Celebrate Black Maternal Health Week
Black Maternal Health Week starts April 11th!!
Please see the information below from LA County Department of Public Health's Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Program:
Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) takes place annually from April 11 – 17, and is a week of awareness, activism, and community building. The week kicks off on April 11, which is globally recognized as International Day for Maternal Health and Rights – an opportunity to join the worldwide community advocating for the elimination of maternal mortality.
This year’s African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM) activities for Black Maternal Health Week will amplify the voices of Black mamas and birthing persons and center the values and history of the reproductive and birth justice movements. In 2021, Los Angeles County became the first county in the state to formally recognize Black Maternal Health Week and community advocates in the county have celebrated it since its inception in 2019.
Each year, AAIMM coordinates a host of events and activities that foster solidarity and awareness related to the injustice of birth disparities in Los Angeles County that affect the Black community; namely, that Black women die at four times the rate of any other race due to complications of pregnancy or birth and Black babies die before their first birthday at three times the rate of any other race.
The root cause of these heartbreaking statistics is the harm caused by multi-generational, interpersonal, and systemic racism—oppression in multiple forms that threaten pregnancies. This is compounded by implicit and overt bias in our health care systems.
Thankfully, there is hope and help, with the efforts of the AAIMM initiative and partners to bring forth culturally affirming programs and supports designed to prevent and counteract the crisis.
All county departments, staff and partners are invited to learn more and to participate in the various Black Maternal Health Week events and activities.
Happenings
More than a dozen events are being organized throughout Los Angeles County, including Palmdale, Lancaster, South Los Angeles, the South Bay, Canoga Park, and Pasadena.
Black Daddy Dialogue Presents: Putting The “F” in Maternal - Maternal Week Kick Off: an in-person gathering for Black dads who want to support and uplift each other as they stand in solidarity with Black mamas and birthing persons.
When: Wednesday, April 10th. 2024: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Where: 11833 Wilmington Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90059
To Register Please Click HERE
“Birthing Justice” | Creative Visions Sunset Screening Series: A film screening and discussion in Malibu - “Birthing Justice” tells the story of the crisis faced by Black mothers and their children and the solutions needed to transform the maternal care system.
When: Thursday, April 11th, 2024: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Creative Visions Foundation
18820 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 201
Malibu, CA 90265
To Register Please Click HERE
Please Join Kaiser Permanente: Respecting Black Mothers’ Voices: Supporting Black Maternal Mental Health: From Congress to Home Webinar.
When: Thursday, April 11th, 2024: 12:30pm -1:30pm
To Register Click HERE
A film screening in Palmdale: “Heal the Her’t: The Art of Storytelling” is a film presented in honor of the voices of mamas, birthers, nurturers, babies, doulas, and the community!
Heal the Her't/Heard is a project dedicated to uplifting and elevating Black mamas and their supports voices, through various creative arts such as film, visual arts, and more. We strive to reclaim our heritage and amplify Black stories. By chronicling these narratives for research, resources, and resolutions, we aim to inspire hope and drive action to reduce the alarming rates of African American Infant and Maternal Mortality.
When: Friday, April 12th, 2024: 4:00pm-6:00pm
Where: Cinemark Antelope Valley Mall
1475 W. Avenue P. Palmdale, CA 93551
To Register Click HERE
Black Women for Wellness Presents - Black Mamas Birthing Tour: Hey Mama! Are you currently pregnant? Still figuring out your birthing plan? Want to know your birthing options?
Join them during Black Maternal Health Week for an intentionally curated tour of various birthing spaces in Los Angeles County
Date: Friday, April 12, 2024: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Where: The tour will begin at the Black Women for Wellness office on Friday, April 12th at 10am. They will provide transportation to the Charles Drew and Kindred Space birthing centers as well as Cedars Sinai and USC hospitals. They will return to the Black Women for Wellness office by 4pm. Lunch will be provided.
Transportation and lunch will be provided.
For Additional Information and Registration Click HERE
How to Journal Your Lived Experiences Along Your Birthing Journey: Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 13th at 3:00pm for an afternoon of fellowship and fun while designing your own personal journal & pen (DDIY - Design and Do it Yourself). Join us during Black Maternal Health Week to learn about journaling your lived experiences along your birthing journey! There will also be space to begin writing and charting in your journal at this event. This is essentially a journal making and writing workshop. There will be light refreshments.
When: Saturday, April 13th, 2024: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Where: Octavia’s Bookshelf
1365 North Hill Avenue,
Pasadena, Ca 91104
To Register Click HERE
3rd Annual Community Baby Shower and Resource Fair: Please join the South Los Angeles/South Bay African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Community Action Team (SLASB AAIMM CAT) as we host our 3rd annual Community Baby Shower and Resource Fair in honor of Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17).
This is a free event and it will be first come, first served. All guest must be registered via Eventbrite to participate.
As they prepare to celebrate Black mothers/birthing persons and their families they are requesting donations for the following items: Diapers, wipes, boppy pillows, teething rings/toys, clothes, bottles, strollers, hand pumps, baby toiletries, baby carriers, nursing pillows, gift cards, blankets, diaper bags, toys, books, swaddles, pack and plays, changing pads, postpartum essentials.
They will be giving away amazing items (baby essentials, ultrasounds, and chiropractic services) to Black Mamas and their families to celebrate the Black birthing experience. It takes a village, that is why they are providing support to those who are in need.
When: Saturday, April 13th, 2024: 10am-1:00pm
Where: Cal State Dominguez Hills - Parking Lot 3
To Register and Additional Information click HERE
For additional information, see the calendar of events HERE