The Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) stands as a national beacon, dedicated to advancing Black maternal health, rights, and justice. Central to BMMA’s impactful work is the unwavering support and elevation of grassroots, Black-led, and Black women-led maternal health initiatives across the nation. Deeply rooted in the historical legacy and community leadership of Black women, BMMA champions the critical need to recognize, amplify, and bolster these vital efforts on a national stage. Understanding the strength in unity and focused action, BMMA operates without chapters, instead fostering a powerful alliance of organizations and individuals. This alliance is built upon shared foundations of reproductive justice, respectful maternity care, birth justice, and human rights frameworks. Official partnership within the Alliance is extended through a selective, invitation-based process annually, ensuring a network of deeply committed and Kindred Partners.
2023 Alliance Partners: A Network of Shared Purpose
BMMA’s strength lies in its collaborative spirit, bringing together organizations deeply committed to improving Black maternal health outcomes. These kindred partners represent a diverse spectrum of expertise and community engagement, all united by a common goal: to ensure Black mothers thrive. Below are the esteemed organizations partnering with BMMA in 2023, each contributing unique strengths to this vital alliance.
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Image alt text: Ancient Song Doula Network logo, promoting doula services for maternal health.]
Ancient Song Doula Network: Based in New York, Ancient Song Doula Network provides crucial doula services, offering invaluable support and advocacy for expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journeys. Their work is deeply rooted in community empowerment and culturally sensitive care. https://www.ancientsongdoulaservices.com
Atlanta Doula Collective: Serving the Atlanta area, this collective of doulas provides comprehensive support to families, emphasizing accessible and empowering birth experiences. Their collaborative model strengthens community-based maternal care. https://www.atlantadoulacollective.org/the-collective
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Image alt text: Baobab Birth Collective logo, symbolizing community and holistic birth support.]
Baobab Birth Collective: Located in Alabama, Baobab Birth Collective offers holistic and culturally relevant birth services, focusing on the unique needs of Black families in their community. They champion birth equity through education, advocacy, and direct support. https://www.baobabbirth.com/
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Image alt text: Birthing Cultural Rigor logo, representing expertise in culturally rigorous birth practices.]
Birthing Cultural Rigor: Based in Tennessee, Birthing Cultural Rigor, LLC, brings a focus on culturally rigorous practices within maternal health. Their work emphasizes the importance of culturally competent care to address disparities and improve birth outcomes. https://www.birthingculturalrigor.org/
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Image alt text: Black Girls Breastfeeding Club logo, promoting breastfeeding support within the Black community.]
Black Girls Breastfeeding Club: This national organization creates supportive spaces and resources to promote breastfeeding within the Black community. They address cultural barriers and provide education to increase breastfeeding rates and improve infant health. https://www.blackgirlsbreastfeedingclub.com
Black Health New Mexico: Serving New Mexico, Black Health New Mexico addresses health disparities within the Black community, including maternal health. They advocate for policy changes and community-based programs to improve health equity. https://www.blackhealthnewmexico.com/
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Image alt text: Black Mother’s Breastfeeding Association logo, supporting Black mothers in breastfeeding.]
Black Mother’s Breastfeeding Association (BMBFA): Based in Michigan, BMBFA is dedicated to protecting and promoting breastfeeding among Black mothers. They offer resources, education, and advocacy to address breastfeeding disparities and support maternal and infant health. http://blackmothersbreastfeeding.org
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Image alt text: Black Women Birthing Justice logo, advocating for birth justice for Black women.]
Black Women Birthing Justice (BWBJ): Located in California, Black Women Birthing Justice is committed to birth justice, addressing systemic inequities and advocating for respectful and equitable maternity care for Black women. Their work is rooted in reproductive justice principles. https://www.blackwomenbirthingjustice.com/
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Image alt text: Black Women for Wellness logo, focused on holistic wellness for Black women and girls.]
Black Women for Wellness (BWW): Based in California, Black Women for Wellness provides comprehensive health services and advocacy for Black women and girls. Maternal health is a key focus, alongside broader wellness initiatives that address social determinants of health. http://www.bwwla.org
Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI): A national organization based in Georgia, the Black Women’s Health Imperative is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of Black women and girls through policy, advocacy, education, and research. Maternal health is a critical component of their comprehensive approach. https://www.bwhi.org
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Image alt text: Center for Black Women’s Wellness logo, providing holistic wellness services for Black women.]
Center for Black Women’s Wellness (CBWW): Located in Georgia, the Center for Black Women’s Wellness provides holistic health services and programs tailored to Black women and their families. Maternal and child health services are core to their community offerings. http://cbww.org
Chocolate Milk Cafe: A national organization based in New Jersey, Chocolate Milk Cafe creates supportive communities for Black breastfeeding mothers. They offer peer support, education, and advocacy to normalize and promote breastfeeding within the Black community. https://chocolatemilkcafe.org/
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Image alt text: CHOICES Memphis Center for Reproductive Health logo, offering comprehensive reproductive healthcare services.]
CHOICES Memphis Center for Reproductive Health: Based in Tennessee, CHOICES Memphis Center for Reproductive Health offers a full spectrum of reproductive health services, including comprehensive maternity care. They are committed to providing patient-centered, equitable care. https://memphischoices.org/
CinnaMoms: Located in California, CinnaMoms provides peer support and resources for breastfeeding mothers within the Black community. Their community-based approach fosters empowerment and sisterhood. https://www.cinnamoms.org/
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Image alt text: Commonsense Childbirth logo, advocating for commonsense approaches to childbirth.]
Commonsense Childbirth: Based in Florida, Commonsense Childbirth advocates for evidence-based, respectful, and accessible childbirth education and practices. They work to empower expectant parents to make informed decisions about their birth experiences. http://www.commonsensechildbirth.org
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Image alt text: Dem Black Mamas logo, representing a podcast and community for Black mothers.]
Dem Black Mamas Podcast: Based in South Carolina, Dem Black Mamas Podcast creates a digital community and platform for Black mothers to share their stories, experiences, and insights on maternal health and motherhood. http://demblackmamas.com/
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Image alt text: Diversity Uplifts, Inc. logo, promoting diversity and upliftment through community programs.]
Diversity Uplifts, Inc.: Located in California, Diversity Uplifts, Inc. focuses on community upliftment through various programs, including initiatives that support maternal and child health within diverse populations. https://www.diversityuplifts.org/
Feminist Women’s Health Center: Based in Georgia, the Feminist Women’s Health Center provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, including abortion care and maternity services, with a feminist and social justice lens. https://www.feministcenter.org/
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Image alt text: IRTH app logo, promoting a digital platform for Black and brown maternal healthcare.]
IRTH: Based in New York, IRTH is an innovative app connecting Black and brown women to culturally competent and respectful maternity and infant care providers. They leverage technology to address disparities in healthcare access and quality. https://irthapp.com/
Jamaa Birth Village: Located in Missouri, Jamaa Birth Village offers community-based perinatal care, focusing on culturally congruent services for Black families. They integrate traditional practices and holistic approaches to maternity care. https://jamaabirthvillage.org/
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Image alt text: Kuluntu Reproductive Justice Center logo, focusing on reproductive justice and community empowerment.]
Kuluntu Reproductive Justice Center: Based in Georgia, Kuluntu Reproductive Justice Center centers its work on reproductive justice, advocating for the rights of Black communities to have autonomy over their bodies and reproductive decisions. Maternal health is a critical aspect of their justice framework. https://www.kuluntu.center/
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Image alt text: Mamatoto Village logo, providing comprehensive support services for mothers and families.]
Mamatoto Village: Located in Washington D.C., Mamatoto Village provides comprehensive maternal and child health services, focusing on low-income communities. They offer a range of support programs, from prenatal care to early childhood education, empowering families to thrive. http://www.mamatotovillage.org
Melanated Mammary Atlas: This national initiative focuses on addressing the lack of representation of melanated skin tones in breastfeeding education and resources. They work to create inclusive and accurate visual aids for breastfeeding support. https://www.mmatlas.com/
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Image alt text: Mothering Justice logo, advocating for policy changes to support mothers and families.]
Mothering Justice: Based in Michigan, Mothering Justice advocates for policy changes that support mothers and families, particularly mothers of color. Their advocacy work focuses on economic justice, childcare access, and maternal health equity. https://motheringjustice.org/
National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC): A national organization based in Louisiana, the National Birth Equity Collaborative is dedicated to birth equity, working to eliminate racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality. They conduct research, advocate for policy changes, and promote best practices in maternal care. http://birthequity.org
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Image alt text: National Black Midwives Alliance logo, supporting and promoting Black midwives.]
National Black Midwives Alliance (NBMA): Based in Florida, the National Black Midwives Alliance supports and promotes Black midwives, recognizing their crucial role in providing culturally competent and respectful maternity care within Black communities. https://blackmidwivesalliance.org/
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Image alt text: Oshun Family Center logo, offering family-centered care and community support.]
Oshun Family Center: Located in Pennsylvania, Oshun Family Center provides family-centered care and community support services, with a focus on holistic wellness and cultural sensitivity. Maternal and child health programs are central to their mission. https://www.oshunfamilycenter.org/
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Image alt text: Perinatal Health Equity Initiative logo, working towards equity in perinatal health outcomes.]
Perinatal Health Equity Initiative: Based in New Jersey, the Perinatal Health Equity Initiative works to advance equity in perinatal health outcomes through research, education, and community engagement. They address systemic factors contributing to disparities in maternal and infant health. https://www.perinatalequity.org/
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Image alt text: RJ2 logo, representing an organization focused on reproductive justice.]
RJ2: Based in New Jersey, RJ2 is an organization dedicated to reproductive justice, advocating for policies and programs that advance reproductive health equity and access for marginalized communities. https://www.rjsquared.org/
ROOTT – Restoring Our Own Through Transformation: Located in Ohio, ROOTT focuses on restoring communities through transformative justice approaches. Their work includes addressing reproductive justice and maternal health within a broader framework of community well-being. https://www.roottrj.org/
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Image alt text: Sankofa Reproductive Health & Healing Center logo, integrating reproductive health and healing.]
Sankofa Reproductive Health & Healing Center: Based in New York, Sankofa Reproductive Health & Healing Center integrates reproductive health services with healing modalities, offering holistic support for individuals and communities. https://www.sankofaheals.com/
Shades of Blue Project: Based in Texas, Shades of Blue Project addresses mental health disparities in Black maternal populations. They provide resources, support, and advocacy to improve mental health outcomes for Black mothers and families. http://www.shadesofblueproject.org
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Image alt text: Shafia Monroe Consulting logo, offering consulting services in birth equity and doula training.]
Shafia Monroe Consulting: Based in Oregon, Shafia Monroe Consulting provides expert consultation and training on birth equity, doula services, and cultural competency in maternal health. Shafia Monroe is a renowned leader in the field. https://shafiamonroe.com
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Image alt text: SisterLove, Inc. logo, dedicated to sexual and reproductive health for women.]
SisterLove, Inc.: Based in Georgia, SisterLove, Inc. is a long-standing organization dedicated to the sexual and reproductive health of women, particularly women of color. Their comprehensive approach includes HIV prevention, reproductive justice advocacy, and maternal health initiatives. http://www.sisterlove.org
SisterReach, Inc.: Serving Tennessee and Illinois, SisterReach, Inc. focuses on reproductive justice education and advocacy, addressing the intersections of race, poverty, and reproductive health disparities. https://sisterreach.org
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Image alt text: Sisters in Loss Foundation logo, providing support for pregnancy and infant loss.]
Sisters in Loss Foundation: Based in Virginia, Sisters in Loss Foundation provides crucial support and community for Black women experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. They break the silence surrounding loss and offer healing resources. https://sistersinloss.com/
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Image alt text: SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective logo, a leading voice in reproductive justice.]
SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective: A national organization based in Georgia, SisterSong is a leading voice in the reproductive justice movement. They center the experiences of women of color and advocate for a human rights framework for reproductive and sexual health. http://sistersong.net
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Image alt text: Southern Birth Justice Network logo, promoting birth justice in the Southern United States.]
Southern Birth Justice Network (SBJN): Based in Florida, the Southern Birth Justice Network works to advance birth justice in the Southern United States, addressing the unique challenges and disparities faced by communities in this region. http://southernbirthjustice.org
The Bloom Collective: Located in Maryland, The Bloom Collective provides community-based doula services and support for families in Baltimore. They focus on empowering families and promoting positive birth experiences. https://bloominbaltimore.com/
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Image alt text: The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness logo, dedicated to the wellness of Black women.]
The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness: Based in Wisconsin, The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness is dedicated to eliminating health disparities and empowering Black women and girls through health education, advocacy, and community programs. https://www.ffbww.org/
2023 Collaborators: Individual Expertise Strengthening the Alliance
Beyond organizational partnerships, BMMA also benefits from the expertise and dedication of individual collaborators. These professionals contribute their diverse skills and knowledge to further BMMA’s mission and amplify its impact. These kindred spirits are vital to the multifaceted work of the Alliance.
- Andrea N. Williams- Muhammad, CBD, CPD, CBE
- Avery Desrosiers, MPH
- Breana N. Lipscomb, MPH
- Caitlin Williams, PhD
- Courtney Drayton, MPH
- Deidre McDaniel, MSW, LCSW
- Ebony Marcelle, CNM, MS, FACNM
- Erin Cloud, Esq.
- Fleda Mask Jackson, PhD
- Haguerenesh Woldeyohannes
- Ifeyinwa Asiodu, RN, PhD
- Inas Mahdi, MPH
- Isabel Morgan, MSPH, CPH, PhDc
- Jacqueline Hammack, JD
- Jamila Perritt, MD, MPH
- Jamila K. Taylor, PhD
- Jill Denson, PhD, MSW
- Lynn Roberts, PhD
- Makina L. Table, MPH
- Monica R. McLemore, PhD, MPH, RN
- Nia Mitchell, MPH
- Nicole Clark, LMSW
- Raena Granberry
- Sunshine Muse
United for Black Maternal Justice
The Black Mamas Matter Alliance, together with its kindred partners and collaborators, forms a powerful and essential network dedicated to transforming Black maternal health outcomes. This alliance embodies a shared commitment to reproductive justice, birth equity, and the fundamental rights of Black mothers to thrive. By amplifying the work of these vital organizations and individuals, BMMA strengthens the collective voice advocating for a more just and equitable maternal health landscape for Black women across the nation.
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