The Black Maternal Mental Health Conference features impactful conversation aimed at empowering Black mothers in their journey through maternal mental health care. Dedicated to addressing the distinct challenges faced by Black mothers, this conference strives to elevate awareness, encourage open dialogue, and inspire proactive measures to enhance the mental well-being of Black mothers and individuals during childbirth.

Key Note Speaker:

Sandra Igwe - Founder, The Motherhood Group

She has been listed by both Vogue UK and Forbes as the ‘Influential Women of the Year’

Bio:

Sandra Igwe is a Black maternal health advocate, Government Policy Advisor, and is the Chief

Executive of The Motherhood Group, a leading organization that supports the Black maternal

experience by delivering community-based events (Black Mum Fest), maternal training

workshops and conferences (Black Maternal Health Conference UK), peer-to-peer support,

national campaigns (Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK), and culturally sensitive

programs commissioned by NHS England. The Motherhood Group also has a community

hub in Lambeth Town Hall as a safe space for Black mothers and families.

Sandra is a Trustee for Birthrights, the guiding charity on human rights in pregnancy and

childbirth and the Co-Chair of their National Inquiry into Racial Injustice in Maternity Care.

Sandra is the author of My Black Motherhood: Mental Health, Stigma, Racism and the System.

In this book, she uses her voice, and many other Black mothers' experiences to demand that

Black women are listened to, believed, and understood by healthcare professionals.

Sandra is a leading voice that bridges the gap between the community of Black mothers and

service providers, policy-makers and organizations. a key-note speaker for Facebook (now

META) , Dove, MBRRACE-UK, Nike Women, UBS and other notable corporations.

Key Note Speaker:

Theresa Fortune- public speaker, actress, executive producer, and founder of Communion with the Community,

Bio:

Theresa Fortune is an established public speaker, actress, director, executive producer and founder of Communion with the Community, which was established in 2017. The focal point of her work is art and creative expression and boldly sharing her personal experiences with economic challenges, social injustices, and postpartum depression.

As a creative-community service leader, Fortune orchestrates events that inspire dialogue around mental health and artistic expression in the black community. Fortune’s work in drama theater, storytelling, and visual art exist to provide a container for dialogue around many of the issues affecting black families and individuals in our increasingly disconnected society.

Her devotion to contributing to the community inspired her to build and facilitate a year-round mentorship program for underprivileged children in Oakland. In this program, youth are introduced to the arts and encouraged to explore their creative identity. Theresa Fortune was born and raised in Oakland and is a mother to an 8-year-old daughter.

Conference Overview:

Highlights:

Panel Discussions: Featuring experts in mental health tools, motherhood, and fatherhood, discussing strategies and insights to support Black maternal mental health.
Workshops: Interactive sessions providing practical tools and resources for supporting Black mothers and birthing individuals.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations dedicated to improving Black maternal mental health.
Keynote Address: Sandra Igwe will share her insights and experiences in supporting the Black maternal experience and addressing racial injustice in maternity care.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the unique mental health challenges faced by Black mothers and birthing individuals.
Explore strategies to reduce stigma and increase access to mental health support within Black communities.
Gain insights into culturally sensitive approaches to maternal mental health care for Black women.
Identify ways to advocate for policy changes that improve maternal mental health outcomes for Black mothers.

First Group: Black Mental Health Tools

Our first group of panelists comprises experts in mental health tools and interventions for supporting Black maternal mental health. They will provide insights into medication management and treatment options.

Second Group: Understanding Black Motherhood and Mental Health

In our second group, panelists will focus on the motherhood journey, sharing perspectives from a mental health and cultural base. An advocate for maternal mental health awareness will also share her personal journey and insights.

Third Group: The Gap In Maternal Mental Health: The Fatherhood Perspective

The third group of panelists will delve into the role of fatherhood in supporting maternal mental health. Through a father and advocate perspective, this group includes mental health providers, educators, and fathers who have supported their partners through pregnancy and postpartum while being open to the support around them.

Panelist Overview:

Motherhood Panel -

The Shades Of Motherhood Network | Black Maternal Health Resource Network
Dr. Melissa Mace | Owner- Executive Director - Clinician
Shakesha M. Costict, PhD, LMHC, NCC, CMHS | The Importance of Representation Within the Counseling Field

Fatherhood Panel -

Demetrius Palmer | Mental Health Specialist
Nathan Jones | Associate English Professor
Ervin Jones | Certified GPS Support Group Facilitator, First Aid Mental Health Specialist,CHW

Conference Outline:

Session 1 (Sandra Igwe)

9:15-10:15 AM

Break

10:15-10:30 AM

Session 2

10:30-11:30 AM (Theresa Fortune)

Break

11:30-11:40 AM

Session 3

11:40 AM to 12:30 PM (Theresa Fortune)

—

Lunch

12:30 to 1:15 PM

—

Building Tools Session

1:15 to 2:00 PM

—

Panelist Breakout Rooms:

Break out 1 - 2:00 to 3:00 PM
Break out 2 - 3:00 to 4:00 PM

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a movement dedicated to advancing Black maternal mental health.

Black mothers and mothers of babies of color in the United States are still facing significant problems during childbirth due to a lack of resources and support. We’ve established The Shades of Motherhood Network to fill in this gap by providing innovative resources like peer support groups, empowering community workshops, and comprehensive doula care.

Stronger Together: Maternal Mental Health Conference

“Community Care for Black Maternal Mental Health"

Team Members