2nd Annual

Portland, Oregon - October 17-29, 2003

The second annual Black Midwives & Healers Conference took place from October 17-19, 2003 at Portland State University. Thanks to all who participated!

Learn more about Sistah Care, ICTC's retention program for high school students

ICTC completed a survey about mental health at the 2003 Conference. Download the results

Group Photo at 2003 Conference

2003 conference attendees said:

"Just want to let everyone know I had a wonderful time in Portland, OR, at the Black Midwives and Healers Conference. There was a lot of love and learning throughout the entire conference and I feel truly blessed to been able to attend. It was so strange because over a year ago I would have never imagined being on the other side of the country and for such an event."

"Thank you so very much for the opportunity I had to attend parts of the Conference. You should be very proud of what you accomplished. I felt so uplifted and inspired to be in a gathering of so many righteous sisters who have it going on! Look forward to staying in touch." "I'm so glad that I found a group of Sisters who are so POWERFUL! I had a wonderful time."

"It was my pleasure to assist with the conference. The knowledge and energy is priceless!  I would be happy to have you count me among your volunteer pool for the 2004 conference. You are an awesome networker, organizer, energizer, visionary, and spirit! I am so blessed to know you. Sankofa!"

"Shafia, it was a marvelous experience, I felt so valued and I know what we were doing was truly  crucial to the future of women and children. Building community is so important to balance all the negative hype in the world, how could anyone not have great hope in the future when you see such tremendous people working together. And you set the tone with your generous and fun filled spirit."

"Hello Sistahmidwives: Just a little note to say thank you for such a great time at the conference, and to meet some beautiful sistahs. I want to stay in contact with all of you hope everyone had a safe trip back home. Look forward to hearing from all of you soon."

"Hi! Sister, this is the Drummer. I like what you are doing, It's a good thing to remind some and teach others about their roots, in the village where I was born, every one I knew entered the world through the hands of an Elder. Keep up the good work. Peace."

ICTC would like to thank the PSU Women's Studies Department, our conference co-sponsor. Learn more about the Department.

 

Contact ICTC

International Center for Traditional Childbearing
2823 N. Portland Blvd.
Portland, Oregon 97217
Phone: 503-460-9324
Email ICTC: ictc@comcast.net
Email Shafia Monroe: sistahmidwife@msn.com

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Images of Conference '03

Nonkululeko Tyehemba (on right) receives ICTC's Unsung Hero Award for her many years of work as a midwife.

Rhonda L. Haynes (above, center) presented her film "Bringin' in Da Spirit" at this year's conference. She received ICTC's Outstanding Leadership Award for her work documenting the history and contributions of African American midwives. To contact Rhonda, send a message to lou.productions@verizon.net

ICTC would like to give special thanks to our major sponsors for the 2003 Black Midwives & Healers conference:

Black United Fund of Oregon
Adeza Biomedical
Eli Lilly and Company