Birth Equity & Justice Massachusetts believes that stories have the power to transform systems, preserve history, and inspire action. Midwifery + The Black Birthing Family is a powerful example of storytelling as advocacy—centering the voices, experiences, and wisdom of Black birthing families, midwives, and perinatal professionals while honoring the rich legacy of Black birth work. The project is part of The Diahann Project, a living archive created to document and preserve the stories of Black communities through photography, film, and narrative. It also includes a four-part documentary series and a companion anthology that elevates the lived experiences of Black birthing families and birth workers across Massachusetts.

BEJMA is proud to recognize Stefanie D. Belnavis, BC-DMT, LMHC, founder of The Diahann Project, for her visionary leadership in bringing this work to life. As a licensed mental health clinician, movement therapist, photographer, and storyteller, Belnavis has created a space where history, healing, art, and advocacy intersect. Through Midwifery + The Black Birthing Family, she has ensured that the stories of Black families and birth workers are not only documented but honored as an essential part of our collective history and our vision for the future.

BEJMA is especially honored that Interim Co-Chairs Dr. Jo-Anna Rorie, CNM, and Tiffany Vassell, MS, RN, are featured in the documentary. Together, they represent two complementary perspectives in the maternal health movement. As a certified nurse-midwife, Dr. Rorie has dedicated her career to expanding access to midwifery care, promoting physiologic birth, birth center access, and advancing respectful, person-centered maternity care. As a registered nurse and public health leader, Tiffany Vassell has focused on improving maternal and infant health through clinical practice, public health leadership, policy advocacy, birth center expansion, perinatal mental health initiatives, and community partnerships.

Their participation reflects BEJMA's mission to bring together diverse voices committed to advancing birth equity. The documentary highlights the importance of expanding access to midwifery care, birth centers, culturally responsive care, and community-based solutions while elevating the lived experiences of Black families. These are the same priorities that continue to guide BEJMA's work across Massachusetts.

Midwifery + The Black Birthing Family is more than a documentary. It is a testament to the power of preserving stories, honoring the legacy of Black birth workers, and imagining a future where every Black family has access to safe, respectful, and equitable care. It reminds us that birth equity is achieved not only through policy and practice, but also by ensuring that the voices of Black communities are seen, heard, and remembered.

BEJMA extends its heartfelt appreciation to Stefanie D. Belnavis and everyone who contributed to this remarkable project. Their work has created a lasting archive that will educate, inspire, and empower future generations while strengthening the movement for Black maternal health and reproductive justice.