On April 9, 2024 Breastfeed Durham met with the Durham Art’s Council and Durham Parts and Rec. We were given authorization to order 40 Breastfeeding Welcome here signs for Durham Parks! For those interested in supporting this impactful initiative and owning a piece of its inspiring message, art from the “Breastfeeding Welcome Signs” project can be purchased at the Breastfeeding Communities Shop. Thanks to the generosity of Durham Parks and Rec and Durham County Commissioners, we still have additional funds available for more art installations. Please send us your ideas.
This is a groundbreaking initiative—one that promises to reshape the landscape of public spaces with a vibrant declaration of support for breastfeeding families. Spearheaded by Breastfeed Durham in partnership with the Black Breastfeeding Coalition, the “Breastfeeding Welcome Signs” project is a testament to the community’s commitment to nurturing inclusivity, diversity, and the well-being of its youngest citizens.This offers a unique opportunity to bring a part of Durham’s commitment to inclusivity and support for breastfeeding families into your home or office.
Artist Spotlight: L Jámal Walton
At the center of this initiative is the dynamic talent of L Jámal Walton, a Durham-based artist whose work is as diverse as the community he represents. Walton, a father and vocal advocate for reproductive justice and inclusion, brings his unique narrative storytelling to the project, merging the expressive language of comics with the profound theme of breastfeeding. Through bold colors and dynamic designs, Walton’s art celebrates the unity and diversity of family life, making a compelling statement about the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers in public spaces.
Walton’s journey as an artist spans various mediums, from comics to pop art, showcasing his versatility and commitment to exploring themes that resonate deeply within the community. His solo exhibits across the Research Triangle Park have highlighted his ability to engage audiences with his thoughtful interpretations of everyday life, making him the perfect choice for a project aimed at challenging conventional gender roles and promoting a more inclusive understanding of parenthood.
Project Background and Vision
As part of our commitment to implementing step 2 of 10 of the Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities initiative. This initiative, funded by Durham County Commissioners, aims to install 40 “Breastfeeding Welcome” signs across parks in Durham, with a particular focus on areas like East Durham and Durham zip codes with higher infant mortality rates. Step 2 is is about creating a community that openly welcomes and supports the needs of lactating families, seamlessly integrating this natural practice into the fabric of our daily lives. It is about acknowledges the importance of making chest/breastfeeding families feel at home, wherever they are, by ensuring they are met with open arms and understanding.
At the core of this initiative is the understanding that the health and well-being of infants and parents alike are paramount. Recognizing the critical need for infants to be fed on demand—be it day or night—this step supports the uninterrupted continuation of chest/breastfeeding as dictated by the rhythms and cues of the child. This approach is about supporting the physical health of our youngest citizens and also about respecting the choices of parents, ensuring they feel comfortable and welcome to nurse their infants in public spaces, away from the impracticality and discomfort of secluded areas not meant for eating.
To visibly manifest this welcoming spirit, the initiative encourages the placement of chest/breastfeeding “Welcome” signs in key community locations such as city parks, swimming pools, and community centers. These signs are a simple yet profound statement of support, signaling to families that their right to feed their children in a manner that supports their well-being is recognized and respected here. It serves as a reminder that our community is a place where the rights and needs of chest/breastfeeding families are upheld and celebrated.
This step also underscores the importance of aligning with state and federal laws that protect the rights of chest/breastfeeding individuals, ensuring that these practices are not only accepted but are also legally supported within the community. It’s about building a foundation where the natural act of feeding one’s child is viewed as a given right, rather than an exception.
By embracing these measures, we lay the groundwork for a community that truly understands and supports the chest/breastfeeding journey, making every effort to ensure that families feel welcomed and valued. It’s a testament to our collective commitment to fostering an environment that nurtures the health and happiness of all its members, starting from the very beginning of life.
The collaboration between Breastfeed Durham, the Black Breastfeeding Coalition, and Walton is more than just an artistic endeavor; it’s a movement towards reducing infant and maternal mortality rates by promoting breastfeeding as a foundational aspect of early childhood health. By making breastfeeding in public spaces a visible and supported act, the project seeks to address issues of safety, inclusivity, and health equity head-on.
Community Engagement and Impact
The inclusion of Walton’s custom artworks in the project, which feature symbolic elements like the Durham bull and landmarks such as Duke Chapel, is a nod to the city’s rich heritage and vibrant community life. These designs, available on the Breastfeed Durham shop, invite residents and visitors alike to appreciate the universal journey of parenthood and the importance of creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding families.
Breastfeed Durham’s coalition, comprising over 1,200 community advocates from various sectors, reflects the project’s broad base of support. With input from affinity groups representing diverse communities, the initiative is a collective effort to normalize breastfeeding in public spaces and ensure that families feel safe and welcomed throughout Durham.
The “Breastfeeding Welcome Signs” project in Durham is a pioneering example of how art and advocacy can come together to create meaningful change. By celebrating the act of breastfeeding through vibrant and inclusive artwork, Durham is setting a standard for communities everywhere to follow. In the words of Walton, while art may seek to master a technique or express an opinion, the ultimate story it tells is up to those who see it. In this case, the story is clear: Durham is a place where families, in all their diversity, are not just welcomed but embraced.
As this initiative takes root, its impact will undoubtedly be felt far beyond the parks and public spaces of Durham. It stands as a beacon of hope, a sign that communities can come together to support the health and well-being of their youngest members in the most natural and nurturing of ways: through the power of breastfeeding.