By Portia Hackett, Weaver Street Market Social Media Specialist & Outreach Coordinator.
How it Started
We began with candles in 2020, right around the time Weaver Street Market introduced the Game Changers attribute, which highlights businesses that are 51% or more BIPOC-owned. The E.Q.U.I.T.Y. Alliance were instrumental in connecting us with diverse vendors, and this initiative was born out of a desire to reflect our community’s diversity on our shelves. We wanted to offer quality products from producers who represent the vibrant mix of people in our neighborhood. That’s when we discovered Precious Cargo‘s candles, created by Precious Bradley. These candles are soy-free, herbal, and made from natural ingredients. Today, you can find a variety of her scents at our Co-op, including lavender mint, rose, grapefruit turmeric, rosemary currant, and seasonal favorites.
Who is Precious Bradley?
Precious is not only a doula, an educator, author, and entrepreneur but also a dedicated advocate for maternal health in our community. Growing up in Jacksonville, NC, and earning her B.S. in Journalism and Mass Communication (Broadcast Production) from North Carolina A&T State University in 2013, she has continuously demonstrated her commitment to supporting mothers across the state.
In 2021, Precious introduced us to her inspiring Community Baby Shower initiative, designed to provide essential maternity supplies to new mothers. Recognizing the impact of her work, we were eager to participate and support this cause. Our first year of involvement with the Community Baby Shower was a resounding success, as we were able to collect enough maternity supplies to assist over 100 families.
The Maternity Drive
Fast forward to today and we are more committed than ever to expanding our reach and impact. This year, our goal is to support even more families, surpassing the 250 families we assisted last year. We are once again partnering with the Precious Cargo Foundation and Deep Roots Co-op to offer vital support to new and expectant mothers throughout the month of May. This initiative represents a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community and strengthen our bonds through the shared goal of enhancing maternal health.
The Precious Cargo Foundation, a local organization known for its dedication to maternal and child healthcare, is at the forefront of this initiative. Through their efforts, including maternity drives and community baby showers, they are making significant strides in closing the healthcare gap for mothers and their babies. By joining forces with them, we aim to amplify these efforts and demonstrate the profound impact that community support can have on overcoming maternal health challenges.
Our collective action in this Maternity Drive underscores the power of unity and compassion. By supporting these crucial initiatives, we are not only aiding the health of mothers and their babies but also fostering a stronger, more resilient community.
What’s Next?
After our Maternity Drive is over the Precious Cargo Foundation will continue to educate people about the importance of maternal health and hold their community baby shower in July. Then they will work towards creating multiple Community baby showers across NC expanding to regions like the Triangle and further.
Want to learn more?
Precious Cargo Foundation
Donate to the Precious Cargo Foundation
NC Maternal Statics for Blog