not listening to them. This is universal in business, religious institutions, education, and potentially in their interpersonal relationships. As time went on thinking of the impact if I did not do something; I decided to become a Doula. Doulas are disruptors. I often explain, in general, that we are labor support. As a Black Doula, we know that the experience is worlds different for birthing parents of color. I’ve learned to be a gentle warrior willing to be a shock absorber for my family. Doulas are for the family. A new addition is a blessing to their entire familial ecosystem. With that being said it is my conviction to do my best to educate, empower, and ultimately hold space in an environment that is apathetic to the needs of Black families.
Yes, it is a hard truth and I have no problem expressing the urgency to stakeholders on a local and federal level. What gives me courage is that I don’t walk alone. I belong to Sacred Seeds Doula Collective, the only Black birth workers collective in the state. It is here that my fellow Doula sisters find refuge and support from one another. This work is emotionally exhausting, but what continues to fuel our fire is the impact. We are saving lives! We support black women (birthers) no matter their maternal health decisions. I emphasize NO MATTER WHAT we hold no judgments and know what it’s like to feel invisible. That is why we keep going.
Over time there are starting to be fierce awakenings post-COVID that racism in public health is to our country’s detriment. There are two choices; continue to ignore, or press in. As a result of Colorado Access’s conviction to press in, they initiated an innovation pool of healthcare and community members to DO something. I am all about progressive collaboration.
For months we virtually identified the needs and triggers that required solutions and healing. One of the outcomes is the “Pay Black Birth Professionals” pilot. As a result and a HUGE win, funding was gained to serve 40 Black birthing families. Typically community organizations of influence can unintentionally operate in a silo. The buy-in gained huge support because once trust was earned by the community thoughtful solutions emerged. I loved the entire process and will always remember the sacredness of the mastermind. Shout out to my “student activist” naive self! Everything that led me to this point was this moment in Black Maternal Health in my home state of Colorado.
**I dedicate this to my late spitfire, warrior grandmothers who each had 4 children of their own; Ida Mae Andrews & Betty Ann Wilkins. Love you always. Rest in Power
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My focus has recently shifted to community organizing and direct services focusing on Black birthing families. I have been a labor Doula for 3 years and it has been an evolving experience. Post-COVID virtual prenatal appointments became commonplace, but so did other opportunities to expand my reach.
I have always identified professionally as a Community and Family Advocacy consultant. This has afforded me various opportunities to serve on committees and contracted for thought leadership/ speaking engagements. It is very important to me to reach back and mentor new Doulas.
Almost 2 years ago, I founded Mahogany Mothers Circle which is a bi-weekly virtual safe space. It has been such a rewarding experience because it’s a moment in time where Black mothers can be social safely and expand their “mommy network.” We have also had some amazing guests that have imparted wisdom on a myriad of topics
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
To keep my cup full to pour into others; I also have been a part of Celebrate Recovery for almost 5 years. CR is a faith-centered recovery group that has helped me immensely with past traumas and mental health challenges. In the past, I had a hard time healthily managing life’s peaks and valleys.
COVID took me over the edge last year. I had my worst relapse. Thankfully because I am surrounded by a support system that loves me, a safe space, and most importantly God’s love; I was able to recover far greater than I ever could have imagined. As a result, I will be receiving my 1-year chip/milestone in April. I’m free of Marijuana addiction. I facilitated a Life’s Healing Choices class for other women who were seeking healing from a myriad of challenges. I am moving into the Prison ministry with Celebrate Recovery. My hope is to couple my birth work and recovery support.
The truth remains, and I know it to be true; that no matter what you go through it’s to help someone else. Be available and ready; you never know where God will lead you. The lesson that I had to unlearn is that if you are aligned with your purpose, you will not fit in with others. Many times I felt like I was an outlier. I am indeed a fringe dweller and highly eclectic. What I have found contrary to my initial beliefs is that the more I submit to the plans and purposes God has for my life; the right people show up with and for me.
The backstory is from experience. As chapters started and ended there have been transitions in relationships, environments, and in my way of thinking. It never fails that if I trust the process I will always belong where I am supposed to be in that season. I think that the changes in our life’s seasons are a necessary right of passage to growing in your journey.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The truth remains, and I know it to be true; that no matter what you go through it’s to help someone else. Be available and ready; you never know where God will lead you. The lesson that I had to unlearn is that if you are aligned with your purpose, you will not fit in with others. Many times I felt like I was an outlier. I am indeed a fringe dweller and highly eclectic. What I have found contrary to my initial beliefs is that the more I submit to the plans and purposes God has for my life; the right people show up with and for me.
The backstory is from experience. As chapters started and ended there have been transitions in relationships, environments, and in my way of thinking. It never fails that if I trust the process I will always belong where I am supposed to be in that season. I think that the changes in our life’s seasons are a necessary right of passage to growing in your journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soul2soulsisters.org/sacred-seeds-black-doula-collective/
- Instagram: @mahoganymotherscircle & @crushinonem
- Facebook: Yisera’el Dawn
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/marpessaallencddona
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
ZSA’NEE Photography McBoat Photography Miss Money Shot Photography