"I wish I dried up
I wish every drop of my milk slipped passed those pink lips and nourished the ground
Where the bones lay
Of my babies
Starved while I feed their murderer
I wish I dried up
So the missus babies would dry up too
And be brittle
So I could crumble them to dust
Return them to the ground
Where all children of my bosom lay equal"
- Hess Love

Text by Julian Lucas
August 17, 2020 12am PST

Because of disproportionate breast eating rates to over 40 years, Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25-31) was established. The information demonstrates that 75% of male females have ever breastfed versus 58.9% of female females, according to the Center of Disease Center. It was permitted to encourage and help African American parents for seven days.

Historically, black parents have only been able to raise their own children for less than 160 years in America. Throughout U.S. history, generational speaking black families have been separated and or ripped apart. Black mothers were forced to nourish and raise the babies of their en-slavers and could not care for their own, which happened quite often. After slavery ended, black mothers often at the cost of their own kids nursed white babies, which was historically common in U.S. history. The historical impacts of slavery, however, are not the only reason why Black Breastfeeding Week is essential. 

Currently, black mothers are facing greater maternal and infant mortality rates in the U.S. and there are "significant" variations between breastfeeding rates according to the Center of Disease Control. Born disproportionately ill and or born too early is the elevated infant mortality rate among black children. Children mostly need breast milk's immunities and dietary gain. When cultural and social issues concerning black women's bodies, continuous interpretation of breastfeeding in black communities, and very little representation in wet nursing assistance, that's why the presence of Black Breastfeeding Week is important.

We can also examine the diets of black women and the health conditions that breast milk has proven to be the most complete and nutritious food to reduce African American children's risks. Issues run rampant in the African American communities, which range from various infections such as type II diabetes among many others. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and childhood obesity. And breast milk is the best that nature provides for preventive medicines.  A contributing factor to health issues and usually found in many African American communities are food deserts, it's describe the desert as conditions in many urban areas where women can't get help for the finest breast milk for first-food purposes. 

Julian Lucas, is fine art photographer, photojournalist, and creative strategist. Julian also works as a housing specialist which, includes linking homeless veterans to housing. Julian has lived in Chicago, Inglewood, Portland, and the suburbs of Los Angeles County including Pomona.