Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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June 18, 2023
WHEREAS, Black women have been wearing their babies for centuries via wraps and slings made from fabrics; and,
WHEREAS, this tradition was brought to North America through captured Africans; and,
WHEREAS, despite its African roots, Black families often do not see themselves represented in advertisements or discussions of babywearing; and,
WHEREAS, in 2018, Black Babywearing Week was founded in the United States to acknowledge and celebrate Black people in the Babywearing community in conjunction with Juneteenth; and,
WHEREAS, there may be many benefits to Babywearing, including production of oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” infant social and cognitive development, ease of breastfeeding, attachment and bonding, promoting language development, reduced infant crying, and a decrease in deformational plagiocephaly, or “flat head syndrome;” and,
WHEREAS, Michigan is committed to highlighting the importance of Black families who Babywear, and spreading awareness and support for the Black Babywearing community who has been historically overlooked and excluded from the movement; and,
WHEREAS, Black Babywearing Week provides an opportunity to spotlight the importance of Black women’s contributions to history and the practice of Babywearing;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 18 – 24, 2023, as Black Babywearing Week in Michigan.