For the second consecutive year, Black Women for Wellness (BWW) joins the Black Mamas Matter Alliance https://blackmamasmatter.org with alerting community members and health professionals through a week long campaign dedicated to awareness, activism and community building around vital health issues concerning African-American maternal health and reproductive justice. Taking place at various locations throughout Los Angeles County, Black Maternal Week runs from April 11 – April 17th and includes activities such as a community forum on being pregnant and black, Black Mamma’s High Tea, a screening of the documentary Death by Delivery, a family ‘fun day’ in Grand Park and more. Events are open to the public and provide Black women, families and stakeholders valuable information on how to combat a growing health crisis affecting the Black community.
The campaign and activities for the Week serve to amplify the voices of Black mothers and champion the values and traditions of birth justice movements.
Events are as follows:
Topic: Sisters @ 8: To Be Pregnant and Black in 2019
Date/Time: Friday, April 12, 8:30 – 10:30 a
Location: Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, 4030 Crenshaw Blvd., LA 90008
Summary: Expectant Black women will share the journey of being Black and pregnant in 2019. Community leaders, advocates and service and medical providers will be able to listen to the experience, concerns and suggestions that support healthy pregnancy and childbearing. Discussion topics include: racism (implicit bias), challenges and solutions for healthy and successful pregnancies and social justice activism. Special guest California State Senator Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) will join the conversation, speaking out in support of California Senate Bill 464, The Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act.
Co-Sponsors: Cinnamoms and March of Dimes
Topic: Black Mamma’s High Tea
Date/Time: Saturday, April 13, 2019, 3 -5p
Location: The Modern Tea Room - 705 W. Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534
Summary: During high tea, new and expectant Black mothers will sample special teas that support healthy pregnancy, milk supply and womb health.
Co-Sponsors: First 5LA
Topic: Screening of the Documentary Death by Delivery and Panel Discussion
Date/Time: Saturday, April 13, 11a – 1p
Summary: Death by Delivery exposes how the U.S. healthcare system has failed and endangered Black mothers and babies. As referenced in the documentary, compared to any other racial or ethnic group in America, Black women are 243% more likely to die during labor and Black infant mortality is triple. The panel discussion immediately following the screening will focus on these pressing topics and viable solutions.
Co-Sponsors: Kingdom Life Fellowship Church, First 5LA, LAC
Topic: Black and Botanical: Grand Park Family Expedition
Date/Time: Sunday, April 14, 7:45 - 11:30a
Location: Grand Park Block One, 200 N. Grand Avenue, LA 90012
Summary: Black mothers and their families meet at BWW and then travel by bus to Grand Park for a day of yoga and outdoor/indoor exploration of the gardens and botanicals.
Financial Sponsor: The Grand Park Foundation