03/09/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community Invited to Observe Black Maternal Health Week: Rooted in Justice and Joy
April 11–17 | Advancing Community-Led Solutions to Improve Outcomes for Black Mothers and Babies
Akron, OH — Community leaders, organizations, healthcare providers, and residents are invited to participate in Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), April 11–17, 2026, a national observance dedicated to raising awareness, mobilizing action, and advancing solutions to address the maternal health crisis impacting Black mothers and birthing people.
This year’s theme, “Rooted in Justice and Joy,” centers the power of community-led solutions, reproductive justice, and culturally grounded care as essential pathways toward improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
Black Maternal Health Week was founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to amplify the voices, leadership, and lived experiences of Black mothers while advocating for equitable systems of care nationwide.
Locally, the urgency of this work remains clear. Black infants continue to die at disproportionately higher rates than white infants, reflecting long-standing inequities in healthcare access, social conditions, and systemic barriers that affect families before, during, and after birth. In Summit County, the 2024 preliminary Black infant mortality rate was 19.5, compared to 5.7 among white infants — a disparity that calls for collective community action and sustained investment in community-led solutions.
Black Maternal Health Week creates space not only to acknowledge these realities, but also to uplift healing, connection, and hope.
A Week Rooted in Community, Healing, and Action
Throughout the week, community members and organizations are encouraged to participate in a series of gatherings designed to educate, empower, and celebrate families:
• Sacred Space for Fathers
A dedicated gathering uplifting fathers and father figures, recognizing their vital role in maternal wellness, family stability, and healthy birth outcomes.
• Community Film Viewing & Fireside Chat
A shared viewing of a transformative film followed by meaningful dialogue exploring birth equity, advocacy, and community healing.
• Provider Viewing & Conversation
A learning and reflection space for healthcare professionals and service providers focused on strengthening culturally responsive and equitable care practices.
• Community Outreach Day
Direct engagement connecting families with resources, education, and supportive services across the community.
• Mama’s Blessing Celebration (Closing Event)
The week will conclude with a Mama’s Blessing — an intentional communal celebration honoring Black expecting mothers through pampering, affirmations, gifts, and collective support as they prepare for birth.
A full list of events, locations, and registration details will be announced soon.
Call to Action: Join the Movement
Black Maternal Health Week is a shared responsibility and an opportunity for the entire community to take part in advancing healthier futures for mothers and babies.
Community members are encouraged to:
• Attend and participate in scheduled events
• Share information and raise awareness
• Support Black mothers and birthing families
• Partner in advancing reproductive justice and birth equity
Organizations, healthcare institutions, faith communities, and local businesses are also invited to partner and sponsor this important initiative. Sponsorship opportunities directly support community programming, outreach efforts, and resources provided to families during Black Maternal Health Week.
Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities
We welcome collaborators committed to improving maternal and infant health outcomes and investing in community-centered solutions.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or partnership involvement, please contact:
Contact Person: LaKesh Duke
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 330-529-5672
Website:
Ujima (“oo-JEE-mah”): “To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.”
