Child Welfare & Black Families – Syesha Mercado’s Story
Content Warning: We discuss child abuse allegations and briefly mention suicide (22:50-23:05) in this episode, listener discretion is advised.
In this episode we discuss how systems meant to protect children are traumatizing black families. We cover Syesha Mercado’s story, a black mother whose child was taken from her after trying to receive help with transitioning him from breastfeeding.
And we highlight the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, an organization working to address the Black maternal health inequalities by changing policy, cultivating research, shifting culture, and advancing care for Black mamas.
Visit the Black Mamas Matter website, https://blackmamasmatter.org/, to learn more about their advocacy efforts and to support their amazing work.
If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual please email us at [email protected].
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Resources:
Syesha Mercado regains custody of her son after seven-month battle by Jay Handelman
Bad medicine: Critics say powerful pediatrician too quick to diagnose child abuse, traumatizing families by Daphne Chen
https://stories.usatodaynetwork.com/torn-apart/sally-smith/site/heraldtribune.com/
THEY TOOK OUR BABY AGAIN Instagram Video by Syesha
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSb5gyOHA16/
Audio Clip:
American Idol’s Syesha Mercado Talks Regaining Custody of Newborn Daughter by BNC News
