Maternal Health Conference: Black Maternal Health

Black Maternal Health Week is a national campaign in the United States that aims to raise awareness about the disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women and to promote policies and initiatives to improve their health and well-being. The campaign takes place annually from April 11 to April 17, and it was established by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance in 2018.

The campaign highlights the alarming statistics on maternal health outcomes for Black women, who are more likely to experience pregnancy-related complications, such as maternal mortality, preterm birth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression, compared to white women. These disparities persist regardless of income, education, or other socioeconomic factors.

About Black Maternal Health Week

Held annually on April 11-17th, BMHW is a week-long campaign founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance​ to build awareness, activism, and community-building​ to amplify ​the voices, perspectives and lived experiences of Black Mamas and birthing people. The week is intentionally held during National Minority Health Month and begins on April 11th annually to join dozens of global organizations in marking this day as International Day for Maternal Health and Rights – an opportunity to advocate for the elimination of maternal mortality globally. The activities and conversations hosted throughout the week intentionally center the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements. ​

Our Keynote Speaker

Anjanette Vaidya

Rutgers University- School of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2018

Published Journal: https://journals.sagepub.com/description/TCZ

Workshop

In this conference we will be highlighting lived experience through film and discussion panelist who want to share there lived experiences as well as professional expertise. We will be highlighting a panel of Mothers, Fathers, Black Pre-med students, mental health and clinical specialist, and non traditional care. Our mission to amply Black voice and there experiences to be understand how to address Black and Brown people what re facing the systems that are not empowering.

Lived experience is important to understand the Black experience because it provides a firsthand account of the realities that Black people face on a daily basis. Black people have experienced systemic racism, discrimination, and oppression throughout history, and their experiences have been shaped by these factors.

Lived experience allows people to understand the impact of these societal structures and how they affect individuals in different ways. For example, a Black person may be more likely to experience racial profiling or discrimination when seeking employment, housing, or education. These experiences can be traumatic and have a lasting impact on an individual's life.

Without an understanding of the Black experience, it is easy for individuals to dismiss or overlook the challenges and obstacles that black people face. It can also lead to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and biases. By listening to and learning from the lived experiences of black people, we can work to create a more equitable and just society for all.

Host or Publisher Stephaine Courtney