Revolutionizing the Narrative:

​Michelle Browder and the Mothers of Gynecology

By Kim Callinan

Standing in Montgomery, Alabama, on my recent Civil Rights Tour, I absorbed the weight of history—its tragedies and triumphs woven into the city’s streets. Each site told a story of injustice and resistance, but an unplanned visit left one of the most profound impressions. Meeting Michelle Browder and stepping into the Mothers of Gynecology Health and Wellness Museum reinforced the power of art and activism to challenge historical narratives and drive social change. Inspired by her vision and work, I felt compelled to share her story in my Get Stuff Done (GSD) for Social Good series.

Browder is an artist, activist, and visionary reshaping how we remember history. She is leading a powerful movement to honor the enslaved Black women—Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy—whose suffering and forced medical experimentation laid the foundation for modern gynecology. While the name J. Marion Sims, often called the “father of modern gynecology,” is well-documented, the women he experimented on without anesthesia or consent were long forgotten. Browder is ensuring their names and contributions are no longer erased.

Art as a Tool for Truth and Healing
At the heart of Browder’s work is the Mothers of Gynecology monument in Montgomery, AL, towering 15 feet above the ground. These are not just sculptures—they are statements, demanding we confront history with honesty and empathy.  Crafted from discarded metal and reclaimed objects, the statues symbolize resilience and survival. By repurposing discarded items, Browder is not just telling their story—she is flipping the narrative, showing that history can be reconstructed with intention and care. Her work makes us reconsider who should be honored in our public spaces and sparks critical conversations about medical ethics and historical accountability.

Beyond Monuments: A Vision for Medical Justice
Browder’s activism goes far beyond public art. She is developing the Mothers of Gynecology Health and Wellness Museum. This space is a historical archive and a forward-looking center for education, public health, and advocacy. Her work actively supports midwives, doulas, and medical professionals, creating a space for them to collaborate, learn, and provide care to Black women, who continue to face disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality. 

As part of this effort, Browder launched The POD, a mobile health unit that brings maternal health programs directly to underserved communities. This initiative provides essential care, education, and support to current and expectant mothers, ensuring that the advocacy tied to Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy’s stories is translated into real-world impact.
Innovation Rooted in JusticeWhat sets Michelle Browder apart is her ability to seamlessly blend art, history, and activism into a single force for social change. Michelle is exposing past injustices and building solutions for the future—engaging people in difficult conversations and inspiring systemic change.

Her approach ensures that future generations of medical professionals, historians, and everyday citizens understand the ethical failures of the past and commit to a more just future. She is setting a new standard for interdisciplinary innovation in the fight for social justice by combining sculpture, museum curation, historical research, public health, and policy advocacy.

Getting Stuff Done for Justice
Meeting Michelle Browder during my Civil Rights Tour reaffirmed my belief that real change happens when we refuse to accept silence. She is not just creating art—she is rewriting history, educating the public, and advocating for better healthcare. In a world where too many voices remain unheard, Browder’s work is a powerful reminder that we can amplify, correct, and reshape the way history is remembered. 

You can learn more about Michelle Browder's work at www.anarchalucybetsey.org and visit the Mothers of Gynecology Health and Wellness Museum at 17 Mildred Street, Montgomery, AL.