Personally, when I initially thought of "public health," my mind went to human resources and the tools and programs that are offered through the various human resource organizations throughout the country. However, when I sat down to have a conversation with Dr. Nakeitra Burse of Six Dimensions, LLC my mind shifted to something totally different and it truly became personal.
Meet Dr. Nakeitra Burse, a wife, mom, and native of Corinth, Mississippi now residing in the capital city. A proud graduate of Mississippi State university,(Shout out to my Alma Mater), Dr. Burse has always had a desire to be an entrepreneur and influencer in the Black community. After earning her Doctorate in Public Health from THEE Jackson State University, she sought out to accomplish her life goals and created Six Dimensions, LLC.
Six Dimensions, LLC is a certified minority owned, woman owned public health consulting company focused on creating healthier communities across the United States and abroad. Six Dimensions was established to holistically and strategically respond to the public health needs of communities. Dr. Burse notes that "essentially, there are six dimensions of health (spiritual, physical, mental/emotional, social, intellectual and environmental)." Six Dimensions, LLC utilizes these facets of health as the foundation for creating sustainable healthy communities.
"essentially, there are six dimensions of health (spiritual, physical, mental/emotional, social, intellectual and environmental)."
One of her most profound creations was birthed from grief after the loss of three family members to pregnancy related deaths. Her documentary "Laboring with Hope" follows her family's stories as they work to re-purpose their grief to help initiate real discussion around Black maternal and infant mortality rates in Mississippi.
What I found to be chilling is that there are so many similar stories like Dr. Burse and her family's battle with mortality nationwide. More discussion must take place around healthcare for Black women and children and Dr. Burse is leading the charge with her work through Six Dimensions, LLC.
For audiences, the documentary “Laboring with Hope” is not just a tool to evoke emotion, but more of an action tool, she says. Each screening is accompanied by a panel and her goal is to encourage conversation and impact maternal health policy. “This is an opportunity to do something, not just for my family, but for black women, period.” While Covid-19 has changed the way in which this work happens, it has not changed the work.
See the trailer here and If you’re interested in learning more about the documentary or want to inquire about bringing a screening and discussion to your community, contact Nakeitra Burse.
Watch our full length interview below as we discuss how Dr. Burse, a DOPE BLACK WOMAN by all descriptors, arrived to her purpose and how it is changing her life and the lives of so many others!
