We released this episode, “Black birth, laboring for justice,” back in October 2023. At the time, we felt this episode was crucial to make because Black women had the highest maternal mortality rate in the United States. The CDC actually called it a crisis.

We checked back in with this crisis to see what’s changed in two years, and learned that maternal deaths have dropped — just not for Black women. So, we figured it’s time to press play on this. Again.

Homegoings is a production of Vermont Public. Follow the show here.

This episode was mixed, scored and reported by Myra Flynn with support from our associate producer James Stewart and editing by Brittany Patterson.

Myra Flynn composed the Homegoings theme music. “Mama Song” was also written by Myra Flynn with production from Tim Sonnefeld. Zoe McDonald and Elodie Reed are the graphic artists behind this Homegoings artist portrait.

The CDC is working to help stop this crisis and save Black mothers. If you are in need of more information or help, give them a call at 1-800-232-4636. You do not have to navigate this alone.

As always, you are welcome here. To continue to be part of the Homegoings family:

• Sign up for the Homegoings newsletter
• Write to us at: hey@homegoings.co
• Make a gift to continue elevating BIPOC storytelling
• Tell you friends, your family or a stranger about the show!
• And of course, subscribe!

Our sister podcast Stitch Please is a sewing podcast that centers around Black women, girls and femmes, weaving threads of creativity, technique and passion with every episode. And in this episode we’re dropping into our feed, “Patchwork to Power,” renowned quilter Chawne Kimber sits down with host Lisa Wolfot to talk about how she strives to maintain a balance between aesthetic beauty and activist messaging in her quilts.

Homegoings is a production of Vermont Public. Follow the series here.

This episode was created by Lisa Woolfork and Black Women Stitch with additional editing by Myra Flynn. Myra composed our theme music and all other music is from Blue Dot Sessions.

We have more shorties and conversation coming in the weeks ahead, so stay tuned!

To continue to be part of the Homegoings family:

• Sign up for the Homegoings newsletter
• Write to us at: hey@homegoings.co
• Follow us on Instagram @wearehomegoings
• Make a gift to continue elevating BIPOC storytelling
• Tell your friends, your family or a stranger about the show!
• And of course, subscribe!

Los Angeles native Shelley Bruce joins Myra Flynn as they discuss the devastating impact of the recent fires in L.A., particularly the Eaton fire that has destroyed so many homes and businesses, including many in the historically Black suburb of Los Angeles, Altadena. Together they discuss the systemic issues that have led to the fire’s disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.