# EP 18: Amaya Langaigne: Grenadian Culture and Advocacy for Black Maternal Health

**Published by:** [We Them Media](https://paragraph.com/@wethemniggas/)
**Published on:** 2023-09-24
**URL:** https://paragraph.com/@wethemniggas/ep-18-amaya-langaigne-grenadian-culture-and-advocacy-for-black-maternal-health

## Content

This episode: nft://7777777/0x1e54e90d3055c2Ecb3867D58A3d3057F21742139/?showBuying=true&showMeta=true Amaya Langaigne is a Caribbean-American scholar and advocate for public health and maternal health equity. She has a unique background woven with her Grenadian roots and pursuit of equitable healthcare for black women. Born and raised in the neighborhood of Canarsie, Brooklyn, which is populated by Caribbean immigrants, Amaya’s rich Caribbean-American experience has been a guiding force, shaping her worldview and fueling her dedication to addressing the healthcare needs of many black women. Amaya’s engagement with public health began at Franklin & Marshall College, where she formed a connection with Dr. Cherise Hamblin, a black OBGYN and founder of Patients R Waiting , during her junior year. This relationship marked the beginning of her journey as a research intern on black maternal health. Through earnest discussions and collaborative work with Dr. Hamblin, Amaya played an integral role in grant writing for a doula program, managing its growth to serve almost 200 clients in three years. Her advocacy for maternal health extended to her role in the Birth Equity Project. In which she explored the historical impacts of slavery on maternal health, analyzed the evolution and suppression of midwifery, and scrutinized contemporary maternal health conditions. Emphasizing legislative issues such as the Momnibus Act, and delving into the ramifications of COVID-19 on maternal health. After graduation, Amaya went on to pursue a Masters in Public Health at Columbia’s School of Public Health, where she immersed herself in health policy and maternal health in order to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare paradigm. Her experiences in Lancaster encompassed various roles as a patient navigator, grant writer, and research intern, focusing on mental health initiatives and doula programs at Patients Are Waiting. Amaya’s work underlines the importance of mental health in achieving generational success within black communities. During her practicum, she served as a remote consultant for a midwifery school in South Sudan, where she gained unparalleled insights into the struggles and challenges faced by laboring women in contexts marked by political instability and resource scarcity. This international experience enriched her perspective, providing a comprehensive view of maternal care and experiences amid varying challenges. Amaya’s exploration into community-centric organizations in New York and her focus on nonprofits dedicated to women’s health stems from her aspiration to establish an organization integrating her learnings about government partnerships with non-profits, centered around the healthcare needs of black women. Drawing from her Grenadian heritage and Caribbean-American upbringing, she envisions fostering environments that are conduits for black joy, well-being, education, and generational upliftment. Her journey, enveloped in the diverse settings of F&M and Columbia University, unveiled the nuanced understanding of being a Caribbean-American woman. It introduced her to a myriad of black customs, traditions, and the richness of various African cultures, emphasizing the significance of exploring and embracing the differences within the diaspora to build unity and mutual respect. The confluence of her Grenadian roots and diverse experiences shapes her commitment to black maternal health and the healthcare needs of black communities, allowing her to offer unique, culturally enriched perspectives. Amaya accentuates the necessity of health literacy and empathetic communication in public health. She believes in fostering environments that empower individuals to advocate for themselves and their communities, pushing the boundaries of health equity. She strives to address the conditions and concerns of patients with utmost empathy and effectiveness, longing to build bridges between healthcare providers and communities. Amaya’s journey and commitment make her a source of inspiration for aspiring public health advocates. To connect with her, visit her LinkedIn or her professional development business, Support by Amaya, available on Instagram and Facebook. Check out the episode and more through our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/wethemmedia Her linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaya-langaigne/ Support by Amaya: https://www.instagram.com/supportbyamaya/?hl=enSubscribe

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