From Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA):

This year marks the fifth year anniversary of the Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) campaign. Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, BMHW is a week of awareness, activism, and community building intended to:

Deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health in the US;
Amplify community-driven policy, research, and care solutions;
Center the voices of Black Mamas, women, families, and stakeholders;
Provide a national platform for Black-led entities and efforts on maternal health, birth and reproductive justice; and
Enhance community organizing on Black maternal health.

Black Maternal Health Week takes place every year from April 11 –17 and was officially recognized by the White House on April 13th, 2021. (AAIMM note: Last year, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors also passed a motion recognizing April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week and officially declared April 16 as the Day of the Black Infant.) The month of April is recognized in the United States as National Minority Health Month — a month-long initiative to advance health equity across the country on behalf of all racial and ethnic minorities. Additionally, we are joining dozens of global organizations who are fighting to end maternal mortality globally in advocating that the United Nations recognize April 11th as the International Day for Maternal Health and Rights.

The campaign and activities for Black Maternal Health Week serve to amplify the voices of Black Mamas and center the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements. Activities during BMHW are rooted in human rights, reproductive justice, and birth justice frameworks.

The African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative is aligning our 2022 campaign with messaging around the importance of creating a village of support around Black women/birthing persons before, during and after birth in order to help support healthy and joyous birthing outcomes. As we support the efforts of BMMA during BMHW, we will also be sharing events from organizations within our network — including those hosted by our Community Action Teams — creating social media posts and digital content, and providing information, in an effort to encourage families to activate their own villages for joyous and healthy births. We also hope to inspire the greater village to step into their key roles which will enable us to get closer to our mission of bringing about more equitable birthing outcomes for ALL women.

Please check this website hub during the week of April 11-17 for event listings and other information, and feel free to share the link with your Village. Follow @blackinfantsandfamiliesla on Instagram for updates and use #BMHW22, #BlackMaternalHealthWeek, and #ActivateYourVillage to share your birthing journey with us.