A Black History Month Message from the Director

As we celebrate the history and achievements of Black people during this month of commemoration, we are mindful of those who wish to erase our history and minimize our achievements. Recent headlines of maternal and infant losses, of attacks on immigrant communities and those who stand with them in solidarity, strengthen our resolve to achieve our mission to build, collectively, a future in which Black families thrive.  

The urgency of our mission is shaping how AAIMM is activating in 2026. We launched our Compassion Response Fund, which provides financial support to Black families impacted by pregnancy-related loss (read more below). We are resurfacing critical tips and education families can use to make plans for their care (also below). Across the AAIMM network, there are increasing supports and resources for birthworkers, including the Medi-Cal Doula Hub, which provides training, technical assistance and advocacy for new and experienced doulas to become Medi-Cal providers and serve the diversity of LA County’s families. 

I celebrate you, the people at the heart of our AAIMM Village for your historic contributions to Black maternal health. By centering our stories, our people, our leadership, we have built a movement for joyous, healthy Black births in Los Angeles County and beyond. At this critical moment, I ask you to reflect and share with us: What should the year ahead look like for AAIMM? What are your agencies focusing on in 2026? Where do our efforts align, and where can AAIMM provide additional support?

We will continue to honor Black life by protecting it, uplifting our families and our collective right to safe, joyous beginnings. Thank you to each of the community leaders and partners, birthing parents, doulas, lactation specialists, fatherhood program participants, birth workers, who stay the course and recognize the strength in our numbers. 

With deep love and gratitude,

Adjoa Jones

AAIMM Director

Birth Equity Unit Chief

Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division

Health Promotion Bureau • Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Happy Holidays 

During this holiday season, I am reminded that this time of year can hold both joy and uncertainty. Many in our community are facing real challenges, from delayed SNAP benefits to the rising cost of health insurance and essential care. And as always, we hold the ongoing concern about what these shifts mean for Black maternal and infant health, especially in light of the numerous stories we have seen where Black women/birthing people have been dismissed during their laboring and delivery. 

Yet, even in the midst of these challenges, I remain deeply hopeful.

My holiday wish for you and your family is simple: that you feel supported, seen, and held by your Village, and that you have space to rest and that joy finds its way to you.

As we move into the season of celebration, reflection, and Kwanzaa, I’m filled with pride for everything we accomplished together in 2025. Our collective work, driven by love and unwavering commitment, continues to strengthen our community and create pathways for Black birthing people to experience safe, healthy, and joy-filled births.

This year, we engaged with thousands of families, offering support, connection and care at some of the most vulnerable and life-changing moments.

As we look toward the future, AAIMM is doubling down on our commitment to care, compassion and community-rooted solutions. In 2026, we will continue to provide culturally centered mental health support for Black birthing people, offer community-based doula care, and deepen the partnerships that help us meet families where they are, with dignity, love and practical support.

Thank you for being part of this movement, this Village and this vision. Together, we are building a Los Angeles County where every Black parent and baby is welcomed into the world with joy, safety, and community by their side. Read the 2025 Highlights below featuring a few of our key programs.

With deep love and gratitude,

Adjoa Jones

AAIMM Director

Birth Equity Unit Chief

Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division

Health Promotion Bureau • Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

During Black Breast/Chestfeeding Week, AAIMM Celebrates Lactation Educators and Consultants

Greetings from the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM) where we center healthy, joyous Black births and celebrate Black breast- and chest-feeding every day. This month, we give attention to the healthy start that breast/chestfeeding provides babies, and this week we celebrate Black Breast/Chestfeeding Week with activities throughout Los Angeles County. See our event listing below!

Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25-31) was launched 13 years ago by activists Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka. Black Breastfeeding Week grew out of the need to build awareness about and highlight the special challenges and triumphs of being Black and breastfeeding. At this critical point in time, we are grateful for these leaders who created this week and curate annual events that support bodily autonomy and encourage mothers to be equipped with knowledge and tools to nourish their infants.

The 2025 Black Breastfeeding Week theme is “Boots on the Ground! Rooted in Breastfeeding Success, Grounded in Community Support." At AAIMM, we celebrate the importance of community support to create breast/chestfeeding success in the Black community. Here at AAIMM, we are honoring all International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and Certified Lactation Education Specialists (CLES), with a special shoutout to our Black lactation educators who help new parents navigate infant feeding through engaging and innovative education, support groups, and resources. Our amazing specialists are being featured on our IG Live throughout Black Breastfeeding Week.

AAIMM provides Black families with a directory of Safe Spaces for Breast/Chestfeeding, which is continuously updated with new information. 

If you are anywhere in Los Angeles County and you would like your location to be designated as a Safe Space for Black breast/chestfeeding, sign up here: https://www.blackinfantsandfamilies.org/become_a_safe_space 

If you need breast/chestfeeding support, you can learn more at https://www.blackinfantsandfamilies.org/breastfeeding.

Finally, I’d also like to share an article with you. Please take a moment to read:From Slavery To Liberation: The Diasporic Legacy of Black Breastfeeding

In solidarity,

Adjoa Jones, MBA, CLES, Doula
Director, African American Infant/Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM)

Birth Equity Unit Chief 

Maternal, Child, Adolescent, and Health Division 

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Editorial Statement: 

We would like to extend our love, prayers and support to our communities – colleagues, families and those experiencing trepidation, mental exhaustion and anguish in fear of ICE showing up to homes and common spaces. We encourage you to become aware of your (and your neighbors’) immigration rights (LA Care as one example, DPH example attached). Please be safe as you attend events and travel, and take time to update your emergency plans with your loved ones.

Letter from AAIMM's
Fatherhood Coordinator

Dads need a village, too! 

As June comes to a close—a month dedicated to celebrating Fathers, Fatherhood, and Father’s Day, I’m sharing this important message that grounds my work as the coordinator of fatherhood programs for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM). As a father myself, I know the importance of activating my village of support. To me, being a Father means providing all that my child needs to be healthy and happy while being vulnerable enough to know when I need help providing those things so she is always loved and cared for the way she deserves. I also know that advancing Father-involvement improves pathways to economic mobility, promotes healthy and empowering lives and leads to increased positive childhood outcomes for our children. 

One of the many wonderful things about AAIMM is that we help Black fathers by sharing resources and information. Through our six-week virtual Expecting Fathers Groups, we help men get ready for fatherhood. They learn what to expect at each stage of pregnancy and how their involvement can lead to a more healthy and joyous birth for their birthing partners and their babies. New sessions begin every month. For info, text DAD to 323-745-2771.

We also offer weekly Black Daddy Dialogue meetings on Zoom. These serve as an open forum for dads and father figures to receive peer support, resources and assistance. Our goal with Black Daddy Dialogue is to change the narrative around African American and Black fathers and families by feeding the mind and spirit of fathers. Sessions are held Wednesday evenings at 6:30PM Pacific. For info, text DAD to 323-745-2771.

AAIMM’s website also offers critical resources and information for fathers, father figures and expecting dads. Visit blackinfantsandfamilies.org/fatherhood to explore stories from other black Fathers and learn about AAIMM’s upcoming events and other resources for Black families.

Fatherhood changed my life for the better. Having my daughter challenged me to grow daily and learn to adapt to the ever-changing world she is growing up in. No day is the same, no lesson too small to learn, no problem is too big to handle, and I learned that from her. Throughout the month of June, I invite all dads to join me on this journey of parenting by activating your village of support. Feel free to email us if you’d like to know more at: [email protected]. 

Kindest regards,

Davion Mauldin

AAIMM Fatherhood Coordinator 

LA County Department of Public Health, Division of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health

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.

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

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 

Reclaiming our narrative and centering our stories for breastfeeding justice.

It is Black Breast/Chestfeeding Week in Los Angeles County and nationwide, and we are honoring the voices and journeys of cherished Black birthing families. The founders of Black Breastfeeding Week have named the theme for this week: “Listen Up! Reclaiming Our Narrative & Centering Our Stories for Breastfeeding Justice  ”.

In this Issue: Celebrating Fatherhood!

June is an exciting month for the AAIMM village! All month long, we're amplifying our Fatherhood program on our website, social media platforms, and through grassroots and media efforts. We're also looking forward to community events celebrating fathers and freedom.

Keep reading to learn more!

In this issue: 

We have some exciting news! AAIMM is a proud sponsor of this year's KJLH Women's Health Expo. Get more details about the Expo, our booth, and giveaways. You'll also see some highlights from BMHW, so keep reading for more! 

As always, thank YOU for being an outstanding member of our AAIMM village.
We're stronger together