Black Maternal Health Week: Restoring Black Autonomy and Joy!

Black Maternal Health Week takes place nationally April 11–17. Founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance​ (BMMA), the week sets aside time and resources to specifically raise awareness of the inequities Black women and their infants encounter, build activism, rally our communities, and empower all voices to drive change. While it is truly inspiring to see this happening nationally, some of the greatest motivation for all of us can — and should — come from right here in Delaware, from considering with compassion and commitment our very own neighbors.

Although strides have been made in Delaware to reduce maternal mortality rates and combat maternal and infant health disparities, these improvements are not reflected in the Black population. For example, while the five-year infant mortality rate for Black babies decreased by 11% in Wilmington, it decreased by 23% for white babies. In Kent County, we cannot ignore that, while the mortality rate for white babies decreased by 43%, it increased by 77% for Black babies.

The theme for Black Maternal Health Week this year is “Our Bodies Belong to Us: Restoring Black Autonomy and Joy!” We have seen a steadily alarming rise of maternal mortality in the U.S., which recent data shows has been exacerbated by the pandemic. We must focus our attention on practices and solutions that reflect and respect the needs, wants, and desires of Black women and pregnant women — and as the theme tells us, giving them the power, confidence, and resources to take care of their bodies and elevate their autonomy and joy!

To recognize the week, DHMIC hopes you will attend one or more of the following events:

• Chocolate M.I.L.K. (Mothers Invoking Lactation Knowledge)—Thursday, April 13 at 6:00 p.m.
• Nemours Cares Baby Shower—Saturday, April 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • View and share the PDF event flyer (596KB)
• Our Bodies Belong to Us—Saturday, April 15 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• 2^nd Annual Black Birth Expo—Sunday, April 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Black Maternal Health Event—Thursday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m.
  • View and share the lineup of speakers as PDF event flyer (132KB) or image event flyer (122KB)
• Black Men for Black Maternal Health—Tuesday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m.

You can learn more about, and register for, all the events above at www.blackmothersinpower.org. Also check our website frequently for updates and other scheduled events. Together, we can raise our voices and awareness, and work to eliminate the racial disparities that exist to ensure all babies in Delaware have a chance to thrive.

View and share the PDF weekly event flyer (120KB) or image weekly event flyer (154KB).