In honor of Black History Month, we are proud to highlight Dr. Charlee King, a Texas Southern University alumna whose work exemplifies the theme of African Americans in Labor. As a dedicated healthcare professional, entrepreneur, and advocate for maternal health, Dr. King’s career journey highlights the strength and resilience of African Americans who have shaped and continue to impact the workforce, particularly in health and wellness.

With over 9 years of experience in healthcare, Dr. King has dedicated 7 of those years to directly serving mothers and families, specializing in lactation and maternal and child health. Her career trajectory began at Texas Southern University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology. During her time at TSU, Dr. King became a trailblazer by pioneering the creation of the university’s first lactation room, The Mommy Room, housed within the student center. This initiative not only addressed the needs of breastfeeding students but also brought awareness to the importance of lactation support in educational environments—a key issue that continues to shape Dr. King’s contributions to maternal health today.

In line with the theme of African Americans in labor, Dr. King’s career exemplifies the power of Black professionals forging new pathways in spaces often overlooked by traditional systems. As an entrepreneur, Dr. King has expanded her impact by founding Mommy’s Sweet Treats & Company in 2018, a company that provides delicious lactation treats and accessories to support breastfeeding mothers. Known as the “Cookie Queen,” Dr. King created a line of healthy, all-natural, vegan lactation cookies that have gained national attention and become a staple for new mothers seeking to enhance their milk production while enjoying a tasty treat. Her company’s success demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit of African Americans in the workforce, as Dr. King carved out a unique niche in the confectionery world, all while maintaining a focus on supporting mothers’ health.

Building on her entrepreneurial success, Dr. King launched The Mommy Room Lactation Suites in 2023, extending her vision of creating spaces that provide essential lactation support. These lactation suites aim to provide safe, private environments for breastfeeding mothers, furthering Dr. King’s commitment to advocating for such spaces in public and professional settings. Her business ventures not only support the well-being of mothers but also provide economic opportunities and promote workforce inclusion for Black women and mothers in the labor force.

Dr. King’s passion for improving maternal health was deeply influenced by her own personal experience during childbirth. In 2015, she faced a near-death encounter that sparked her mission to advocate for better maternal care, particularly within communities of color. Drawing from these life-altering experiences, Dr. King authored Thanks for Telling Me: A Comical Guide for New Mothers, a humorous yet insightful book that offers guidance to new mothers, all while reflecting on the hardships she faced.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Dr. King has made significant strides in public health research. She earned her Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH), using her platform to address systemic racial disparities in maternal health and advocate for structural changes to improve outcomes for Black women. Dr. King also trains healthcare professionals and community workers, working to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide culturally competent care to families. Through her work, Dr. King contributes not only to public health but also to creating better employment opportunities for people of color in the healthcare sector.

As we celebrate Black History Month, Dr. Charlee King’s story is a powerful reminder of the immense contributions of African Americans in labor—both in traditional workforces and through entrepreneurial endeavors. Her work has not only reshaped how we view maternal health but has created lasting change in supporting mothers, particularly in underserved communities, while contributing to economic empowerment. Through her dedication to the health and well-being of families, Dr. King continues to demonstrate the strength, resilience, and impact of African Americans in the labor force, pushing for greater equity and opportunity for all.