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April 2025
National Minority Health Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month
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Black Maternal Health Week is April 11 to 17!
Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness of the disparities in maternal health faced by Black birthing people. It was founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) and first observed in April 2018.
BMHW came about as a response to alarming statistics showing that Black birthing people in the U.S. are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This is due to a combination of factors, including systemic racism, unequal access to quality healthcare, and socioeconomic inequities. BMHW aims to address these issues through advocacy, community-building, and education, striving to ensure that all Black mamas receive the care and support they need for healthy pregnancies and births.
| | Black Maternal Health Week 2025 Events | |
SisterWalks: Movement for Black Maternal Joy
The Center for Birth Justice — which PTBi is transitioning into — and SisterWeb invite you to celebrate Black Maternal Health Week 2025 by joining us for the first of a series of community walks. SisterWalks: Movement for Black Maternal Joy will take place at the beautiful John McLaren Park near the Bayview and Visitacion Valley in San Francisco, as a way to center Black mamas and Black maternal health.
Whether you’re a new or expecting mother, a birth worker, or simply someone passionate about Black maternal wellness, we welcome you to join us. Come dressed in your favorite shade of purple!
Thursday, April 17, 11:45 am to 1 pm, free
John McLaren Park (event location will be provided upon registration)
100 John F Shelley Drive, San Francisco, CA 94134
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Black Mamas, Dreaming: Virtual Healing Circle, Support Group
Black Mamas, Dreaming is a sister circle for Black mothers and families to dream in a no pressure environment, and this month they are celebrating Black Maternal Health Week!
The sessions provide a virtual space for Black mothers and families to connect, rest, and explore what they need most in our everyday. Each month they provide a curated resource guide of exercises, sounds, readings, prompts, services, and business tools.
Friday, April 11, 6 pm, free
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Free Screening of the Film, “Birthing Justice”
“Birthing Justice” is a feature-length documentary film that centers on the expertise and lived experiences of Black women and their advocates. Through pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period, medical and social justice experts expose the challenges they face—including genetic predispositions, chronic stress, racial bias, culturally ignorant care, and barriers to adequate healthcare.
Saturday, April 12, 2 pm to 6 pm; film at 3:30 pm, free
Davis Veteran's Memorial Theater
201 E 14th St, Davis, CA 95616
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Black Maternal Health Week Health Fair & Jubilee
Join the BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center for a day of celebration, education, and community building at the Black Maternal Health Week Health Fair & Jubilee. Enjoy fun and engaging activities for the whole family, free food, music, health education and resources, and BIG GIVEAWAYS!
Guys and dads, this event is for you, too!
Saturday, April 12, 11 am to 3 pm, free
2201 Calaveras Street, Fresno, CA 93721
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SF Pregnancy Family Village
This event for Black pregnant residents and families in San Francisco provides a reliable one-stop-shop of offerings built around the community’s stated needs and engaging within environments that are uplifting, supportive, and dignified. Every second Saturday of the month from 12 pm to 3:30 pm.
The next session is:
Saturday, April 12, 12 pm to 3:30 pm, free
Bayview YMCA
1601 Lane St, San Francisco, CA 94124
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San Joaquin County Black Maternal Health Symposium
This gathering aims to raise awareness, share knowledge, and foster collaboration to address disparities in maternal healthcare. Whether you're a healthcare professional, advocate, or community member, this symposium is for you! Don't miss this chance to create positive change in Black maternal health.
Tuesday, April 15, 8:30 am to 4 pm, free
Robert J. Cabral Agricultural Center
2101 E Earhart Ave. Stockton, CA 95206
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The Power of Unconditional Love in Practice
Join San Jose Public Library in amplifying the stories of families and those who advocate for reproductive justice and supporting thriving communities through storytime, easter egg hunt, painting, giveaways, creative activities, raffles, resources from local organizations, and inspiring presentations.
Sunday, April 13, 1 pm to 4 pm; egg hunt at 1:50 pm, free
Alum Rock Branch Library
3090 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95127
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Two San Francisco Events From SisterWeb and UCSF
Join SisterWeb and UCSF Black Womxn’s Health and Livelihood Initiative for a pair of Black Maternal Health Week events.
Advocacy in Action: Black Birth Workers Leading the Way
April 14, 5:30 pm to 8 pm, free
Providers discuss advocating in their Black-centered programs.
Birthing Truth: Stories, Reflections, and Poetry for Black Healing
April 16, 5:30 pm to 8 pm, free
Open-mic vibe where guests are invited to share birth stories and poetry.
Register using the link below for both events, and both will be held at:
UCSF Women's Health Center
2356 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA 94143
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Practicing Cultural Humility, Dismantling Implicit Bias
Join Dr. Sayida Peprah-Wilson and colleagues for an experiential and interactive workshop designed to create a space for deeper self-awareness. This session will help participants center cultural humility and dismantle implicit bias, particularly for Black, Indigenous, and other birthing communities of color.
Learn how to address racism and unconscious bias in the workplace, improve service and treatment decisions, and ultimately foster better care and outcomes.
Hosted by the San Francisco Department of Public Health Maternal Child Adolescent Health's Perinatal Equity Initiative
April 16, 10 am to 3 pm, free
San Francisco (event location will be provided upon registration)
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Thought Prompt of the Month
What do you need to feel supported and pursue your dreams?
The PTBi team would love to hear from you!
If you feel moved you can leave a message either by phone or through the link below.
Voicemail: (415) 502-5601
Or Submit Your Reply Online
| | Please note that messages left on voicemail or submitted online may be shared via our newsletter, website, social media, or other channels. | |
Featured Reply From March
Who are the women in your life that inspire you?
“The woman in my life who inspires me with strength, resilience, and compassion is my wife. Not only is she beautiful, smart, and talented, but is also my best friend who motivates me to pursue my goals with passion and determination. Her support and love reminds me of the importance of having someone you can count on.”
- Chris
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Join Black Mamas Meet Up
A virtual postpartum group for Black mamas with children up to 3 years old meets every second and fourth Friday of the month from
11 am to 12 pm (PST). Most meetings are virtual with periodic in-person family-friendly activities.
The next session is April 11th.
Sign Up for the Black Mamas Meet Up
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Free Emergency Child Care for Families Impacted by Disasters
The National Emergency Child Care Network ensures that every family can utilize free emergency child care during a crisis.
Skilled and trained volunteers are sent after the family completes an online form. Volunteer child care providers will meet families at their homes, at a disaster shelter, or where the crisis has occurred to ensure the safety
and well-being of the children.
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FireAidLA Community Grants Program
Community Partners launched the FireAidLA Community Grants Program to support community-based wildfire relief efforts. They will be taking applications from March 25 to April 16, and grants are open to non-profits and fiscally sponsored organizations who are conducting direct fire relief.
The money was raised through a benefit concert held on January 30.
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Nia Parks
Mom, Advocate
Nia has experienced everything from a miscarriage to a difficult, but healthy birth of her son. That wisdom has motivated her to advocate for community support to ensure healthy and planned births.
Read Nia's Story
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Breezy Powell
Doula, Healer
Getting into birth work after witnessing her mother's hospital birth experiences, Breezy has dedicated herself to helping Black women feel joy and celebrate their bodies—as a revolutionary act.
Read Breezy's Story
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Heal with PTBi's April Zoom Background
April's background features Elizabeth Rogers, UCSF Professor, Neonatologist, and Pediatrician.
Download Background
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