Nourishing Freedom: The Connection Between Juneteenth and Black Breastfeeding Advocacy

As we honor Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved Africans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, it’s important to reflect not only on what was delayed, but what continues to be denied. Freedom was not delivered in full that day, and generations later, many Black families are still fighting for access, respect, and equity in the systems meant to serve us.

At AABCO, we believe that Black breastfeeding is liberation work. It is a reclaiming, a healing, and a resistance. And this work, in every way, connects to the spirit and legacy of Juneteenth.

Delayed Liberation, Delayed Nourishment

Juneteenth reminds us that even when justice is declared, it’s not always delivered. Likewise, in maternal and infant health, Black families often face delayed or denied access to care, support, and culturally grounded resources, especially when it comes to breastfeeding.

For far too long, systemic racism and trauma have separated Black families from the traditions and tools of nourishment. AABCO exists to close that gap. To ensure no family waits for access to what should be a birthright: support, guidance, and dignity in feeding their babies.

Breastfeeding as Resistance

In the aftermath of slavery, Black women were often discouraged, or even shamed, for breastfeeding, a practice that had been both exploited and then culturally erased. But our ancestral wisdom was never lost. It lives on in every mother who chooses to reclaim her body as a sacred site of nourishment.

When a Black parent breastfeeds in a system that tried to convince us we couldn’t, or shouldn’t, that is resistance. That is freedom work. That is Juneteenth in practice.

Visibility is Liberation

AABCO not only supports families, we also uplift the voices of Black lactation professionals, birth workers, and educators. We know that representation matters. When Black parents see themselves in the providers who serve them, trust deepens. Confidence grows. Outcomes improve.

Juneteenth is a call to remember and reclaim our stories. At AABCO, we carry that same charge, ensuring the legacy of Black nourishment is not only preserved but powerfully centered.

Feeding the Future

Liberation is not just about breaking chains. It’s about building systems rooted in justice, joy, and community. Supporting Black breastfeeding is about feeding more than babies, it’s about feeding a future where Black families are seen, valued, and thriving.

This Juneteenth, we invite you to reflect on how freedom lives in the everyday acts of care. Whether you’re a parent, provider, or ally, ask yourself:

How can I nourish liberation, in my home, in my work, and in my community?

Together, we are not just remembering Juneteenth. We are living it. And every drop of milk, every act of care, every voice uplifted through AABCO, brings us closer to the freedom our ancestors dreamed of.