This short recording contains a brief news report from WTTO-TV (WB 21 - Birmingham, Alabama) and excerpts from an interview with 'Aunt Margaret' Charles Smith. The news report briefly covers Aunt Margaret's funeral and celebration of her life in Eutaw, Alabama as well as a brief history of her life and her values. Keith Hawkins - Aunt Margaret's grandson, Denise Williams - who was delivered by Aunt Margaret, and Linda J. Holmes - co-author of the book 'Listen to Me Good: The Life Story of an Alabama Midwife' - talks about Aunt Margaret, particularly about how she continued to practice midwifery despite the passage of law outlawing traditional midwifery. During an interview with Holmes, Aunt Margaret speaks about her journey to become a midwife and working as a midwife in Green County, Alabmama; describes a specific experience when she delivered twins; and explains she provided midwifery services for free
News report and interview excerpts. Part of the Reclaiming Midwives: Pillars of Community Support exhibition. Undated.
Biographical / Historical:
Reclaiming Midwives: Pillars of Community Support exhibition, held at the Anacostia Museum and Center for African American History and Culture from November 13, 2005 - August 6, 2006, documented the life and work of Mary Francis Hill Coley in rural Georgia where she provided midwifery care to thousands for 30 years. The exhibition celebrated the role of Miss Coley (1900-1960) and many other midwives as central forces in the communities they served and traces midwife practices from the earliest days of slavery to today.
General:
Title transcribed from contents of recording.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of the materials requires an appointment. Some items are not accessible due to obsolete format and playback machinery restrictions. Please contact the archivist at acmarchives@si.edu.
