At bi3, we believe that our community can be a place where every mother and young child has access to the care and resources they need to thrive, from pregnancy to early childhood. Because of this belief, we excitedly fund, support and amplify events in recognition of Black Maternal Health Week.
Held annually from April 11 – 17, Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) events focus on amplifying the voices, perspectives and lived experiences of Black mamas and birthing people.
bi3 recently awarded $78,000 to local organizations to support such events. Below, you will find details about those events, plus others, held in recognition of the week. (Note: This list of events is being updated regularly. Check back for additional options and details.)
bi3-Funded Events
April 11 Events:
Birthing Joy: A Celebration of Black Motherhood
- Booker T. Washington Community Center, 1140 South Front Street, Hamilton
- 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
This will be an event where Black mothers feel seen and loved. The event will feature self-care practices, painting, dancing, light bites inspired by Black traditions, an empowerment panel (with topics including self-advocacy, mental wellness and the power of community) and more. During the event, awards will be provided honoring Black mothers from the community who exemplify leadership, resilience and love. Each attendee will leave with a gift.
Registration appreciated
Wild Women’s Wisdom Circle : Birth Stories
- The Mothership Center, 4365 Reading Road, Cincinnati
- 6 – 8 p.m.
A space for Black women to tell their stories and experiences around childbirth.
Registration required
April 12 Events:
InHer Peace ™: Healing Day Retreat
- Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The InHer Peace™️ Healing Day Retreat is a celebration of empowerment, serenity, and community connection. Participants will experience a nurturing environment that honors the journeys of Black women—mothers, pregnant individuals, aspiring mothers, and grandmothers—while fostering sisterhood. This event will feature the honoring of two birth advocates, poetry, yoga, guided meditation, storytelling and therapeutic art to promote self-expression and emotional healing. A key feature of the retreat is the Kids Creative Corner, allowing mothers to relax while their children, ages 5-12, engage in creative play. Each participant will also receive a swag bag filled with valuable resources. The retreat will include giveaways and door prizes, ensuring a memorable experience for all. Participants will leave feeling connected, empowered, and inspired.
Registration required!
Free Community Baby Shower
- Rosa Parks Elementary School, 1210 Verity Parkway, Middletown
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This community baby shower is hosted by the Centering Program at Atrium Medical Center’s Maternal Health Center. It is open to any mother with an infant under the age of 1 or expecting moms.
- Free baby gifts and giveaways
- Fun activities, including gender reveal photo booth
- Q&A with doctors, doulas, and lactation consultants
- Raffles and refreshments
- Maternal health education and community resources
Registration is not required, but those who register will be given priority admittance.
The Mothership Institute: Black Birth Summit
- The Mothership Center
- 12 – 5 p.m.
A summit with keynote speakers, panels, and workshops on Black birth traditions, health equity, and solutions. Vendors and resources available.
Registration Required
Motherhood and Mental Health, 3E Affinity Incorporated & Serenity Therapy Services: Resource and Support Fair
- First Financial Bank, 1 East 5th Street, Cincinnati OH
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
With the goal of raising awareness about maternal health resources available in the community, this resource fair will feature 15+ vendors including mental health care, midwifery care and much more. A therapist will be onsite throughout the event to provide evaluations and connect clients to mental health services. Attendees will receive a gift with essentials and will have the change to win large giveaways such as cribs, strollers and bassinets.
Registration required; link coming soon!
Tea, Treats, and Transformation: A Global Conversation on Black Maternal Joy
- Artsville, 5021 Whestsel Avenue, Cincinnati
- 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join us for Tea, Treats, and Transformations, a gathering centered on Black maternal mental health and joy. This event brings together African American and African immigrant women for a morning of healing, storytelling, and sisterhood. The program will feature a panel discussion, storytelling circle, and time for community fellowship— in celebration, connection, and collective care.
Registration required.
April 13 Events:
HerSTORY: Joy Mapping and Storytelling
- WordPlay Cincy, 1556 Chase Avenue, Cincinnati
- 1-7 p.m.
This event focuses on crafting healthier and happier futures for Black birthing individuals. The primary objective of this event is to create a supportive environment where Black women can reframe their narratives surrounding childbirth and identify key resources in the community where they can find ongoing support.
Registration required
April 14 Events:
April 15 Events:
Mommy Play Date Inc. & Make It Happen Mommy: Mommy Mindful Week – Zumba, Connection, and Communication (Day 1)
- Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency, 1740 Langdon Farm Road, Cincinnati
- 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
A two-day event dedicated to mental health and family wellness. The first day will feature energizing Zumba sessions (first session at 9 a.m., second at 10 a.m.), followed by an 11 a.m. parenting workshop. Attendees will enjoy lunch, networking, and community engagement. This event is designed to empower families through movement, mindfulness, and meaningful conversations while fostering a supportive community.
Registration Required
April 16 Events:
April 17 Events:
NyNi Inc.: Second Annual Pause & Let’s Celebrate
- 5 – 7 p.m.
- Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton OH
Join us for our second annual “Pause & Let’s Celebrate!” event as we come together to amplify Black voices, advocate for change, and celebrate the beauty and power of Black motherhood. After a full week of working collectively to support these efforts across Southwest Ohio, we invite you to “Pause & Celebrate!” the resilience, contributions, and ongoing impact of Black women.
Registration required.
Additional Events
April 12:
Doula Crash Course : Birth & Beyond
- Cincinnati Public Library – Downtown Main Branch 3 South, Room E
- 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Expecting a baby? Support a loved one through birth? This 3-hour crash course is designed for parents, grandparents, partners and friends who want to be confident, informed and prepared. Discussion will include what doulas do and why they matter; how to build the best birth team; birth plans and labor positions; postpartum recovery and newborn care; and more!
No registration required.
Black Maternal Health Week Community Event
- Booker T. Washington Community Center, 1140 South Front Street, Hamilton
- 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join YWCA Hamilton and community partners for this Black Maternal Health Week Community Event. You’re invited to a powerful day of education, empowerment, and action as we recognize Black Maternal Health Week!
Registration required.
April 17 Events:
Mommy Play Date Inc. & Make It Happen Mommy: Mommy Mindful Week – Mommy Mental Health Matters (Day 2)
- Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency, 1740 Langdon Farm Road, Cincinnati
- 4 – 6 p.m.
A two-day event dedicated to mental health and family wellness. The second day will focus on family communication and etiquette, offering a hands-on table etiquette class for kids and a parent workshop on effective communication with children. Vendors will have the opportunity to share resources, and guests will receive craft bags filled with helpful materials. This event is designed to empower families through movement, mindfulness, and meaningful conversations while fostering a supportive community.
Registration Required
