Advocacy takes many forms—sometimes it’s marching in the streets, other times it’s calling out performative activism in your own backyard. In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., I sat down with Clementé Love, a certified birth and postpartum doula, lactation educator, and community activist, to discuss her journey of advocacy, from holding an entire town accountable to championing Black maternal health.
Her story is one of courage, frustration, and resilience. If you’ve ever questioned what true allyship looks like or wondered how you can make real change in your community, this conversation is for you.
Taking a Stand in Indianola, Iowa
Clementé’s journey in Iowa began when her husband accepted a coaching job at Simpson College in Indianola, a small town 15 minutes south of Des Moines. As a Black woman raising children in a predominantly white rural area, she quickly realized that navigating this space required a different level of awareness and resilience.
When George Floyd’s murder sparked nationwide protests, Clementé noticed a pattern: her white neighbors were eager to drive to Des Moines to protest but refused to acknowledge the racism in their own community.
“People were willing to show up where the cameras were, but not where the real work needed to be done.”
This realization led her to organize a local protest in Indianola. She posted about it on Facebook, received hundreds of likes and words of support, but when the day came—she walked alone.
“It was one of the loneliest moments of my life. That’s when I knew—I wasn’t part of this community, I was just in it.”
Calling Out Performative Activism
Following the protest, Clementé wrote a scathing Facebook post, calling out the town’s failure to stand with her. The post went viral, catching the attention of local journalists. She took it further by writing an op-ed for the newspaper, explicitly stating:
“If you think you’re supporting Black lives in Indianola, you’re doing it wrong.”
This sparked a wave of backlash—but also change. Slowly, people began showing up. The football team joined her walks, conversations started, and the community was forced to face its own complacency.
“It shouldn’t take a public callout for people to do the right thing, but sometimes that’s what it takes.”
Black Women and the Emotional Toll of Advocacy
Advocacy as a Black woman is exhausting. Clementé spoke about the lack of empathy Black women receive, even when they are the ones leading movements for change.
“If it were my husband out there marching, people would have shown up faster. There’s always an excuse when it’s a Black woman asking for support.”
This is a reality we see too often—Black women show up for everyone, but who shows up for us?
Shifting Focus: Black Maternal Health and Becoming a Doula
After her experiences in Indianola, Clementé shifted her advocacy toward Black maternal health. She shared her own birth stories—moments where she lacked support, where she was ignored, and where she realized how critical Black doulas are in the birthing process.
“No one spoke up for me when I was giving birth. I knew then that I wanted to be the voice for other Black mothers.”
She became a certified birth and postpartum doula through the Iowa Black Doula Collective, an organization dedicated to training and supporting Black doulas while also helping them establish Black-owned businesses.
“Black women are dying in childbirth because no one listens to us. Having a doula isn’t just about support—it’s about survival.”
Entrepreneurship and the Business of Being a Doula
Clementé didn’t just become a doula—she became a business owner. But like many Black entrepreneurs, she wasn’t prepared for the financial, legal, and logistical challenges that came with starting a business.
“I got into this work to help people, not to keep track of LLCs, taxes, and business expenses. But I had to learn because this work matters.”
She credits the Iowa Black Doula Collective for helping her navigate the business side of being a doula, ensuring that Black women doulas are not only trained but also financially empowered.
The Intersection of Healthcare and Politics
One of the most critical points Clementé made was the direct connection between healthcare and politics.
“Your healthcare is directly tied to who you vote for. If you want better maternal care, you need to vote for people who will fight for it.”
In states like Iowa and Texas, where restrictive healthcare policies disproportionately harm Black women, the fight for reproductive justice and maternal health is political.
“It’s not just about your body—it’s about your children’s future. Who you vote for impacts every aspect of your life.”
Final Thoughts: Building a Legacy of Advocacy
Clementé’s story is a testament to the power of one voice. From challenging an entire town’s complacency to changing the conversation around Black maternal health, she embodies what it means to be an advocate.
Her advice for aspiring doulas and advocates?
- Show up, even when it’s hard. – Real change happens in uncomfortable spaces.
- Build community. – Advocacy isn’t just about fighting—it’s about creating safe spaces.
- Stay informed and vote. – Your healthcare, rights, and future depend on it.
“If I win and you win, we all win. That’s how we build true community.”
Join the Conversation
What does advocacy look like to you? Have you ever called out performative activism? Let’s continue the discussion—drop a comment or connect with me on Instagram (@blackgirliowa).
Until next time—stay bold, stay vocal, and take up space.
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