Black Maternal Health Week 2026: Rooted in Justice and Joy

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, “Rooted in Justice and Joy,” centers justice and joy as inseparable forces to honor the labor, leadership, and resilience of Black-led organizations while advancing systemic change through community-driven care, policy advocacy, and cultural healing.

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 #BMHW26 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.

2026 BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK AAIMM CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEE BELOW FOR EVENT DETAILS:

🗓️ APRIL 10 

*National Public Health Week, April 6th – 12th

The Suckle Center - Pilates and Prosecco
TIME ⏰: 11am - 12:30pm
LOCATION 📍: The Loft Long Beach - 3290 Cherry Ave,
Long Beach, CA
Hosted By: The Suckle Center
RSVP HERE

Empowering, Engaging, & Acknowledging Fathers!
TIME ⏰: 6pm - 8pm
LOCATION 📍:
Valley Presbyterian Hospital
Jean and David Health Education Building (Auditorium)
15107 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, CA 91405
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: AAIMM Fatherhood Initiative, DHS Mamas

🗓️ APRIL 11

SLASB AAIMM CAT - 5th Annual Community Baby Shower
TIME ⏰: 10am – 1pm
LOCATION 📍: MLK Behavioral Health Center  (12021 S. Wilmington Ave. Bldg #18  LA, CA 90059)
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: South LA South Bay AAIMM CAT, BIH, DPH, Black Women for Wellness, Cinnamoms, CA Abundant Birth Project, Planned Parenthood and more!
RSVP HERE

AV AAIMM CAT - BMHW CELEBRATION
TIME ⏰: 10am - 1pm
LOCATION 📍: Ohana Center (38700 5th Street West Suite D Palmdale, CA 93551)
Hosted by: AV AAIMM CAT
RSVP HERE

Beauty for Ashes Maternal Wellness - 4th Annual 5K Walk
TIME ⏰: 8AM - 12PM
LOCATION 📍: The Doula Hub  (5835 Overhill Dr. L.A. 90043)
REGISTER HERE

Family Play Day At The Park
TIME ⏰: 12:30pm - 4:30pm
LOCATION 📍: Rosecrans Recreation
840 W 149th St Gardena, CA 90247
Hosted by: CABWHP, PRC 
REGISTER HERE

🗓️ APRIL 12

San Gabriel Valley AAIMM CAT - Community Baby Shower
TIME ⏰: 3pm - 7pm
LOCATION 📍: Second Baptist Church of Monrovia (925 S Shamrock Ave. Monrovia, CA 91016)
REGISTER HERE

🗓️ APRIL 13

Dear Mamas, A letter Writing Workshop Honoring Black Motherhood
TIME ⏰: 6pm - 8pm
LOCATION 📍: All for Kids (1910 Magnolia Ave, Los Angeles 90007)
Hosted by: BW4W, F5LA, ALL FOR KIDS, FIERCE AUNTIES, FLORA FAMILY FOUNDATION, PACKARD FOUNDATION
REGISTER HERE

🗓️ APRIL 14

Black Parenthood Unfiltered: A Virtual Game Night Rooting in Justice & Joy
TIME ⏰: 5:30PM
LOCATION 📍: ZOOM
Hosted by the Black Girls Mental Health Foundation via Zoom
REGISTER HERE

M.O.R.E. Mothers Workshop Series
TIME ⏰: 2:15PM - 3:45PM
LOCATION 📍: 5599 Atlantic Ave.

🗓️ APRIL 15

Black Women for Wellness – 3rd Annual Black Mamas Birthing Tour
TIME ⏰: 8am – 5pm
For more information visit BWWLA.org
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: Black Women for Wellness, Packard Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Cedars Sinai
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

🗓️ APRIL 16

Santa Clarita San Fernando Valley AAIMM CAT - BMHW Community Walk
TIME ⏰: 10am - 12pm
LOCATION 📍: 6300 Balboa Blvd, Lake Balboa 91406
Hosted by: SCSFV AAIMM
REGISTER HERE

Rooted in the Womb - hosted by Black Women for Wellness
TIME ⏰: 4 - 6pm
LOCATION 📍: Plant Chica (4311 Degnan Blvd. Leimert Park, 90008)
For more information visit BWWLA.org

🗓️ APRIL 17

Rooted in Justice: 2026 California Birth Equity Policy Updates and Community Forum 
TIME ⏰: 12-2pm PT
LOCATION 📍: virtual Zoom
Hosted by: California Black Birth Equity Summit + UCSF Center for Birth Justice 
REGISTER HERE

🗓️ APRIL 18

SCSFV AAIMM CAT - Honoring Your Body
TIME ⏰: 11AM - 2 PM
LOCATION 📍: St. Paul's United Methodist Church (5619 Lindley Ave, Tarzana, CA 91356)
RSVP HERE

Mama’s Magic Block Party - Honoring Black Motherhood
TIME ⏰: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION 📍: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
IN PARTNERSHIP 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽: LA General and Harbor - UCLA OB/GYN Departments 

EmpowerMOM Presented By Black Girls Mental Health Foundation
TIME ⏰: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
LOCATION 📍The Gathering Spot Atlanta, Georgia (384 Northyards Boulevard NW Atlanta, GA 30313)
Sponsored by the Black Girls Mental Health Foundation
REGISTER HERE