Through Their Eyes: A Love Letter to Rural Communities w/ Jazzmine Brooks
A life cycle facilitator's viewpoint is informed by the families we serve, the care teams we interact with, and the larger dynamics of our sociopolitical climate. Deeply Rooted is a platform for life cycle facilitators at the beginning and end of life from around the world to share experiences,"Through Their Eyes". This time we’re going to Central Iowa.
Jazzmine ‘Rural Black Doula” Brooks is a scholar, certified full spectrum doula, and RYT 200 Hatha Yoga of the Himalayan Tradition and SomaYoga Therapy Instructor in Central Iowa.
Jazzmine believes in empowering Black, Indigenous, and folks of color through community, support, and resource sharing. Powered by the desire to address Black women and infant maternal health, she encourages space for people to control their narratives and share their own stories. Jazzmine is the founder and Executive Director of Jai Olive Wellness. Jai Olive Wellness, a 501(c)3, provides a cooperative space to mobilize communities and coalition-build to improve health outcomes and center the culture and needs of diverse families in rural communities through education, services, and partnership.
She also organizes a national summer book club (Lotus Sisters), Kindred, a movement, restorative healing, and connection space, and is the host of the Rural Black Doula Chronicles and the Being Olivia podcast. Jazzmine is currently a liaison for a doula project that supports Black families and co-creating a doula project to serve immigrant and refugee families.
Jazzmine is currently a Ph.D. student in Human Development and Family Studies at Iowa State University. Her research focus is on the reclamation of traditional medicine and Black midwifery. They spend quality time with their partner, Jordan, 4-year-old Blue Heeler, Bleu, plants, and being a soft Black woman in these streets.
Looking for resources in the Central Iowa area for pregnant families? Check out these recommendations from The Rural Black Doula:
Supply Hive is a mutual aid organization working to uplift communities in need. Visit their website or find them on Facebook.
EveryStep's Healthy Start and Empowerment Family Support Projects offer free and confidential services to families in Polk County who are pregnant or have a young child.
Follow @RuralBlackDoula on all platforms or connect more with Jazzmine through their website.
