Honoring Tradition and Transforming Maternal Health

When Dr. Chanel Blackmore first witnessed the deep disparities in maternal outcomes for Black and brown women, she knew her purpose would demand more than empathy. It would require action. Years of medical experience had shown her the hard truth: too many mothers of color were navigating pregnancy and birth without the respectful, culturally competent care they deserved. From that realization, the vision for Black Pearl Doula Collective was born a movement rooted in community, tradition, and transformation.

Dr. Blackmore, affectionately known as “The Purpose Pusher,” carries over three decades of experience in medicine and two decades in healthcare education. Yet, her true calling came into focus after her life-changing move to Ghana. Immersed in a culture where community was not a concept but a way of life, she saw how connection and shared wisdom could become powerful tools for emotional and mental support. This insight became the heart of her mission: to blend traditional values with modern healthcare knowledge and create a new standard for maternal care.

A Mission Born from Urgency and Love

Motivated by alarming statistics on Black maternal mortality and adverse birth outcomes, Dr. Blackmore established Black Pearl Doula Collective with one defining belief: every mother deserves care that honors her identity, culture, and story. “Every Black woman deserves access to respectful, culturally affirming care, and I am dedicated to making that a reality through education and advocacy,” she says.

Her approach bridges clinical insight and ancestral knowledge. By integrating culturally-rooted practices from African and Indigenous American traditions with evidence-based care, the Collective empowers women to experience pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with confidence and dignity. “Our ancestors’ childbirth traditions reflect deeply rooted values of connection, spirituality, and resilience. I am passionate about honoring and integrating these cultural perspectives to uplift Black women today,” she shares.

From Education to Empowerment

Beyond direct care, Dr. Blackmore has championed a model that places education and certification at the forefront of change. With more than twenty years in for-profit healthcare education, she understands that knowledge is the foundation of empowerment. By training and certifying more Black doulas, the Collective builds capacity within communities expanding representation, reducing disparities, and fostering systemic change from within.

“Change begins with community, with education, and with empowering women to take control of their health and their births,” Dr. Blackmore emphasizes. This philosophy shapes every workshop, certification course, and mentorship opportunity the organization offers. Each graduate becomes not only a birth professional but also an advocate for equitable, culturally competent care.

The Turning Point in a Global Vision

Dr. Blackmore’s time in Ghana illuminated the gift of community in its purest form. Witnessing how women gathered to nurture, teach, and support each other through every stage of motherhood, she recognized the need to bring that sense of collective care back home. The experience became her turning point, a deep reminder that transformation begins when culture, compassion, and education intersect.

Her work now extends beyond borders, connecting women through shared purpose and a global vision of maternal wellness. Through her bestselling books and ongoing advocacy, Dr. Blackmore continues to raise awareness and call for policy reform that addresses the structural inequities affecting Black maternal health. Her leadership reflects both science and cultural wisdom, creating a bridge between heritage and healthcare.

What Sets Black Pearl Doula Collective Apart

While many doula organizations focus solely on individual birthing support, Black Pearl Doula Collective stands apart for its multifaceted approach. It operates as an ecosystem uniting care, education, advocacy, and cultural restoration under one mission. Dr. Blackmore’s extensive medical background and her commitment to community empowerment provide a unique foundation that few others can replicate.

The organization’s work is not only about supporting births but also about reshaping the systems that influence them. Through partnerships, training programs, and public education, Black Pearl Doula Collective advocates for respectful maternity care practices that recognize the lived experiences of women of color. The result is a ripple effect empowering mothers, families, and entire communities to thrive.

Rewriting the Narrative for Maternal Health

Dr. Blackmore envisions a future where maternal health disparities are history, replaced by a model of care grounded in respect, education, and equity. “Our mission is to create a future where maternal health disparities are history one community at a time,” she affirms. Her message resonates deeply across healthcare, policy, and education sectors, inspiring collaboration and progress.

Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: when women are seen, heard, and supported, outcomes improve for everyone. That belief fuels her daily work, from training new doulas to advocating for systemic change. It is a reminder that true transformation happens when compassion meets action.

Join the Movement Toward Equitable Care

Black Pearl Doula Collective invites individuals, organizations, and aspiring doulas to join its mission of transforming maternal health through education, advocacy, and cultural connection. Visitors can learn more about certification programs, community initiatives, and upcoming events by exploring blackpearldoulas.com.

To connect directly, join the conversation on Facebook or become part of the growing community through the Black Pearl Doula Facebook Group.

Together, Dr. Chanel Blackmore and Black Pearl Doula Collective are proving that change begins with one empowered mother, one educated doula, and one united community.