Breastfeed Durham is thrilled to share a groundbreaking initiative that marks a significant stride towards completing step 2 of the 10 steps to Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities and a more inclusive and supportive Durham for breastfeeding families. Thanks to the generous funding from our Durham County Commissioners, we’ve embarked on a visionary partnership with Durham Parks and Recreation that promises to transform public spaces into havens of support for breastfeeding parents.
Over the next year, Durham Parks and Rec has agreed to install 40 “Breastfeeding Welcome” signs across numerous parks, with a focus on enriching East Durham. Continuing our narrative of community support, Durham Parks and Rec is not only providing the locations for these signs of inclusion but is also generously covering the costs of installation, ensuring that the financial responsibilities do not fall on Breastfeed Durham in the hope that Breastfeed Durham can expand our efforts across the community. These signs aren’t just informative—they are pieces of art. Crafted by L Jámal Walton, a local artist and father who embodies the spirit of diversity and community advocacy, each sign is a canvas that reflects the vitality and variety of our community’s families.
Walton’s approach to art is deeply rooted in narrative and the rich tradition of comics. His work for Breastfeed Durham captures the intimate dance of nurturing through breastfeeding, utilizing bold colors and dynamic designs that celebrate the unity and diversity inherent in the act of feeding and raising our children. His six custom pieces, soon to be available as 2′ x 3′ canvas prints, invite personal interpretation and a universal understanding of the shared journey of parenthood.
Breastfeed Durham’s collaboration with Walton is intentional and profound. It aims to shatter the conventional gender barriers associated with breastfeeding by bringing in a perspective that is as unique as it is universal. The result? Artwork that transcends traditional narratives and embraces a more inclusive and universally relevant view of breastfeeding.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. In an unprecedented move, Breastfeed Durham is also extending an opportunity to the community: the installation of one of these beautiful signs in a public outdoor location of your choice. Imagine the impact of having one of Walton’s captivating signs welcoming breastfeeding families in your favorite park, playground, or outdoor space!
And for those who envision this message in an indoor setting, we’re offering posters and canvas prints that carry the same powerful imagery and message. These pieces of art are not merely decorative; they are symbols of a movement that supports and celebrates all families in the natural act of nurturing their children.
Are you as passionate as we are about creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding families? Do you have the perfect spot in mind for one of these works of art? We invite you to be a part of this beautiful unfolding story. Reach out to us via email to discuss the placement of a sign, poster, or canvas. Your involvement can make a world of difference, highlighting Durham as a leader in creating a nurturing and accepting community for all.
Together, let’s make Durham a model for a world where breastfeeding in public is not just accepted but embraced as the loving, natural act it is. With your help, we can make sure that every family feels “Breastfeeding Welcome Here.”
For more information or to join us in this initiative, please email durham@breastfeedingcommunities.org. We can’t wait to hear from you and look forward to seeing these signs of support throughout our beautiful city.