Today we’d like to introduce you to Sameerah Bilal-Roby.
Hi Sameerah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My work in advocating for children began in my early twenties beginning with foster care, in-home child care, directing a local childcare center, coordinating with community developing a religious school, and transitioning to Executive Director for a non-profit resource and referral agency. The process of learning how to build a community, gathering informative thoughts and suggestions, and practicing serve and return impact with community-driven ideas has been a journey. Today, I’m working as Director for the Wilder African American Babies Coalition and Projects (AABC) which began in 2005, with a strong team of women of color who are committed to working across many silos for the underrepresented communities throughout Minnesota.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never a smooth road when you’re looking to do innovative things and fighting against re-inventing the wheel, which most want to do because it’s fast and doesn’t take much energy. Sometimes it seems like some individuals are looking for a quick way to earn quick money. To be heard, going against the grain requires patience.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The work is designed to listen and then put action supporting family’s needs such as relief for resources, support and listening, referring to those we have experience with that react in a timely matter. We reach moms during prenatal care by instructing their potential doulas on interactive care with sensitivity from all mothers’ backgrounds. We practice broad innovative projects that our evidence based in early learning and care, such as prenatal care and postpartum services, and the wonders of especially reading to your baby in the womb which goes hand-in-hand with great brain development
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We’re proud of the R.A.W. Library located on the main floor, in the Wilder Maternal Community Corner. The families can have access to our books, clothing, 4 week postpartum meals initiative, home visiting, training and referrals to other Wilder programs. We’re very proud of our conference and seminars such as the Annual National Black Maternal Health Celebration, The Brown and Black Birthing Summit, Youth Healing Vessels conference, and training seminars that are year round.
What sets us apart from others?
To tell the truth, I believe that our capacity to collaborate with the Twin Cities community and join projects collectively is what will have a significant effect on families. Our small size hasn’t impeded us from proving that funding from donors and grantors can go a long way, and we’re dedicated to fulfilling all of our promises!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
While it completely closed everyone in their homes, their needs still remained. The doors of individuals like us need to find a way to continue operating.
COVID-19’s aftermath was shocking, causing both youth and parents to be traumatized. It served as a benchmark for the future. Our objective is to improve our readiness!
Pricing:
- All our our trainings, resurces and community events are free.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aabcprojects.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/africanamericanbabies
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wilder-african-american-babies-coalition-and-projects
