Black Maternal Health Week

What is Black Maternal Health Week?

"Held annually on April 11-17th, BMHW is a week-long campaign founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance​ to build awareness, activism, and community-building​ to amplify ​the voices, perspectives and lived experiences of Black Mamas and birthing people. The week is intentionally held during National Minority Health Month and begins on April 11th annually to join dozens of global organizations in marking this day as International Day for Maternal Health and Rights – an opportunity to advocate for the elimination of maternal mortality globally. The activities and conversations hosted throughout the week intentionally center the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements. ​" -Black Mamas Matter BMHW website

Black Mamas Matter: In Policy and Practice: A Policy Agenda for Black Maternal Health, Rights, and Justice Movement - This document outlines the BMMA's policy agenda, i.e. a list of subjects or issues viewed as important to the organization and which will drive their actions.

Why do we recognize BMHW at SJSU?

Check out the 4/10/24 blog entry onSJSU News Center: "A Look at Black Maternal Health Week."

Black Maternal Health Week 2025: The Power of Unconditional Love in Practice

Come together to celebrate Black Maternal Health Week 2025: The Power of Unconditional Love in Practice and explore resources and stories about the strengths and challenges facing parents, families, and communities in achieving reproductive justice. Reproductive justice – “the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities”  ( SisterSong )  – belongs to everyone.

Join us in amplifying the stories of families and those who advocate for reproductive justice and supporting thriving communities through storytime, activities, resources from local organizations, and inspiring presentations.

Community Baby Shower

• Sunday, April 13th from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch Library

Reproductive Justice Celebration

• Wednesday, April 16th from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library - 1st Floor Room 113 Digital Humanities Center

Donate Baby Essentials

• Donate new and unused baby items to support families in our community.
• Suggested items include:
  • Diapers & wipes
  • Baby clothes (newborn-24 mo)
  • Bottles, teethers, & pacifiers
  • Blankets & swaddles
  • Formula & baby food (unopened)
  • Diaper bags
• Drop off locations:
  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
    1st floor - SJSU Accounts Desk
    150 E. San Fernando Street
    San José, CA 95112
  • Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch Library
    3090 Alum Rock Ave
    San José, CA 95127