African American babies in Minnesota are twice as likely to die in their first years as white babies. A birth center is trying to change that through culturally focused care for women of color.

Vicky Mckinney-Wigley knew Rebecca Polston was the right person to care for her and the fetus growing inside her as soon as she met her. Polston had a warm way of listening, a location in the neighborhood, and the ability to take health insurance. And, importantly for Mckinney-Wigley, Polston is Minnesota’s only black-identifying certified professional midwife.