05/22/2026
Yesterday, Melanin and Maternal Wellness proudly stood at the New Jersey State House in support of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey.
We are deeply proud that our Lead Community Engagement Doula, Taylor Davis, represented our village in testimony, lifting up the urgent truth that our communities deserve access, dignity, representation, and power.
At Melanin and Maternal Wellness, we have always understood that birth justice is inseparable from civic engagement and policy advocacy. The same systems shaping maternal health outcomes are shaped by legislation, elections, and who has access to the ballot box.
Black families deserve more than survival. We deserve policies that protect us, investments that sustain us, and a democracy where our voices are not silenced by barriers to participation.
Taylor’s testimony reflected what we believe at our core: that advocacy is also an act of care. That showing up matters. That protecting our communities requires us to organize, educate, testify, vote, and build collective power.
This is what Black maternal health advocacy looks like beyond the clinic walls.
We also extend congratulations and deep gratitude to the courageous legislators and advocates who helped move this critical legislation successfully through committee yesterday. The bill now advances to Budget and Appropriations, bringing New Jersey one step closer to expanding voter access and strengthening democracy for all.
We are almost to the finish line.
We are proud to continue birthing justice in every room we enter.
