Advocating for Black Mothers Through Storytelling and Leadership
Ambreia Meadows-Fernandez is on a mission to change the narrative around Black motherhood. As the founder of Free Black Motherhood, she uses her voice to uplift and empower Black mothers while advocating for systemic change. Her work spans public speaking, writing, and community leadership, making her a key figure in the fight for Black maternal liberation.
Through essays, workshops, and speaking engagements, Meadows-Fernandez sheds light on the struggles Black mothers face, particularly in the healthcare system. Her advocacy is deeply personal, rooted in her own traumatic birth experience. By reframing the way Black motherhood is discussed, she hopes to break generational cycles of trauma and create a future where Black families thrive.
A Traumatic Birth Experience Sparked a Movement
Meadows-Fernandez’s journey into advocacy began with her own difficult birth experience. As a first-time mother, she faced numerous challenges accessing quality healthcare and had to advocate for herself and her child at every step.
“The entire experience was incredibly traumatic, and I would not wish it on anyone,” she said. “My traumatic birth experience is reflective of the denial of pain, invalidation, and invisibility that is cast on mothers every day.”
This experience opened her eyes to the larger systemic issues affecting Black maternal health. She realized that Black mothers were often expected to endure pain and struggle as part of their experience. Determined to shift this narrative, she began researching and writing about Black maternal health, leading to the creation of Free Black Motherhood.
Free Black Motherhood: A Vision for Liberation
Meadows-Fernandez founded Free Black Motherhood to provide a space where Black mothers could reclaim their stories and see their experiences framed through a lens of strength rather than struggle. Her platform encourages Black parents to nurture themselves and break free from outdated narratives that tie Black motherhood to hardship.
As she pursued a master’s degree in American Studies, Meadows-Fernandez’s research led her to the historical doctrine of partus sequitur ventrem, a law from the 1600s that determined a child’s status followed that of the mother. This principle was used to justify the enslavement of Black children and, in many ways, its echoes still shape how Black motherhood is viewed today.
“But it occurred to me that if these narratives could follow us to enslavement—whether literal or systemic—then they could also follow us to freedom,” she said. “I had to be intentional about how I framed my mothering experience, how I connected with my children, and how I connected with myself.”
Public Speaking and Writing as Tools for Change
Meadows-Fernandez is not only an advocate but also a powerful public speaker and writer. Her essays and articles have been featured in leading publications, covering topics such as reproductive justice, healthcare disparities, and Black maternal wellness. Her storytelling sheds light on the lived experiences of Black mothers, inspiring change at both personal and policy levels.
Beyond writing, she facilitates workshops and speaks at events, helping Black mothers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers understand the importance of maternal equity. Her work has won multiple awards, solidifying her place as a leading voice in maternal health advocacy.
Redefining Motherhood for Future Generations
Meadows-Fernandez believes that breaking generational cycles of trauma starts with self-care and intentional parenting. She encourages Black mothers to invest in their well-being, understanding that their children learn self-worth by watching them practice it.
“I don’t want my children to think childhood is the only time they deserve love and care,” she said. “I want them to feel valued across their lifespan. And for that to happen, they need to see me offering myself that same love and compassion.”
Through Free Black Motherhood, Meadows-Fernandez is paving the way for a new generation of empowered Black parents. Her message is clear: Black motherhood is not defined by struggle—it is a journey of strength, love, and freedom.
