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Black Maternal Health Week 2025
"Art of birth the road to liberation"
BMHW 2024 video
Black Maternal Health Week Mission
For Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), our mission is to amplify Black birthing stories, raise awareness about maternal health disparities, and provide culturally competent education, advocacy, and support to Black mothers, birthing people, and families. Through a series of workshops, community events, and policy discussions, we aim to:
Family Fun Day
Bring the whole family for a day of joy, connection, and cultural celebration!
A Celebration of Black Maternal Health, Community, and Resilience
Join us for a day of family fun, community solidarity, and empowerment at Black Maternal Health Week’s "The Art of Birth: Family Fun Day." This vibrant and joyful event is dedicated to celebrating Black maternal health while raising awareness of the challenges and triumphs within our community. Bring your loved ones and immerse yourself in a day filled with games, activities, and entertainment.
This Events Partners: Martha King Center, Birth to Five, Launch NW
Day 3 ~ April 13th
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Policy & Poetry Night
Addressing Social Determinants of Health & Advancing Maternal Justice
Join us for Policy & Poetry: The Art of Birth, a transformative event focused on solution-based discussions, networking, and advocacy around Black maternal health, justice-involved birth, and perinatal health equity. This powerful gathering brings together community leaders, doulas, healthcare professionals, birth justice advocates, and artists to tackle the social determinants of health that impact Black and marginalized families.
Featuring Special Guest: Natasha Aldridge
This Events Partners: NAACP, Natasha, Nectar Lounge
Day 4 ~ April 14th
Movie Night
Lights, Camera, Activism: About the Birth Justice Film
A Powerful Narrative on Black Maternal Health & Reproductive Justice
The Birth Justice Film is a compelling documentary that sheds light on the realities of Black maternal health, birth inequities, and reproductive justice. Through powerful storytelling, personal testimonies, and expert insights, this film amplifies the voices of Black mothers, birth workers, and advocates fighting for equitable maternal care.
This Events Partners: Deaconess MultiCare, Providence
Day 5 ~ April 15th
Dear Sista: Never Forget
A Spoken Word Evening Honoring Black Women's Stories & Strength
Join us for Dear Sista: Never Forget, a powerful evening of spoken word, storytelling, and reflection, celebrating the sacred experiences of Black women. Through poetry, personal narratives, and shared wisdom, this event serves as a reminder to never lose hope and to recognize the beauty, power, and resilience in our words.
This intimate gathering will bring together poets, writers, and storytellers to uplift Black women's voices, struggles, victories, and dreams, creating a space for healing, empowerment, and community connection.
This Events Partners: The Black Lens, Providence
Day 6 ~ April 16th
Movement of Joy
Movement with Joy: A Doula-Led Zumba Experience
Join us for Movement with Joy, a high-energy, community-centered Zumba session designed to celebrate movement, wellness, and the power of doulas! This event blends joyful dance with intentional care, creating a space for expecting parents, postpartum moms, doulas, and community members to move, connect, and rejuvenate. This event is open to all—whether you're a mom, a birth worker, or just looking to move with joy, we welcome you! Let’s celebrate movement, sisterhood, and the powerful role of doulas in our lives.
Empire Health Foundation, Soul Aim, Michael Moody, GirlTrek, Jasmine’s Yoga Group
Day 7 ~ April 17th
Day 1 ~ April 11th
Art Exhibits
Art exhibits are all week and at multiple locations
The Black Maternal Health Exhibit is a powerful, immersive experience that sheds light on the realities of Black maternal health, honoring the resilience, strength, and stories of Black women and their families. Through visual storytelling, personal narratives, and cultural expression, this exhibit aims to raise awareness, honor the journey of birth, share personal stories, promote healing, and empower Black women.
This event's partners: WSU Health Equity Circle, Providence Hospital.
Day 2 ~ April 12th
The Shades of Motherhood Conference ​
Host: Stephanie Courtney | The CEO & Founder of Sades of motherhood Non-profit
At this conference we have many amazing people coming to share their insights and knowledge. Along with our guest Speakers we have a Doula Pannel, a Mental Health Pannel, Somatic Health and Wellness Pannel and several performers. This conffence will bring not only community but Healing as we all work together to bring about change.
Guest Speakers: Theresa Fourtune & Zadora Williams
This Events Partners: WSU Health Equity Circle, Providence Hospital
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Platinum Sponsor
Sponsors For 2025
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors who have supported and contributed to making BMHW a reality! Thank you for tackling the challenges surrounding Maternal Health.
BMHW 2024 Recap
Black Maternal Health Week, held from April 11th to 17th, 2024, centered on the theme "Shades of Urgency." The Shades of Motherhood Network is dedicated to raising awareness in the community by hosting a variety of events focused on all aspects of Black Maternal Health. These events aimed to promote awareness and inspire community action to create change for Black mothers. Here, you'll find a recap of last year's events along with recordings, to increase awareness and drive change for this year's BMHW. This recap offers valuable insights from the 2024 BMHW, ensuring continued education and impact as we look forward to 2025
2024 Events
Press Release
from 2024
BMHW 2024 Live Book Readings
Watch Now and Embark on a poignant journey through the pages of compelling narratives that illuminate the diverse shades of urgency surrounding maternal health. Please watch for an enriching and enlightening virtual experience, "Shades Of Urgency: Maternal Health Live Virtual Book Reading.
Nasheeda Pollard International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, public health professional, and author
Sponsors From 2024
We would like to thank all the sponsors that have supported and contributed into making BMHW possible! Thank you for crushing the crisis around Maternal Health.
Platinum Sponsor
