This year marks the fifth year anniversary of the Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) campaign. Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, BMHW is a week of awareness, activism, and community building intended to:
- Deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health in the US;
- Amplify community-driven policy, research, and care solutions;
- Center the voices of Black Mamas, women, families, and stakeholders;
- Provide a national platform for Black-led entities and efforts on maternal health, birth and reproductive justice; and
- Enhance community organizing on Black maternal health.
Black Maternal Health Week takes place every year from April 11 –17 and was officially recognized by the White House on April 13th, 2021. The month of April is recognized in the United States as National Minority Health Month – a month-long initiative to advance health equity across the country on behalf of all racial and ethnic minorities. Additionally, we are joining dozens of global organizations who are fighting to end maternal mortality globally in advocating that the United Nations recognize April 11th as the International Day for Maternal Health and Rights.
The campaign and activities for Black Maternal Health Week serve to amplify the voices of Black Mamas and center the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements. Activities during BMHW are rooted in human rights, reproductive justice, and birth justice frameworks.
Watch and recap the 2022 Black Maternal Health Week National Call here.
The BMHW 2022 theme, “Building for Liberation: Centering Black Mamas, Black Families and Black Systems of Care”, reflects BMMA’s work in centering Black women’s scholarship, maternity care work, and advocacy across the full-spectrum of sexual, maternal, and reproductive health care, services, programs, and initiatives. Additionally, the 2022 theme reflects the critical need for learning about Black Feminist and womanist approaches in strengthening wellness structures within our communities, across the Diaspora, as a revolutionary act in the pursuit of liberation and in the global fight to END maternal mortality.
BMHW22 EVENTS
Monday, April 11th | 12 P.M. EST The Global Black Midwifery Panel and Screening REGISTER
Tuesday, April 12th | 12 – 2 P.M. EST Southeast Regional Black Maternal Health Symposium REGISTER
Wednesday, April 13th | 1 – 2 P.M. EST Policy Leaders in Conversation during #BMHW22 REGISTER
Wednesday, April 13th | 3:30 P.M. EST #BMHW22 Tweet Chat
Follow us on Twitter: @blkmamasmatter to engage with us during #BMHW22
Thursday, April 14th | Annual Fundraising Day DONATE
Friday, April 15th | 2 – 3 P.M. EST BMH x CLTR: NATAL Fireside Chat REGISTER
Saturday, April 16th | Centering Black Families: BMMA x SisterSong Black Maternal Health Walk REGISTER
Sunday, April 17th | Get to Know the Alliance Spotlight Campaign
Follow us across our socials to engage with us during Black Maternal Health Week 2022!