On Thursday, April 17, the City of Atlanta will host an event focused on the health and welfare of Black mothers. Titled 'Healing Advocacy & Action: A Black Maternal Health,' the Lunch and Learn plus Resource Fair aims to arm participants with vital information and resources. As reported by City of Atlanta's official news release, the event will feature talks from experts in the field and offer a platform for education and advocacy on issues regarding maternal health within the Black community.
The Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, together with the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services, are set to orchestrate this gathering. Participants are expected to vigorously engage in discussions and Q&A sessions that aim to promote understanding and lay down actionable strategies. In an effort to support ongoing learning, a resource fair with a range of local services tailored for Black mothers will be available, whereas those who arrive early—specifically the first 100 attendees—will receive a complimentary lunch.
Key figures in Black maternal health, like State Representative of House District 141, Carolyn Hugley, and the Executive Director of Black Mamas Matter, Angela Aina, will provide their insights on systemic challenges and wellness strategies during the event. Further education will be given by Myiera Seymour, a Clinical Research Coordinator and MPH Candidate at Morehouse School of Medicine, and Rosalind Hill, Maternal Health Equity Program Manager at the Center for Black Women’s Wellness Atlanta. The event will also see input from Captain Tajhiek Anwar Baoll, an EMS Supervisor with Atlanta Fire and Rescue.
Additional activities highlighted by the news release include a letter-writing campaign where attendees can learn to effectively advocate for legislative changes to support Black maternal health. In conjunction, there will be a diaper drive collection to benefit partner organizations like Black Mamas Matter Alliance and 4Kira4Moms, accepting donations of diapers, wipes, and postpartum care items to aid community mothers and families. Media interested in covering the event are encouraged to arrive beforehand and RSVP to [email protected].
The event is scheduled to take place at the Atlanta City Hall – Old Council Chambers, located at 55 Trinity Ave. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It represents a significant step by the City of Atlanta in addressing the disparities in maternal health care and an effort to create solutions rooted in equity and inclusivity for Black mothers and their families.
