Spelman College, a historically Black educational institution for women in Atlanta, Georgia, has recently launched a new course centered around maternal and child health with an emphasis on the unique experiences of Black women, children, and families.
The course, “Foundations of Maternal and Child Health: Prioritizing the Black Body,” was created by Dr. Shantesica Gilliam, assistant professor of environmental and health sciences. Last year, Dr. Gilliam and a group of students conducted a survey and hosted a community dialogue on campus to gauge interest in a course focused on Black maternal and child health. There was an overwhelming response from students of several different majors who wanted to learn more about healthcare disparities facing Black women, maternal and child health research, reproductive advocacy, and medical careers in obstetrics and gynecology.
Upon completion of the course, participating students will have gained foundational knowledge of doula practices, designed policy proposals in response to current maternal and child health policies, and developed community partnerships with local medical organizations.
“My goal is to build a maternal and child health spirit on campus, where in historical settings we, Black women, have been criminalized, silenced, neglected, and left out of these spaces,” said Dr. Gilliam. “Spelman is a safe haven and space for many young Black women, and it is important to show them that we care not only about their academic goals but also their reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and the choice to be – or not to be – a parent while they are here. And one of the first starts is through education.”
Dr. Gilliam has been a Spelman College faculty member since 2023. She is a three-time graduate of the University of Georgia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in health promotion and behavior, a master’s degree in public health, and a Ph.D. in health promotion and behavior.
