Becoming a parent for the first time can be both a joyful and overwhelming experience. For Latanza Price-McGee’s family, The Abundant Birth Project (ABP) has been more than just a program—it has been a lifeline of support, guidance, and empowerment during one of life’s biggest transitions.

Through monthly check-ins, community-building activities, educational resources, and emotional guidance, ABP has offered Latanza and her husband a strong foundation as they welcomed their baby girl. The sense of belonging and support they found through their dedicated Abundance Coach helped them define their approach to parenting while also giving them space to grow into their roles with grace and confidence.

“The Abundant Birth Project has provided a fantastic platform for us to gain knowledge while I was pregnant, preparing us to happily embrace both the joys and the challenges of being new parents,” shared Latanza.

A cornerstone of this support has been the monthly stipend, which has made a tangible difference in managing household expenses and newborn necessities. This financial relief has reduced stress and allowed the family to focus on nurturing their daughter with greater peace of mind.

Q&A with Davion Mauldin, Coordinator of AAIMM Fatherhood Programs and father of DeAsia, age 16.

AAIMM: Tell us about your experience as a father and your journey with Black maternal health.

DAVION:  My journey was one of tremendous family support. We were 19 years old and were fortunate enough to have guidance from the women in our families. My personal journey was very nerve-wracking and anxiety-filled, not knowing how to help, how to support, or how to prepare. I was still in school and feeling overwhelmed and excited at the same time. I never doubted myself as a person, but the thought of caring for another person was scary without any male input or help.

AAIMM: How should fathers support Black maternal health?

DAVION: The role of fathers is very impactful for the entire family. I also see the need for guidance, help, and education. I hear the desire from fathers wanting to support their partners, and I hear the fear of possibly failing. I hear the request for help and for services. It all comes down to new fathers wanting to be great in their role, and it takes a community to help prepare fathers and/or empower them to realize they are more prepared than they think.

AAIMM: As a Black father, what challenges did you face when navigating the healthcare system during your partner's pregnancy and childbirth experience?

DAVION: My challenges came from not understanding the impact I had during pregnancy. I did not know I could speak up to support her. I did not know I should be a part of the process in the healthcare system. I did not know how to advocate. My lack of understanding caused me to be more withdrawn in these settings when I should have been assertive. When I was not directly acknowledged, it did not feel wrong or uncomfortable, it felt like that’s how it was supposed to be.

AAIMM:  Did you witness or experience any instances of racism or bias while supporting your partner? How did it impact your experience as a father?

DAVION: I experienced bias after my daughter was born and I would take her to medical appointments by myself – microaggressions about why I was with her and not her mom, and comments about if I knew how to care for a little girl.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA – In honor of National Public Health Week (April 7–13), the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM) hosted two impactful town halls spotlighting the critical role of midwifery in improving perinatal health outcomes for Black families in Los Angeles County. 

Held on April 8 and April 11, 2025, in partnership with Kindred Space LA, Charles Drew University’s Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence, Black Women for Wellness, and the California Black Women’s Health Project, these events brought together public health leaders, midwifery professionals, birth equity advocates, and community members for dynamic discussions on the state of midwifery care.

“Midwifery care is preventative care. The pregnant person is healthier because they have access to information and support,” said panelist Allegra Hill, LM, CPM, IBCLC, Co-Founder of Kindred Space LA. “Support and education have a positive outcome on the birth and postpartum experience and the health of the family moving forward.”

A Doula from AAIMM Can Provide Helpful Prenatal Care, Support at Delivery, and Breastfeeding Education

From prenatal visits and support during labor to help with newborn feeding, doulas play a vital role in Black maternal health. Doula support may reduce medical interventions (including C-sections), improve mood and satisfaction with the birth experience, and increase breastfeeding success. 

Black Maternal Health Week 2025: Healing Legacies, Strengthening Futures

Join us in observing Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) from April 11-17, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting advocacy, and amplifying the voices of Black birthing persons and families. This year’s theme, “Healing Legacies: Strengthening Black Maternal Health Through Collective Action and Advocacy,” calls for urgent action to dismantle systemic barriers while honoring the resilient, community-driven efforts that continue to create hope and drive transformative change.

Black Maternal Health Week was founded and is led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), an organization at the forefront of advocating for Black maternal health. Through their leadership, Black Maternal Health Week provides a powerful platform to raise awareness, spark conversations, and advocate for the elimination of maternal health disparities affecting Black birthing persons.

Black birthing persons in the United States continue to experience disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. Black Maternal Health Week  is a critical opportunity to reflect on the legacies of these inequities, challenge the systems that perpetuate them, and build a collective vision of change. Through advocacy, solidarity, and education, we can work together to create a future where Black families not only survive but thrive.

At the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM), we are committed to advocating for policies that ensure equitable access to high-quality healthcare for Black birthing persons. We elevate the voices and lived experiences of the Black community, and partner with Black-led organizations—like BMMA—that are leading the charge for change.

• Black Maternal Health Week is not just a time to raise awareness—it is an opportunity to come together and make meaningful change. You’re invited to participate in this critical week in numerous ways:  events hosted by AAIMM and our network of partners. These events will center the voices of Black birthing persons, highlight key policy demands, and provide platforms for education and empowerment.

• Advocate for Change: BMHW is the perfect opportunity to advocate for policy changes that ensure access to maternal healthcare for all. Learn how you can support policies that address the inequities in Black maternal health and advocate for reforms at local, state, and national levels.
• Spread Awareness: Amplify the voices and stories of Black birthing persons on your social media platforms. Share key messages, tag @blackinfantsandfamiliesla on Instagram, and use the hashtags #BMHW25 and #BlackMaternalHealthWeek to help raise awareness.

Check back for event updates, resources, and more during Black Maternal Health Week. Share this page with your community and help spread the word. Let’s work together to dismantle the barriers to Black maternal health and ensure a future where everyone thrives.. Follow us on Instagram @blackinfantsandfamiliesla for updates.

2025 BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK AAIMM CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEE BELOW FOR EVENT DETAILS:

APRIL 11

BW4W Present: BLACK JOY GUIDE - A GUIDE FOR MAMAS IN LA. LAUNCH EVENT!

TIME ⏰: 1pm - 4pm
LOCATION 📍: Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Hills Crenshaw, Conference Center, 782 W. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Los Angeles, Ca 90008
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: Black Women for Wellness, Kaiser Permanente, CA Abundant Birth Project 

RSVP HERE

APRIL 12

Beauty for Ashes Maternal Wellness - 3rd Annual 5K Walk

TIME ⏰: 8AM - 12PM
LOCATION 📍: BIRTH EQUITY CONSORTIUM DOULA HUB 5838 OVERHILL DR. #3 L.A. C.A. 90043
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: IRTH, CALIFORNIA BLACK WOMEN'S HEALTH PROJECT

RSVP HERE

SLASB AAIMM CAT - 4th Annual Community Baby Shower 

TIME ⏰: 11am – 2pm
LOCATION 📍: Charles Drew University, 1731 E. 120th St. LA, CA 90059
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: South LA South Bay AAIMM CAT, LA DMH, DPH, Planned Parenthood, Maternal Mental Health Now, IRTH, Black Women for Wellness, Cinnamoms, CA Abundant Birth Project, CDU Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence

RSVP HERE

Santa Clarita San Fernando Valley AAIMM CAT - BMHW Brunch Celebration!

TIME ⏰: 11AM - 2PM
LOCATION 📍: Pinstripes, 21851 Victory Blvd. Suite 1250, Woodland Hills
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: Santa Clarita San Fernando Valley AAIMM CAT, Black Moms In The Valley, MAMA’S Neighborhood

RSVP HERE

APRIL 14

THE JOURNEY OF MOTHERHOOD: A Celebration of Black Maternal Health Week Black Maternal Health Sister Circle

TIME ⏰: 5PM - 7PM
LOCATION 📍: 4117 Overland Ave. Culver City, CA 90230
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: SLASB AAIMM CAT, CA Black Womens Health Project, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Culver City Alumnae Chapter  

ENROLL HERE

APRIL 15

Black Women for Wellness – 2nd Annual Black Mamas Birthing Tour

TIME ⏰: 9am – 5pm
LOCATIONS 📍: PROVIDENCE LITTLE COMPANY OF MARY TORRANCE, KAISER PERMANENTE SOUTH BAY, MLK JR. COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, KINDRED SPACE LA
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: Black Women for Wellness, Packard Foundation, IRTH, Cedars Sinai

REGISTRATION US REQUIRED

RSVP HERE

Santa Clarita San Fernando Valley Doula-led Hike

TIME ⏰: 10AM- 12PM
LOCATION 📍: PLACERITA CANYON NATURAL AREA - 19152 PLACERITA CANYON RD NEWHALL, CA
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: Santa Clarita San Fernando Valley AAIMM CAT, MAMA’s Neighborhood, Luna and Sol

RSVP HERE

APRIL 17

SCSFV AAIMM CAT - Workout and Hike

TIME ⏰: 10AM - 12 PM
LOCATION 📍: LAKE BALBOA - San Fernando Valley (6300 BALBOA BLVD, LAKE BALBOA, CA 91406)
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: Santa Clarita San Fernando Valley AAIMM CAT,  Essence Health & UROGYNECOLOGY, MAMA’s Neighborhood, Sprinkles of Sage

RSVP HERE

Doulas Increase Breastfeeding Success and Help Reduce Medical Interventions, including C-Sections

To celebrate World Doula Week, March 22-28, we honor the dedicated professional Doulas in our community.

The African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative is excited to announce the release of a request for proposals for a newly identified AAIMM Coalition Strengthening Partner (CSP). The AAIMM Management Team and Steering Committee have recognized the need for the initiative to evolve into a more sustainable and equitable collaboration that reflects stakeholder diversity. To embody its guiding principles, the structure of the Management Team will be enhanced. 

This RFP invites proposals from organizations interested in becoming the AAIMM CSP, which will join the Department of Public Health and First 5 LA on the Management Team. The CSP will act as a strategic convenor and administrator to improve operational effectiveness and enhance the initiative’s collective impact.

This is a grant-funded opportunity with two phases of work, subject to available funding. The selected CSP will receive $350,000 over 12 months for Phase 1. Phase 1 may be extended based on external factors impacting its scope. Continuation to Phase 2 will depend on performance and funding availability. 

Interested applicants should carefully review the RFP LINKED HERE - Proposals are due Wednesday, May 21st, at 3 p.m. PT

A Love Letter to the Black Community

Dear Beloved Community,

As Black History Month closes, I want to take a moment to honor you, the heart and soul of our collective efforts and brilliance. This month, and every day, we stand in awe of the strength, wisdom, and determination that runs through our veins. Our rich history of Black culture, of scholars, of leaders, of change-makers, is not just a foundation—it is the very fuel that propels us forward.

This year, as we face ongoing challenges, particularly in the realm of Black maternal health, we are reminded of the powerful legacy that has paved the way for us.

From the countless ancestors who fought for our freedom, like Bridget “Biddy” Mason, midwife, real estate entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the First A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, to the tireless leaders who continue to advocate for justice,we are the living embodiment of their dreams and sacrifices. We carry their spirit and vision forward, ensuring that the next generation of Black mothers/birthing persons and their families are supported, protected, and uplifted.

While the world around us may sometimes feel heavy, and our communities continue to endure political obstacles, I want to remind you of the importance of rest, rejuvenation, and mental well-being. Your tireless work in your families, your communities, and your professions does not go unnoticed. But it is also essential to honor your need for care. Prioritize yourself, take time to recharge, and remember that you are not alone. 

This month, take time. Whether that’s time to reflect, moments to rest, or focus on taking action. Take time. Take that time, those moments, close your eyes and take a breath for all of it.  Our lineage spans centuries, and the work we are doing today is creating a legacy that will be honored by those who come after us.

We, at AAIMM, are here for you—not just to offer support and resources, but to stand with you. We are here to listen, learn, and understand how to best support you as our community members and partners in improving our holistic health together. At AAIMM, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Black families and birthing persons. Whether you are a new mother, an expectant father, a community member, or a dedicated advocate, we are here to provide the resources, the knowledge, and the community you need.

As we celebrate our culture and history this month, we also honor the present and future we are building together. If you tuned into the Super Bowl, perhaps you enjoyed the halftime show, where Compton, California native Kendrick Lamar, with the help of actor Samuel L. Jackson, shared powerful messages about the injustices Black people continue to face. You might have also celebrated Jalen Hurts’ first Super Bowl win as the quarterback with the Philadelphia Eagles, learned that Autumn Lockwood became the first Black woman coach to win a Super Bowl, or stood with pride watching the Nike ad celebrating powerful athletic women and people, with a strong message for all of us—'You Can’t Win, SO WIN.' Each of these moments served as a reminder to me that we are not just descendants of leaders; we are the leaders of today and tomorrow. Within each of us lies the power of those who stood for justice, the wisdom of those who made history, and the courage of those who stand tall in the face of adversity. 

Thank you for your continued determination, joy, and for the light you bring into the world. You are the heart of our movement, and together, we will continue to build a future that honors and uplifts every Black mother/birthing person and our community.

With gratitude, love, respect, and solidarity,

Adjoa Jones
Birth Equity Unit Chief/Director, African American Infant/Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM) 

Maternal Child, Adolescent and Health Division
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

During Black History Month, Abundant Birth Project took part in the City of Inglewood’s Black History Celebration Family Festival, a day of culture, music, food and community honoring Black history and excellence.  AAIMM also took part in the Pan African Film & Arts Festival to present a special screening of The Ebony Canal, a documentary short about Black infant mortality narrated by Viola Davis. Additionally, the AV AAIMM CAT hosted a free community event at the Lancaster Community Center focused on supporting Black mothers and babies.

In response to the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, AAIMM released an online resource guide to help our Village come together to provide support and make space for those in need.  Find resources here. 

Additionally, Sugar Heal is organizing free health services for pregnant and postpartum moms impacted by the recent wildfires. Visit sugarheal.com for information and to sign up.

Want to Provide Backbone Support to AAIMM?

AAIMM has issued a Request for Proposal for Backbone Support for the South LA/South Bay Community Action Team. Submissions are due March 3. The selected organization will provide administrative, operational, and logistical support working with the SLASB AAIMM CAT Leadership, Planning Team and all CAT members to collectively advance goals and objectives.

Interested organizations should review the RFP here.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones as a result of the fires. Sadly we have several LA County cities, communities, and most importantly thousands of individuals who have been impacted by these fires through loss of property---family homes, businesses, schools and so much more. 

Our Village must come together to provide support and resources and make space for those in need. It will certainly take some time for Altadena, Pasadena, Pacific Palisades and other impacted areas of Los Angeles county to recover but we will work together to help families to find safe spaces, healing, and comfort.

Please see below for available resources:

South Los Angeles South Bay Community Action Team - LA COUNTY Wildfires Resource Guide 
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL GUIDE 

LA COUNTY WILDFIRE GUIDE 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

As shared by Congresswoman Kamlager Dove

Sign up for Emergency Alerts

• Sign up for the City of LA's emergency alert system, NotifyLA, here.
• Sign up for Alert LA County emergency alerts here.
• Sign up for the City of Culver City Emergency Alert Program here.
• Additional local emergency alert systems for other municipalities in LA County can be found here.

Federal Resources

Through FEMA, fire management assistance is available to state, local, tribal and territorial governments. This assistance helps with mitigation, management, and control of fires. For more information visit here or call 1-800-621-FEMA.

LA County Resources

The Los Angeles County Emergency Incident Response website has been activated. This website provides a mapping tool and lists real-time evacuation, shelter, and other information/resources related to the Palisades, Eaton, Franklin, and Hurst wildfires.

City of LA Resources

The City of LA has compiled a comprehensive list of resources as part of its emergency preparedness and response efforts. You can view those resources here. 
 
Water and Power Outages

If you are a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer in Ladera Heights, View Park-Windsor Hills, or another impacted area without power, visit this link to report an outage or call 800-611-1911. SCE is on-site working to restore power. You can view current SCE outages here.
 
Department of Water & Power customers can report power outages here or call 800-342-5397. Current water outages can be viewed here and current power outages can be viewed here.
 
Additionally, LADWP is urging customers to conserve water during the firefighting efforts and to boil water intended for consumption due to potential contamination from ash in the system.

LAUSD Impacts

For a list of all school closures and or relocations, please click here. Affected schools are directly communicating with families. For updates, visit lausd.org. A Family Hotline is available at 213-443-1300.

Follow Los Angeles County Public Safety Partners on Social Media

• Office of Emergency Management on X (formerly Twitter): @ReadyLACounty
• LA County Fire on X: @LACoFDPIO
• LA County Sheriff on X: @LASDHQ
• LA County on X: @CountyofLA

Follow the City of LA's Public Safety Partners on Social Media

• The City of Los Angeles on X: @LACity
• Mayor Karen Bass on X: @MayorOfLA
• LA City Emergency Management Department on X: @ReadyLA
• Los Angeles Fire Department on X: @LAFD
• LA City Emergency Alerts on X: @NotifyLA

Airbnb Support for Those Affected by Wildfires

Airbnb, in collaboration with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for residents displaced or forced to evacuate due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County. 

Important Details:

• A limited number of credits are available for Airbnb stays.
• Complete the form below to receive notifications on availability.
• Evacuation zones will be verified before distributing credits.
• Spaces are limited, and completing the form does not guarantee a stay.

Eligibility Requirements:

• You must have been displaced from your physical home due to the recent fires.
• You must currently reside in an evacuation zone.
• You must have an active Airbnb account or be able to create one.
• You must be 18 years of age or older.

Those eligible can apply for this free temporary housing here.

Additional Resources

• Safe Clean-Up After a Fire
• Mental Health and Stress after an Emergency
• Air Quality Monitoring

ASSISTANCE FOR DPH STAFF

A Love Letter to the Black Community 

Open Competitive Job Opportunity - We welcome applications from anyone.

FIRST DATE OF FILING:

Applications will be accepted on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PT) to 4:59 p.m. (PT).

Applications received after 4:59 p.m. (PT) will not be considered.

No Out-of-Class Experience will be accepted.

DEFINITION:

Supervises a team of analysts providing technical and consultative service to management in major health service areas.

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:

Positions allocable to this class are restricted to Department of Health Services administration and are distinguished by

their responsibility for supervising professional employees in the research, analysis, and preparation of recommendationsregarding the use and deployment of resources and the implementation and improvement of operations and programs

having department-wide impact.

Essential Job Functions:

- Plans, organizes, assigns, and coordinates the work of a staff of analysts serving as technical experts and consultants to management in major health service areas.

- Has immediate responsibility for the orientation, training, development, and evaluation of employees supervised.

- Reviews work for thoroughness, soundness of recommendations, and compliance with applicable standards, policies, procedures and regulations.

- Confers with administrators and with representatives of other jurisdictions and agencies to discuss new and ongoing programs and to exchange information.

- Supervises and participates in studies of complex and difficult problem areas.

- Supervises and participates in the implementation of recommended procedures and programs.

Senior Staff Analyst, Health 

The South Los Angeles/South Bay African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Community Action Team (SLA/SB AAIMM CAT) was founded in 2018 with the purpose of bringing community and local government together for collaboration in reducing Black/African American infant and maternal mortality rates in Los Angeles County by addressing underlying determinants such as racism, lack of equitable and quality treatment, and supportive and informed resources and education. Additionally, the SLASB AAIMM CAT's mission is to create, establish, and implement a partnership that brings together mothers, fathers, grandparents, community-based, faith-based, and grassroots groups, community members, and designated individuals from County health departments, such as the Department of Health Services, Department of Public Health, and Department of Mental Health, to devise and implement solutions that aid in the improvement of pregnancy and birthing outcomes for Black mothers/birthing persons and their infants.

SLASB AAIMM CAT is comprised of:

• A Planning Team: comprised of those with lived experience, Workgroup co-chairs, SLASB AAIMM CAT Leadership Team members, community-based organization partners, community members and some County agencies (DPH, DMH and DHS partners) etc. who advise and participate in CAT specific activities that include but are not limited to bi-weekly planning team meetings, bi-monthly AAIMM CAT meetings, workgroup meetings, event planning, strategic planning, and programmatic related task.

• A Leadership Team: comprised of Service Planning Area(s) 6 and 8 DPH Co-leads, MCAH AAIMM Outreach & Engagement Director, Community Co-lead and Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) Program Manager who advise on CAT specific activities and funding matters.

• Four Workgroups:

o Community Outreach & Engagement

o Family Centered Models of Care

o Integrative Community Solutions

o Funder’s Circle

Backbone Support: provides administrative, operational, and logistical support working with the SLASB AAIMM CAT Leadership, Planning Team and all CAT members to collectively advance goals and objectives.

Please see additional details of purpose and work needs/requirements throughout this document.

View the Request for Proposals for Backbone Support for the South LA/South Bay AAIMM Community Action Team - Deadline March 3, 2025

Dear AAIMM Network:

The LA County Department of Public Health has introduced a NEW website, highlighting grant opportunities that may be a good fit for your organization.

Click the button below to visit the 
LA County Department of Public Health’s website.

*The webpage will be continuously updated, so please bookmark it and check back often.

Happy Holidays from AAIMM

From our village to yours, we send you wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season and a joyous New Year.  In this issue of our AAIMM Village News, we proudly share some of our most memorable accomplishments and highlights from 2024. Thanks to your support and participation, we had a stellar year of community building and advocacy in our collective journey toward equitable pregnancy/birthing outcomes for many Black women, birthing persons, their infants and families.

We would like to recognize our doula program and our Community Action Teams (CATs) for their outstanding events throughout the year. Our CATs are the heartbeat of our initiative, and with their leadership and networking in communities across Los Angeles County, AAIMM is able to bring joy and justice to Black families. 

As we move into the holiday season, celebrating traditions of giving, unity, and reflection, and looking forward to Kwanzaa and the New Year, we are grateful for our entire AAIMM Village, including fathers/partners, midwives, clinicians, partnering organizations, and all who are dedicated to Black families and empowering safe, joyous births. Thank you again for your support and enjoy just some of our 2024 highlights below.

Finally, we honor and celebrate the enduring legacy of the late Nikki Giovanni, poet, activist, and visionary, whose profound words and fearless advocacy for justice have left an indelible mark on generations. Nikki's work has inspired countless individuals to stand firm in their truth, to fight for equality, and to embrace the beauty of our collective Black experience. Her passing on December 9th reminds us all of the power of the written word and the ongoing need for activism in shaping a better world. Rest in Power, Nikki Giovanni.

"If we don't like the world we're living in, change it. And if we can't change it, we change ourselves. We can do something." - Nikki Giovanni 

With gratitude,

Adjoa Jones, MBA, CLES, Doula
AAIMM Director
Birth Equity Unit Chief
Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division
Health Promotion Bureau • Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

What made you choose home visitation as part of your family plan? 

I was looking for in-home support to help with my children’s development and readiness for early education.

How did home visitation help you and your family?

It has helped my family and myself tremendously. Not only has it provided us with learning tools to help with my children’s education, but it has also given us bonus items that we needed to create a healthy home environment, as well as essential items that we need to maintain a healthy hygiene routine for the kids such as: pampers, wipes, body wash, lotions, etc.

Join the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM) to celebrate and support expectant Black moms / birthing persons and their families at the 2024 Taste of Soul LA event on October 19 on historic Crenshaw Boulevard between Barack Obama Blvd. and Stocker Ave., in South LA. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m.

Please visit our AAIMM Village in the KJLH area. Learn about our free doula services, Black dad groups, and how you can get involved in local efforts to ensure Black parents have access to healthy and joyous births through one of our AAIMM Community Action Teams. You will also find pregnancy tips, and resources for Black families, including information about our Safe Space directory, which lists local businesses that offer safe spaces for breast/chestfeeding. 

As in previous years, our booth will include a breast/chestfeeding safe space—a cozy oasis designed with you in mind. Enjoy the comfort of rocking chairs, and a peaceful, private area to feed or change your little one. Whether you’re here for a quick break or a longer stay, we’ve created the perfect spot to relax and recharge.

Giveaways will be provided while supplies last. 

Photos from 2023 Taste of Soul LA 

The fifth round of grant applications to the AAIMM Village Fund is now open!. In the spirit of “it takes a village to raise a child,” the Village Fund seeks applications from organizations, networks, coalitions, individual service providers, enterprises or small businesses whose services will contribute to joyous and healthy births for Black families in Los Angeles County. Priority consideration will be given to entities that are Black-led.