FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
April 10, 2026
Los Angeles, CA – Black Women for Wellness (BWW) is proud to announce a powerful lineup of events in celebration of Black Maternal Health Week 2026 (April 11–17), a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness and advancing solutions to address Black maternal and infant health disparities.
This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), led by Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), and represents a decade of collective advocacy toward a future where all Black mamas have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive.
This year’s theme, “Rooted in Justice & Joy,” is grounded in the belief that Black mothers deserve more than survival.
“This theme affirms that Black mamas are worthy of joy, rest, dignity, and liberation,” says Gabrielle Brown, BWW’s Black Maternal and Infant Health Program Manager.
“Rooted in Justice & Joy centers healing, cultural affirmation, and transformative systems change to ensure that Black families are holistically supported before, during, and after pregnancy.”
As part of this year’s activation, Black Women for Wellness has launched a four-week billboard and bus shelter campaign across Los Angeles and Stockton, amplifying a powerful message: “Black Mamas Are Human. Protect Them.”
“We are calling for a fundamental shift in how Black women are seen and treated,” says Janette Robinson Flint, Executive Director of Black Women for Wellness.
“Black women are human. We deserve care, respect, and the full protection of our lives. We are not invincible — we feel pain, we experience loss, and too often, we are failed by the very systems meant to care for us. In California, a person dies every five days from pregnancy-related causes, and Black women are disproportionately impacted. We know the data, and we refuse to accept it. This is why we continue to show up, advocate, and demand change year after year.”
This year’s billboard campaign was made possible with funding from Essential Access Health and In Our Own Voice.
In addition to the campaign, BWW will host a weeklong series of community-centered events, including our signature Black Mamas Birthing Tour.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 8 AM – 5 PM
BWW will host its bi-annual Black Mamas Birthing Tour, a community-centered experience designed to inform, empower, and uplift Black mamas and birthing people across Los Angeles County. Participants will visit hospitals, birth centers, imaging providers, and community wellness spaces to explore pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care options. The tour provides a safe space to ask critical questions, build trust with care providers, and connect with institutions committed to improving Black maternal and infant health outcomes.
DEAR MAMA: A LETTER-WRITING GATHERING
Monday, April 13, 2026 | 6 PM – 8 PM
BWW will also present “Dear Mama: A Letter-Writing Gathering Honoring Black Motherhood,” a gentle, intentional, and affirming space designed to uplift Black mothers across every stage of their journey. Through guided letter-writing, participants (whether trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, parenting, healing, or reflecting) will be invited to honor their stories, speak affirmations over themselves and their children, and celebrate the depth, beauty, and complexity of Black motherhood.
4TH ANNUAL SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 10 AM – 4 PM
BWW in collaboration with the San Joaquin County Perinatal Equity Initiative and Black Infant Health Community Advisory Board welcomes you to attend the 4th Annual San Joaquin County Black Maternal Health Symposium. Participate in dynamic speakers, engaging panel discussions, and insightful breakout sessions.
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 4 PM – 6 PM
The week’s programming will also feature “Rooted in the Womb,” a healing movement experience inspired by Congolese belly dancing traditions. Through guided, rhythmic, womb-centered movement, participants will deepen their connection to their bodies while supporting core strength, pelvic mobility, circulation, and energetic release. This offering nurtures womb awareness while cultivating joy, rhythm, and collective care within a supportive community of mothers and birthing people.
For more information about upcoming events or to RSVP, please visit the links above or email [email protected]
About Black Women for Wellness
Founded in 1997, Black Women for Wellness is a California-based nonprofit organization committed to the health and well-being of Black women and girls. Through education, advocacy, and leadership development, the organization works to empower communities and create lasting change in reproductive health, rights, and justice.
Media Contact:
Ariel Grant
Communications Coordinator
Black Women for Wellness
[email protected]
