This week officially marks the celebration of Black Maternal Health Week.
Honored every year from April 11 to 17, Black Maternal Health Week highlights significant disparities in the health care of Black mothers, raising both awareness and building a community for expectant and current mothers to share their experiences.
In honor of the week, here are five events to attend to help bring attention to and take action in improving existing racial inequities for Black mothers.
Thriving in Black Maternal Health: Through Policy and Advocacy: Presented by nonprofit Black Mamas Matter Alliance, the “Thriving in Black Maternal Health” is an online event that connects attendees with legislators. Amongst those that are taking part in the event are Rep. La’Tasha Mayes (PA.D-24), Leader Senator Sydney Batch (NC-D-17), Rep. Dr. Jasmine Clark (GA-D-108), Sydney Jemmott, MD and Tonni Oberly, PhD.
Through the panel, attendees can discuss changes to the legislature, successful strategies for advocates to bring about change and how to continue to raise awareness for Black mothers. The event will be held on Friday, April 17 to close off the Black Mamas Matter Alliance’s Black Maternal Health Week.
Dear Sista: Never Forget: Scheduled for today, “Dear Sista” is a spoken word event held by the Washington State University’s College of Nursing. The reading will feature story telling that highlights the shared experiences of Black women through poetry. “Dear Sista” will also aim to bring together poets, writers and other storytellers to create a community for both healing and empowerment. The College of Nursing will continue to raise awareness for Black Maternal Health Week with a Zumba event led by professional doulas.
We Need Each Other: Fighting for Black Maternal Health: Created alongside the Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Office for Health Equity & Improvement, “We Need Each Other” invites attendees to a screening of the documentary, “Black Motherhood Through the Lens.” The film will be followed with a panel discussion featuring the filmmaker, Dr. Adeiyewunmi (Ade) Osinubi, alongside local physicians such as Dr. Judith Sanchez, Dr. Luwam Semere, Dr. Carol Sommersille and Dr. Deidre J. Lyell.
Black Maternal Health Summit: Advancing Awareness into Action: Scheduled to be held on April 24 in Camden, NJ, this free event by Public Health Jawn is designed to connect community members with professionals in maternal health care. The empowerment building event will feature various different panels and opportunities to network. The summit will focus primarily on policy, education and community-driven strategies to address racial disparities. It will also be supported with a series of giveaways.
Mama’s Milk: Nourishing Families Through Community Milk Sharing: Also scheduled to be held today by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, “Mama’s Milk” is set to be streamed on YouTube for virtual attendees. The event will feature a discussion with Jazmin Williams, the founding director of BLKBRY. BLKBRY is a Black-owned doula center that centers the experiences and wellness of Black mothers. Their work includes doula support, holistic methods, feeding support and nutritional support.
