Amplifying the Voices of Black Midwives
Advocacy, Education, and Equity in Maternal Health.
Delivering impactful talks that inspire action, spark change, and create a path toward equitable care for all.
About the Speaker
Star August Ali
Known affectionately as “Sister Star,” Star August Ali is a midwife, mother of four, and passionate advocate with over 15 years of experience in birth work and maternal health equity. As the Executive Director of the Black Midwifery Collective and Holistic Birth Collective, Star is a transformative leader dedicated to improving outcomes for Black birthing families through culturally congruent care, legislative advocacy, and the advancement of Black midwifery traditions. A descendant of a Grand Midwife from the 1940s, she became the first Black Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) in Illinois eligible for licensure and the first Black President of the Illinois Council of Certified Professional Midwives. Star’s groundbreaking work, from passing critical maternal health legislation to establishing Illinois’ first MEAC-accredited midwifery education program, continues to pave the way for equitable and community-based care for Black families.
Topics we Could Explore
- The Legacy of Black Midwifery
- Exploring the history, resilience, and impact of Black midwives in shaping maternal health care.
- Addressing Maternal Mortality Disparities
- Insights and solutions to combat the alarming rates of maternal and infant mortality in Black communities.
- Culturally Congruent Care in Action
- Making Midwifery Education Accessible
- Strategies for creating inclusive, respectful, and effective healthcare systems.
- Legislative Advocacy for Midwifery Equity
- How policies and grassroots efforts can create systemic change.
- Healing Communities Through Black Midwifery
- The transformative power of midwifery in strengthening families and communities.
- Talks with CPM students
Star’s combines lived experience, professional expertise, and a deep understanding of systemic inequities to deliver talks that resonate with diverse audiences and inspire action. Her goal is to educate, empower, and create change that uplifts Black families and midwives alike
