Black Maternal Health Week
BMHW is a national campaign held annually during the week of April 11–17, dedicated to amplifying the voices, experiences, and solutions centered on Black maternal health. Founded in 2018 by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, BMHW calls attention to the persistent and devastating disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women and birthing people in the United States.
This year, we brought the message beyond the conversation and into the community with exclusive merchandise designed to spark dialogue and show your support for Black maternal health—because this movement belongs to all of us.
2026 marked the 10th anniversary of Black Maternal Health Week, a powerful reminder of how far the movement has come and what we’re still building together. Grounded in this year’s theme, “Maternal Health is Everyone’s Business,” our community turned awareness into action, showing up in ways that embodied both justice and joy.
From celebrating Black mamas to uplifting families and pushing the conversation forward across our city, you made maternal health your business in real and meaningful ways. And while the week may be over, the work continues. Let’s keep this energy going as we advocate for and invest in thriving Black mothers, babies, and families in DC and beyond.
Keep scrolling to explore and recap the week!
BMHW Merch
BMHW 5K Walk
This year’s 5K was more than a walk—it was a powerful celebration of community, movement, and our collective commitment to ensuring Black women, birthing people, and their families were seen, heard, and supported before, during, and after pregnancy. Together, participants showed what’s possible when a community rallies around Black maternal health and reproductive justice.
Every step taken helped expand access to culturally responsive care, including:
- Doula services for families
- Childbirth education classes
- Lactation support
- Workforce development for community birthworkers
- Wraparound care that protects the health of both parent and baby
Every participant increased visibility, every dollar raised expanded access, and every moment shared helped move us closer to a future where Black mothers and families thrive. Next year, we’re building on that momentum—and we hope you’ll join us again to walk with purpose, walk for safe births, and walk for Black maternal health.
BMHW Soirée
The Black Maternal Health Week Soirée served as our signature fundraising event for the week. On Saturday, April 18, we brought together the people who move culture and move resources at the Eaton hotel in Washington, DC.
This was an evening where champions, change-makers, and the community gather to celebrate Black motherhood and invest in the future of maternal health in the Nation’s Capital. Because the truth remains: Black Maternal Health is Everyone’s Business.
At a time when Black women continue to face shrinking access to quality maternal care nationwide, this moment called for bold commitment and sustained investment in community-rooted solutions.
The future of Black maternal health in DC was in the room.
