The African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM) proudly supports the seventh annual celebration of Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), April 11-17.
Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), BMHW 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 AAIMM activities for Black Maternal Health Week serve to amplify the voices of Black mamas and birthing persons and center the values and history of the reproductive and birth justice movements.
From Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA):
We are thrilled to reveal the official theme for Black Maternal Health Week 2024 (#BMHW24): “Our Bodies STILL Belong to Us: Reproductive Justice NOW!” Widespread restrictions on abortion care access coupled with rising cases of criminalization due to pregnancy loss continue to widen the gaps of adverse maternal and birth outcomes in the U.S. Many of the states with the most restrictive abortion bans have the worst maternal and child health outcomes and the least supportive social welfare and family support programs, particularly for Black women and birthing people. The time is NOW to demand for comprehensive public and private insurance coverage for maternal, sexual, and reproductive health care; improve access to care across geographies and birth settings; issue guidance to health care providers, institutions, insurance companies, and related entities on providing equitable, high-quality, patient-centered care; and funding research and programs that center and utilize scholarship of Black women and birthing people, as fully described in BMMA’s comprehensive Policy Agenda.
BMMA continues to highlight and center culturally-congruent practices with a focus on Black Midwifery care and full-spectrum Black-led Doula care, as sound, evidence-based solutions. Most importantly, these are practices and solutions that incorporate the true needs, wants, and desires of Black women and birthing people.
AAIMM stands in solidarity with BMMA toward growing the village of support around Black women and birthing persons before, during, and after pregnancy and birth. During BMHW, we will be sharing events from organizations within our network — including those hosted by our AAIMM Community Action Teams — creating social media posts and digital content, and providing information, which will enable us to get closer to our goal of bringing about more equitable birthing outcomes for all women.
Please check this page during the week of April 11-17 for updated event listings and other information, and feel free to share the link with your Village. Follow @blackinfantsandfamiliesla on Instagram for updates and use #BMHW24, and #BlackMaternalHealthWeek to help spread awareness.
2024 BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
APRIL 10
Event Name: Well Women’s Health Day
TIME: 10am-2pm
LOCATION: Tribe Midwifery, 4474 West Adams Blvd., Ste. 204, Los Angeles, CA 90016
DESCRIPTION: Receive a FREE well-woman gynecology exam. Lab tests and pap smears are $35 cash, or free with insurance. Dive into the world of women's sexual and reproductive health, exploring topics like menstrual wellness, perimenopause, menopause, and alternative childbirth choices.
CAT/ORG: Tribe Midwifery, Birthing & Babies, and Birth Story Midwifery
RSVP: Email [email protected] or call 909-480-1998 for more information or to make a required appointment.
Event Name: Meet Your Village
TIME: 11AM-2PM
LOCATION: Curtis Tucker Center for Community Wellness, 123 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301
DESCRIPTION: The AAIMM Doula Advisory Committee (DAC) will host a community in-person gathering, offering local doula, doula collectives, and pregnant people the chance to connect and collaborate face-to-face. The Meet Your Village event will be held at Curtis Tucker Center for Community Wellness in Inglewood and aims to highlight Doula support and community resources in LA County, fostering connections, collaborations, and sharing with the community.
Meet Your Village will include a panel of perinatal providers highlighting each of their services and organization offerings, activities, vendor tables, raffles/giveaways, and more.
CAT/ORG: AAIMM Doula Advisory Committee
Event Name: Black Daddy Dialogue
TIME: 6:30PM
LOCATION: Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Public Health, 11833 Wilmington Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90059
DESCRIPTION: Come kick off Black Maternal Health Week with AAIMM’s Fatherhood program. This is an in-person gathering for Black dads who want to support and uplift each other as we stand in solidarity with Black mamas and birthing persons.
CAT/ORG: AAIMM’s Fatherhood Program
APRIL 11
Event Name: California Black Birth Equity Summit - BMHW Virtual Gathering
TIME: 12PM
LOCATION: Virtual via Zoom
DESCRIPTION: Gather virtually with Black birth justice advocates, birthworkers, and Black families for a restorative afternoon of yoga, breathwork, movement, storytelling, sound healing, and networking. Attendees will have the opportunity to select two 30-minute wellness breakout sessions. Comfortable clothing, paper and pens are recommended. We look forward to you joining us!
CAT/ORG: SLASB AAIMM CAT and the AAIMM Steering Committee
Event Name: Doula and Midwife History Exhibit
TIME: 4:00PM - 9:00PM
LOCATION: Cedar Center, 44857 Cedar Ave., Lancaster, CA, 93534
DESCRIPTION: Come celebrate Black Maternal Health Week with the AV AAIMM CAT for an educational and inspiring evening. We will be honoring the history of the midwife and doula with multiple displays and films on the history of the midwife.
CAT/ORG: AV AAIMM CAT
Event Name: “Birthing Justice” Screening and Discussion
TIME: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
LOCATION: Creative Visions Foundation, 18820 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
DESCRIPTION: Please join us as we honor Black Maternal Health Week with a screening of “Birthing Justice,” followed by a discussion with Executive Producer Denise Pines and Public Health Leader Adjoa Jones on Thursday, April 11, at 6pm.
America's medical inequities have turned giving birth into a battlefield for too many Black women and their babies. “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.
Seating is limited so please RSVP now. Registration is required for this event. Due to parking restrictions, Uber/Lyft/rideshare is highly encouraged. Limited parking is available in the lot in front of Boardriders. Ample parking is available along PCH.
CAT/ORG: Women in the Rooms Production with SLASB AAIMM CAT
APRIL 12
Event Name: Black Mamas Birthing Tour
TIME: 10am
LOCATION: Birthing Centers across LA County
DESCRIPTION: Join us during Black Maternal Health Week for an intentionally curated tour of various birthing spaces in Los Angeles County. Our mission is to empower Black expecting parents by showcasing the various birthing spaces and resources available to them. From the Charles Drew University Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence to Kindred Space LA, Cedars Sinai, and LA County General Hospital you'll receive insights into each facility's offerings! Transportation and lunch will be provided. Space is limited; RSVP required.
CAT/ORG: Black Women for Wellness and SLASB AAIMM CAT
Event Name: “Heal the Her’t: The Art of Storytelling” Film Screening" (TBD)
TIME: 4-6pm
LOCATION: Palmdale Cinemark, 1475 W Avenue P, Palmdale, CA 93551
DESCRIPTION: In HONO(u)R of the mamas, birthers, nurturers, babies, doulas, and community. In HONO(u)R of OUR Voices!
In Due Time Coalition presents “Heal the Her't: The Art of Storytelling.” The stories that will be shared in this Creative ART are Golden, like the poppies in the Antelope Valley. OUR stories are OUR herstory/history! And will NOT be contained. O(u)Ral storytelling is OUR tradition! As we embark on this jOURney, capturing these MOMents, WE would LOVE to invite you out and witness GREATness in the MAKING.
As WE continue to be solution-driven in aiding the efforts of reducing Black/African American infant and maternal mortality rates in Los Angeles County, we are committed to providing UNWAVERING support to birthing families, regardless of outcomes, and linking them to essential community resources to promote communal healing. And remember, stories that are told, are stories that are heard!
General tickets are $11, VIP tickets are $35. 10% of all ticket sales will be donated to the AV AAIMM CAT. Tickets may be purchased in advance and at the door. For more information, please call 661-506-4314 or visit www.induetimeco.org.
CAT/ORG: AV AAIMM CAT
APRIL 13 - POSTPONED!
Event Name: 3rd Annual Community Baby Shower and Resource Fair
TIME: 10am-1pm
LOCATION: California State University, Dominguez Hills, 830 E. Victoria St., Carson, CA 90746 - Lot 3
DESCRIPTION: SLASB AAIMM CAT will be hosting its 3rd annual Community Baby Shower and Resource Fair. We will be providing Black mamas and their families with free baby essentials and resources.
CAT/ORG: South Los Angeles/South Bay AAIMM CAT
For more information, email [email protected] or call 213-587-2252
Event Name: Black Maternal Health Week Brunch Celebration
TIME: 11am-2pm
LOCATION: 6600 Topanga Canyon, St 1250 Canoga Park, CA 91303
DESCRIPTION: Join us to honor Black Maternal Health Week with a celebration honoring our birthing journeys with good food and mimosas!
CAT/ORG: SFV/SC AAIMM CAT
Event Name: Black Girl Saturday School® Live in LA: Celebrating Sacred Black Storytelling
TIME: 1-3pm
LOCATION: Band of Vices, 5351 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016
DESCRIPTION: Join i.D.R.E.A.M. for Racial Health Equity and Los Angeles County Black Infant Health as they welcome Black Girl Saturday School® to Los Angeles, CA during Black Maternal Health Week.
About our Speaker: Principal and Founder of Black Girl Saturday School®, Dr. LaShay Harvey, has over 20 years of experience as an educator specializing in human sexuality and the arts. She is a qualitative researcher and evaluator for higher education, sexuality and gender, maternal and fetal health and mortality, and art history.
Black Girl Saturday School® is the place where the study of Black girls’ and women’s lives is valued, appreciated, cultivated, immersive, healing, restorative, grounding, available, continual, fun, and more.
CAT/ORG: i.D.R.E.A.M. for Racial Health Equity a project of Community Partners®
Event Name: Black Film Showcase
TIME: 1:30-4pm
LOCATION: USC Fisher Museum of Art, 823 W Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90089
DESCRIPTION: Join us for an evening of reflection, empowerment, and action as we shine a light on an urgent issue within our community: Black maternal mortality. In collaboration with CinnaMoms Crenshaw, we present a curated selection of Black short films that delve into the complexities of Black maternal health and the alarming disparities that persist.
Through powerful narratives and compelling storytelling, these films amplify the voices of Black mothers and highlight the systemic challenges they face before, during, and after childbirth. From navigating biased healthcare systems to confronting societal stigma, these stories illuminate the harsh realities while also celebrating resilience and strength.
In addition to the film screening, immerse yourself in a live art installation that captures the essence of the Black maternal experience. Witness artists bring forth emotions and truths through their creative expressions, offering a visceral interpretation of the issues at hand.
But the evening doesn't end there. Engage with community resources, connect with local organizations, and explore a curated selection of vendors offering goods and services that support maternal health and wellness within the Black community.
This event is not just about raising awareness; it's about fostering dialogue, building solidarity, and mobilizing for change. Together, let's confront the silence surrounding Black maternal mortality and work towards a future where every mother receives the care and support she deserves.
Join us for an evening of education, inspiration, and activism. Together, we can break the silence and empower change.
Admission is free, but donations to support maternal health initiatives are welcome. RSVP now to secure your spot and participate in this important conversation.
CAT/ORG: Black Women for Wellness, CinnaMoms, and SLASB AAIMM CAT
Event Name: How to Journal Your Lived Experiences Along Your Birthing Journey
TIME: 3-5pm
LOCATION: Octavia’s Bookshelf, 1365 N Hill Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104
DESCRIPTION: Join us for an afternoon of fellowship and fun while designing your own personal journal and pen (DDIY: Design and Do it Yourself). 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. Journals, pens, and SGV AAIMM CAT mugs will be distributed while supplies last.
CAT/ORG: SGV AAIMM CAT
APRIL 14
TBD
APRIL 15
Event Name: Taking Care Of You: A Prenatal Yoga Experience For Black Moms
DATE: Monday, April 15, 2024
TIME: 3pm
LOCATION: Crenshaw Yoga & Dance, 5426 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles 90043
DESCRIPTION: Free prenatal yoga class for Black moms in Los Angeles! With the health disparities facing Black birthing moms in America, this class creates a safe space for moms to focus on their maternal health as well as welcome talking points about current fears and challenges in the health care system. This class includes pranyama (breathwork), guided meditation, vocalization, pelvic floor engagement, and Yoga Nidra.
CAT/ORG: Kindred Space LA, Tranquil Care Inc., Queen Hakim
Event Name: Virtual Fireside with Dr. Harvey
TIME: 6:00pm-7:30pm
LOCATION: Virtual Event
DESCRIPTION: Principal and Founder of Black Girl Saturday School®, Dr. LaShay Harvey, has over 20 years of experience as an educator specializing in human sexuality and the arts. She is a qualitative researcher and evaluator for higher education, sexuality and gender, maternal/fetal health and mortality, and art history. During our fireside chat, Dr. Harvey will share the brilliance of her Black Woman Wisdom with our allies and community members who want to know more about Black Girl Saturday School®.
CAT/ORG: i.D.R.E.A.M.
APRIL 16
Event Name: Enlighten & Empower
TIME: 11am-1pm
LOCATION: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731E 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059
DESCRIPTION: The Black Maternal Health Center of Excellence (BMHCE) is hosting the unveiling of the Black Maternal Health Library Collection in Cobb Lobby of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Join us for presentations from our medical students and special guest speakers.
CAT/ORG: BMHCE
Event Name: Family Planning Virtual Series: It Takes a Village
TIME: 6-7:30pm
LOCATION: Virtual Event
DESCRIPTION: Join us as we discuss how to create a healthy pregnancy and highlight how someone can receive support during and after pregnancy.
CAT/ORG: Black Health Initiative, Planned Parenthood
Event Name: Black Mamas Glowing® Pregnancy Peer Support Group
TIME: 6-7:30pm
LOCATION: Virtual Event
DESCRIPTION: Black Mamas Glowing® is a virtual peer support group experience formed to reduce isolation and build community for Black birthing families and the expanded Black perinatal workforce including birth workers. The focus is on maternal mental health with Black pregnant women and birthing people in greater Los Angeles and surrounding counties. This 4-part series meets every Tuesday.
Registration closes 24 hours before the cohort begins.
CAT/ORG: i.D.R.E.A.M.
APRIL 17
Event Name: Doula Who? Doula How? Doula What? Body Autonomy and Your Rights During Birth
TIME: 11am
LOCATION: Virtual event via the @lapubliclibrary YouTube livestream
Black Maternal Health Week is a week away and we are so excited to be collaborating with the Los Angeles Public Library for the second year in a row for a livestream panel, "Doula Who? Doula How? Doula What? Body Autonomy and Your Rights During Birth" on Wednesday, April 17 at 11am PT via the @lapubliclibrary YouTube livestream.
Although registration is NOT required, you can sign up to receive a Google calendar invite for the event at bit.ly/fldbmhw24.
On the day of the event, head over to www.youtube.com/@lapubliclibrary to tune into this informative, timely, and necessary webinar on informed consent, body autonomy, and more! #bmhw24
CAT/ORG: Frontline Doulas, The Los Angeles Public Library
Event Name: Use of Imagery in Wellness Event
TIME: 12-2pm
LOCATION: Peer Resource Center (Located at the MRT Behavioral Health Center), 12021 Wilmington Ave., Bldg. 18, Los Angeles, CA 90059
DESCRIPTION: The Outreach and Engagement Team and Maternal Mental Health of Service Area 6 will host Use of Imagery in Wellness Event which is open to all birthing persons and their families. It will include a one-hour workshop explaining the use of imagery in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in an effort to make a connection to our CBT maternal mental health group. Participants will be led through a guided imagery exercise. Lunch will be provided to all in attendance as well as a free bag of diapers.
CAT/ORG: South Los Angeles/South Bay AAIMM CAT
Contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.
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