Birth Equity Advocate Jamilah Channel Honored

Townsend Nissan proudly presents the 2026 Black History Makers of Alabama, a celebration of excellence, impact, and legacy.

Get our free mobile app

This special initiative is brought to you by Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and The Tuscaloosa Thread, alongside our valued community partners, the Tuscaloosa Branch of the NAACP and the Tuscaloosa County–West Alabama Chapter of the NPHC, united in honoring the individuals who shape our community and inspire the next generation.

2026 Black History Maker of Alabama – Jamilah Channel

Jamilah Channel is a second year student midwife matriculating through the Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery, founded by internationally recognized midwife and maternal health innovator Jennie Joseph. She is being trained in a nationally respected community based model of care known for improving birth outcomes, particularly among underserved and high risk populations.

A graduate of Bethune Cookman University with a degree in Psychology, Jamilah began her birth work journey in 2014 with a focused commitment to addressing maternal and infant health disparities. She went on to become a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, Midwife Assistant, and Breastfeeding Advocate, providing hands on support to families from pregnancy through postpartum recovery.

Jamilah currently serves as Chief of Operations for Diamonds for Doulas, where she helps strengthen and expand the doula workforce through training, mentorship, and operational leadership. Her work supports the development of culturally competent birth workers equipped to serve communities disproportionately impacted by maternal health inequities.

She also serves as a Maternal Health Educator with West Alabama Community Health Action, equipping families with evidence based education and advocacy tools so they can make informed decisions about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. In addition, she contributes to maternal health research in partnership with The University of Alabama, supporting data driven efforts aimed at improving maternal and infant outcomes across Alabama.

Black history is resilience personified, a trail of legacies that constantly reminds us, as African Americans that there are not limits! It means that we can survive, create, love and make a difference in the face of any adversity. It means that we are beautiful beyond belief and unstoppable. - Jamilah Channel 

Beyond her clinical and educational work, Jamilah is an active member of the West Alabama Maternity Care Coalition, collaborating with regional leaders to strengthen maternity care access and policy initiatives. She also serves as an Executive Board Member for the Sickle Cell Coalition, advocating for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease.

Jamilah is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, carrying forward a legacy of sisterhood, scholarship, and public service in every community she serves.

She believes it takes a village to care for a birthing person so they can, in return, nurture their baby. Her mission is clear: to shift maternal and infant outcomes through community education, workforce development, research, advocacy, and compassionate midwifery care that creates generational impact.

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa thanks Townsend Nissan for supporting our yearly Black History Makers of Alabama spotlight. Be sure to visit them at 2620 Skyland E Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405.

Be sure to download our free app for more details on the Black History Makers of Alabama.