A Guide to Celebrating Black Maternal Health Week in your Community 

Hi Friend,

Black birth workers such as midwives and doulas are on the frontlines, defending our ability to access the quality care we need to live full lives of our design. During Black Maternal Health Week 2024 (April 11 - 17), we acknowledge and celebrate their incredible contributions to our communities. 

Decades of restrictive laws enacted at the state and federal levels, and SCOTUS overturning Roe, have resulted in inequitable access to quality maternal healthcare, particularly for Black mamas and Black birthing people. Even more alarming/awakening is the fact that we've seen an increase in the criminalization of pregnant people – with folks of color disproportionately targeted. 

Our friends at Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) are the organizers of #BMHW24, and together with local organizations, they leverage the occasion to build awareness and activism to amplify the voices, perspectives and lived experiences of Black mamas and Black birthing people.

URGE team members will be celebrating #BMHW24 at BMMA-affiliated events across the country - we hope you'll join us:

CALIFORNIA

For the Sake of our Mamas. For the Sake of our Communities!

This event will explore current policies and advocacy tools aimed at addressing and eradicating this crisis.

Organizer: Black Women for Wellness

When: April 12, 2024 | 9:30 am local time

Where: LADWP Community Room, 4030 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles

Register here 

GEORGIA

Black Maternal Health Walk & Block Party

This year’s walk will include a combination of wellness activities, maternal and reproductive health education sessions, music, and prizes for Black mamas and families from the Atlanta community.

Organizers: The Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA), City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Constituent Services (OCS), and 4Kira4Moms

When: April 13, 2024 | 8:00 am - 3:00 pm local time

Where: Selena S. Butler Park and the M.L. King Jr. Recreation and Aquatics Center

Register here

OHIO

Black Maternal Health Equity Summit 2024

This half-day event brings together stakeholders from a range of backgrounds to inform research and solutions for advancing health equity, with a focus on Black mothers. It features a keynote by Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens, alongside local mother testimonials, research updates, and policy discussions.

Organizer: The Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio

When: April 14, 2024 | 12:00-4:00 pm local time

Where: Cleveland State University

Register here

VIRTUAL

BMHW Closing Happy Hour: Celebration and Conversation with Jabina Coleman

This virtual event will delve into the social factors affecting mental well-being and provide strategies for self-care within oppressive systems.

Organizer: Maternal Wellness Village

When: April 17 | 5:00 - 6:30 pm CDT

Where: Virtual

Register here

Serita Fontanesi

She/Her

Integrated Voter Engagement Director

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