bi3 believes every mother and young child should have access to the supports they need to grow and thrive—from pregnancy through early childhood. Much of our work focuses on reducing health gaps that impact Black women and families and serve as barriers to good health outcomes.
Founded and led nationally by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) is a week-long campaign that raises awareness, encourages action, and builds community. It centers the voices, experiences, and leadership of Black mamas and birthing people. BMHW is held every year from April 11–17. The week takes place during National Minority Health Month and begins on the International Day of Maternal Health Rights.
2026 will be the third year bi3 has recognized Black Maternal Health Week.
Note: This list of events is being updated regularly. Check back for additional options and details.
Policy / Advocacy Opportunity
Second Annual Black Maternal Health Summit
- Ohio Statehouse Atrium, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215
- April 14, 9 a.m. – 2 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.
Register by April 5.
Sponsored & Partner Events
bi3 recently awarded $50,000 to local organizations to support community events and activities connected to BMHW.
April 11 Events:
InHerPeace™ Healing Day Retreat: A Healing Experience for Mothers & the Village
- TriHealth, 625 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH
- 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The InHerPeace™ Healing Day Retreat is a community-centered gathering designed to support the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of Black pregnant and postpartum individuals (up to 18 months postpartum) and their support partners. The day begins with a warm welcome into a supportive environment where participants are provided with breakfast, lunch and snacks, tote bags, and access to on-site childcare so they can fully engage in the experience.
From there, participants move through a thoughtfully designed day that includes guided conversations on maternal mental health and restorative practices such as prenatal and postpartum yoga, healing art, and sound healing. Midday, participants share a nourishing lunch and community connection, followed by the Baobab Awards, which honor individuals strengthening maternal health in our community.
The afternoon features an intimate conversation and moderated Q&A with national speaker Dr. Karen Sheffield-Abdullah, PhD, RN, CNM, FACNM offering insight into managing stress and protecting maternal mental wellbeing. The day closes with a collective commitment to supporting mothers and strengthening the village that surrounds them.
April 12 Events:
Motherly Love Journey Groups – Session 1
- Cincinnati Museum Center Cr(eat)e Culinary Studio, 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH
- 3 – 6 p.m.
Motherly Love Journey Groups is a supportive program designed for pregnant and postpartum mothers. Through small-group sessions, participants receive practical support including guided meal preparation, mental and emotional wellness support, household organization resources, and community connection. The program aims to help mothers build confidence, reduce stress, and create a healthier journey for themselves and their babies. Our upcoming cohort will meet for four consecutive Sundays beginning April 12th, from 3 – 6 p.m.
Mama’s Blessing
- The Factory Events, 1546 Knowlton Street, Cincinnati, OH
- 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Mama’s Blessing is back!
Queens Village invites Black expecting mothers to join Mama’s Blessing: A Rite of Passage Celebration — a sacred, communal experience held during Black Maternal Health Week.
This intentional gathering is designed to honor, nurture, and pour into mothers before birth, creating space for rest, care, and meaningful connection.
Attendees will experience spa-like pampering, curated self-care gifts, and support from trusted community professionals, including doulas, a lactation consultant, and community health workers.
Registration is now open. Spots are limited.
April 13 Events:
Rooted in Care: CHWs Healing Community
- Deer Park Branch Library, 4020 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH
- 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Join Health Care Access Now for a free, half-day event bringing together community health workers (CHWs) and pregnant/postpartum individuals to learn together, share lived experiences, and build stronger connections to maternal mental health support in our community. The event will include interactive learning, the development of warm handoff strategies, community voice and celebration, and lunch provided by a Black-owned business.
April 14 Events:
April 15 Events:
Mommy Meetup
- Vernon Manor, 400 Oak Street, Cincinnati, OH
- 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Queens Village’s bi-weekly Mommy Meet Ups create intentional space for pregnant and postpartum Black mamas to connect, rest, and feel supported in community. Each gathering offers facilitated conversation, a gentle activity, a free hot meal, and trusted on-site childcare — no pressure, just care, connection, and sisterhood.
April 16 Events:
April 17 Events:
Joy in the Village – Black Maternal Health Week Community Gathering
- United Way Fifth Third Convening Center, 2400 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH
- 12:30 – 3 p.m.
Hosted by BCDI Ohio in partnership with The Empowerment Foundation, Joy in the Village: Black Maternal Health Week Community gathering is a free, welcoming space centered on Black maternal wellness, connection, and community voice. Participants can expect education and action workshops, prenatal to three mental health sessions, joy and community celebration space, and a resource and connection hub.
Pause & Let’s Celebrate
- Pyramid Hill Museum and Sculpture Park, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, OH
- 5 – 7 p.m.
Join NyNi Inc. for our Third 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.
