Attia Taylor created Womanly Magazine eight years ago with a powerful vision. The founder wanted a publication that could address the Black maternal health crisis through art and creativity. Today, her indie magazine stands as both a health resource and cultural platform, helping Black women navigate a medical system often stacked against them.
“When we go to the doctor, we’re like, I’m sure I’ll be fine,” Taylor shares. “We hope for the best. But I very quickly realized that hospital systems that serve lower income folks, people on Medicaid, they get the shorter end of the stick.”
Fighting Deadly Health Disparities Through Creative Expression
Black maternal mortality rates remain three times higher than those of white women. This gap persists regardless of education or income level. Between 2022 and 2023, Black women were the only demographic to see pregnancy-related deaths increase.
Taylor’s response combines her artistic background with health advocacy. As a Planned Parenthood employee and musician, she bridges worlds that rarely intersect. “I love the art world and wanted to lift Black artists and Black culture within what I could control, which was the health space,” Taylor explains.
Creating a Warm, Supportive Community for Black Women
The magazine has evolved into what one interviewer called “the bedside manner for Black women.” This description clearly resonates with Taylor’s mission. “That’s very flattering and an honor to hear,” she responds. “That’s where we’ve wanted to be – a support system, a liaison, an advocate.”
Womanly helps readers prepare for medical visits with practical knowledge. “We try to help people with things they should know before they go,” Taylor explains. “To protect themselves and put their best foot forward when going up against the system.”
From Tumblr Inspiration to Multi-Platform Health Resource
Taylor’s creative approach draws inspiration from social media communities. “Our community was formed on Instagram,” she notes. “It was right after Tumblr really kind of switched over.” These platforms shaped her multi-disciplinary approach to health education.
The magazine now explores health through diverse creative formats. “As Womanly has evolved, we’ve gone into different spaces – fashion, film, billboards,” Taylor says. “Health and art, to me, are very intertwined because health is everything we are and art is everything we are.”
Sustainable Fashion as Health Activism for Black Women
Womanly’s coverage extends to how fashion choices impact health. Taylor highlights emerging Black-owned sustainable hair brands like Kynd that create plant-based, reusable alternatives to potentially harmful synthetic options.
“Hair is fashion,” Taylor emphasizes. “Many of us grew up getting perms, wearing all kinds of synthetic hair. We’re learning more about how that’s not sustainable and healthy.” Her commitment extends to recommending sustainable brands like Oddobody, Barkal, The Consistency Project, and Black-owned jewelry brand Khiry.
Expanding the Vision: Future Projects and Global Impact
Taylor dreams of expanding Womanly’s influence through partnerships with larger organizations. “My dream scenario is running a full suite of programming for health education through art,” she explains. The magazine recently collaborated with Mount Sinai on a film about doulas in Queens.
Looking ahead, Taylor plans an issue on grief with Rachel Cargle. She also wants to address maternal health globally. “Maternal health and mortality is not just an issue in the U.S.,” Taylor notes. “Women, particularly Black and brown folks in Africa and the Middle East, are being silenced.”
Taylor’s ultimate goal reaches beyond publishing. “I want our work to be at the center of health education,” she declares. Through art, fashion, community and bold storytelling, Womanly Magazine continues building a healthier future for Black women everywhere.
