CLEVELAND — A public open house at the Cleveland Clinic Langston Hughes Community Health & Education Center this Saturday is set to kick off All Our Babies: Birthing in the Afrofuture, “a groundbreaking series celebrating Black maternal health, cultural storytelling, and holistic healing.”
According to a post on the All Our Babies website, the event is free and includes interactive workshops, a meet and greet with birth workers (including doulas, midwives and more), local artists, music, food and live performances.
It will go from noon to 5 p.m.
“All Our Babies: Birthing in the AfroFuture is about reimagining what’s possible for Black maternal health. We’re blending art, cultural storytelling, and healing practices rooted in Afrofuturism and reproductive justice to create something truly transformative,” said Jameelah Rahman, lead artist with All Our Babies Cleveland, in a press release. “With each event, we’re not just bringing people together, we’re building a future where Black birthing people and families feel seen, safe, and supported.”
This open house is just the start of a months-long public arts series called “Yesterday, We Dreamed of Tomorrow.”
All Our Babies was just one of the seven projects awarded funding by the Transformative Arts Fund Committee last July. It was awarded $482,125.
According to the release, All Our Babies is also taking applications for artists “to participate in a project aimed at bringing visibility and creative expression to the narratives surrounding Black womanhood, motherhood, and wellness through the lens of Afrofuturism.”
They are also looking for Black mothers for their Afrofuturistic Mama Lookbook this summer.
“The Lookbook will celebrate the strength, beauty, and vision of Black motherhood,” the release reads. “The project team wants to showcase how Black mothers are shaping the future through their stories, style, and grace. Those who love expressing themselves through fashion, culture, and imagination are encouraged to apply.”
Other events as part of the series will take place at the Langston Hughes Community Health & Education Center on April 26, May 24, June 28, and July 26.
“The series will culminate in September with a block party and the unveiling of a permanent wellness space to support ongoing community health initiatives,” the release reads.
While all the events are free, they encourage those considering attendance RSVP.