MCC Celebrates Black Maternal Health Week 2026
Rooted in Justice and Joy!
Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), observed annually on April 11–April 17, is a dedicated time to amplify the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of Black mothers and birthing people. It is an opportunity to intentionally uplift and celebrate Black mothers and birthing individuals, while continuing the critical work of promoting Black maternal health, advocating for policy change, and dismantling the racial inequities in healthcare that contribute to disproportionate rates of maternal and infant mortality.
This BMHW, MCC staff—alongside our partners and community members—hosted, attended, and supported a series of impactful events focused on celebration, education, and awareness. Together, we remain committed to advancing a future rooted in health equity and justice for all.
Here's what happened:
4/11: Montco Mamas Community Baby Shower
Families, MCC staff, and volunteers from the Links (Delaware Valley Chapter) came together for the Montco Mamas Community Baby Shower—MCC’s annual signature event celebrating and supporting new and expectant parents. This year’s community baby shower was held at the Lenfest Pavilion at Jefferson Abington Hospital.
4/11: OSHUN’s Joy and Justice Baby Boutique
MCC staff, alongside community partner, OSHUN Family Center (OSHUN), joined families at OSHUN’s Joy and Justice Baby Boutique.
4/11: Jefferson Health Plan’s Community Baby Shower
MCC staff supported new and expectant families at Jefferson Health Plan’s community baby shower by hosting a resource table with helpful information and guidance.
4/13: OSHUN’s and Access Matters’ Empowering Care, Elevating Voices: Maternal Health Justice Summit
MCC staff, alongside community partners, attended the Maternal Health Justice Summit at Temple University, hosted by OSHUN and Access Matters.
4/13: Delaware Healthy Mother and Infant Summit Consortium
MCC Delaware staff, alongside community partners, attended the Delaware Healthy Mother and Infant Summit Consortium held in Wilmington, Delaware.
4/13: BMHW at the Capitol hosted by the Black Maternal Health Caucus and the PA Doula Commission: Day 1
MCC staff, alongside community partners from the Black Maternal Health Caucus and the Pennsylvania Doula Commission, gathered at the Capitol in solidarity to advocate for better birth outcomes for Black mothers and birthing people. The award-winning documentary The Ebony Canal was also screened.
4/14: Advocacy Day at the Capitol, hosted by the Black Maternal Health Caucus and the PA Doula Commission: Day 2
MCC’s Senior Director of Programs, Lonnese Bodison, joined community partners at the Capitol for a press conference, brunch-and-learn, and legislative meetings with committee leadership, advocating for improved birth outcomes for Black mothers and birthing people.
4/16: A Day of Justice: Resolution for BMHW (City Council Hearing)
MCC’s CEO and President Marianne Fray, alongside Camille Copeland, MCC’s Associate Director of Public Relations and Communications, joined community partners from the offices of Kendra Brooks, Katherine Gilmore-Richardson, and OSHUN at City Hall to advocate for stronger solutions to improve Black maternal health.
4/17: An Elegant Rebellion: Celebrating 10 years (Bridgerton-themed Birthworkers Brunch)
MCC birthworkers attended a Bridgerton-themed Birthworkers Brunch, hosted by OSHUN at Fabrika, celebrating milestones in Black maternal health and honoring the impactful work of birthworkers.
While we remain committed to raising awareness about maternal health and addressing the racial disparities that disproportionately affect Black mothers and birthing people, we also celebrate the progress made and stay united in the fight for a future where health equity is a reality for all!
