"Held annually on April 11-17th, BMHW is a week-long campaign founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to build awareness, activism, and community-building to amplify the voices, perspectives and lived experiences of Black Mamas and birthing people. The week is intentionally held during National Minority Health Month and begins on April 11th annually to join dozens of global organizations in marking this day as International Day for Maternal Health and Rights – an opportunity to advocate for the elimination of maternal mortality globally. The activities and conversations hosted throughout the week intentionally center the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements. " - Black Mamas Matter BMHW website
Black Mamas Matter: In Policy and Practice: A Policy Agenda for Black Maternal Health, Rights, and Justice Movement - This document outlines the BMMA's policy agenda, i.e. a list of subjects or issues viewed as important to the organization and which will drive their actions.
Why do we recognize BMHW at SJSU? Check out the 4/10/24 blog entry on SJSU NewsCenter: "A Look at Black Maternal Health Week."
Please come back as resources will continually be added.
NPHW: Be the Change You Want to See
Date: Thursday, April 11, 2024
Time: 3-5 PM
Location: King Library, 2nd Floor, Room 213
We all have causes that matter to us. But few of us know how to make an impact. Lasting change often requires civic engagement, i.e. activities such as voting, letter writing, protesting, and speaking up in city council meetings. Where do you start? Drop in between 3 and 5 PM to engage with public health teacher-scholar-practitioner Anji Buckner and explore methods for advocating for policy changes. Have some snacks! Write a letter to your elected official! Check out some current policy! And leave with a button! This event is in honor of National Public Health Week and Black Maternal Health Week and in connection with the For All of Us traveling exhibition on SJSU Library 2nd floor, DiNapoli Gallery.
Working towards Birth Justice: “Laboring with Hope” Screening and Dialogue with Santa Clara County Perinatal Equity Initiative
Date: Monday, April 15, 2024
Time: 12-1:30 p.m.
Location: King Library, 2nd floor, Rm 225 or online via Zoom
Register to attend via Zoom
Join us to view “Laboring with Hope,” a documentary “addressing the national maternal mortality crisis among Black women and birthing people,” followed by a discussion with the Santa Clara County Perinatal Equity Initiative about the powerful work happening in our county to address racial inequities in birth outcomes and birthing person outcomes. Access to the film is being provided by the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM), Region 5. Register to attend virtually.
Black Maternal Health Week: A Conversation with Parenting with Purpose
Date & Time: April 17th, 5-6 PM
Location: King Library, 3rd Floor, SJPL Works area
Description: Join us for a discussion with Parenting with Purpose as they share their journey on raising 5 children to be the successful whole and God-fearing adults through their traditional Southern values. They will share how they focus on a child's unique qualities through allowing them to be themselves while maintaining authority of still being the parent. They will share how to be creative with finances in order to make sure kids have great experiences while not breaking the bank and how to be present in your child’s life.