BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK 2026
APRIL 11-17, 2026
Join the Perinatal Health Equity Initiative for a week of events, as we celebrate and emphasize the importance of maternal health.
Black Maternal Health Week Events
APRIL 9
5:00PM
Community Baby Shower
Location: 280 S. Harrison St., Suite 401, East Orange, NJ 07018
APRIL 11-12
9:00AM-4:30PM
Organizing 101 Bootcamp
Organizing 101 is a multi-day day intro to organizing training designed for organizers, activists and community leaders. Participants are energized and challenged during the weekend training that encourages folks to use the time and space to build relationships as we deepen our work in this current political moment. Topics include outreach, campaign strategy, outreach principles, approaches to social change and history of organizing. Organizing 101s are year-round and occur across the country.
APRIL 13
12:00PM-1:30PM
Rooted in Joy: Supporting Mental Health Wellness Through the Complex Fertility Journey, Conception, & Pregnancy
- Overview of PCOS, Fibroids, & IVF
- The impacts on black maternal health/conception
- Finding joy during and after a complex fertility journey
APRIL 13
1:30PM
The State of the Union: Black Maternal Health New Jersey
JOIN US ON ZOOM!
APRIL 14
12:00PM-1:30PM
Rooted in Justice: “A Mama’s Toolbox for Self Advocacy within Hospital & Child Welfare Settings“
- Common terminology used within the hospital and child welfare setting
- Understanding how lab and chart results can lead to CPS involvement
- Building Medical Advocacy Language
APRIL 16
10:00AM-4:00PM
JOIN US FOR MUTUAL AID DAY!
Stop by the Perinatal Health Equity Initiative Office and pick up FREE baby supplies while they last!
Items may include:
• Diapers • Baby clothes • Baby essentials
• And more!
First come, first served.
LOCATION: 280 S. HARRISON STREET, EAST ORANGE, NJ 07018, SUITE 401
APRIL 17
12:00PM-1:00PM
Where Joy Meets Access: Financial Planning for Mamas
Financial Planning with Shenaya Wison, Founder and CEO of Fola Financial
Black mamas deserve financial clarity and joy, and in the spirit of Black Maternal Health Week, we’re bringing both on April 17th from 12–1 PM. Where Joy Meets Access: Financial Planning for Mamas is a live moderated panel conversation facilitated by PHEI Program Director Siara Maldonado, featuring Sheneya Wilson, MS, MBA, CPA, founder of Fola Financial LLC — a firm rooted in the belief that financial empowerment is a birthright, not a privilege. With a mission to close the generational wealth gap through education and economic enrichment, Sheneya brings expertise that meets our community exactly where we are. All attendees will receive a free family financial planning workbook, created exclusively for this event, to take home as part of their BMHW toolkit.