During our Black Maternal Health Week Kitchen Cabinet Strategy Forum, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D) Illinois shared an update on the state of Black maternal health in our nation, the progress we've made and the work that still needs to be done. We celebrate the passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021, introduced by Congresswoman Underwood, Congresswoman Alma Adams and Senator Cory Booker with the support of more than 190 organizations. Legislation like the Momnibus will help support policy that provides an innovative approach to protecting Black birthing persons.
Rep. Underwood is doing the work in Congress and each of us must do the work at our level to make sure we're amplifying our voices and power to advance work that improves maternal health outcomes and end disparities. Here are some ways you can take action to advocate for Black maternal health in Kansas City.
1. Share and discuss #BMHW with your community
2. Volunteer two hours this month at a local Black women-led organization doing work for Black birthing persons. Some options include:
Uzazi Village (KCMO): uzazivillage.org Reale Justice Network (MO): realejusticenetwork.org Jamaa Birth Village (STL): Jamaabirthvillage.org Birth Justice Society (Wichita): wichitabirthjusticesociety.org
3. Contact your state legislators Missouri - Congressman Cleaver https://cleaver.house.gov Kansas - Congresswoman Sharice Davids https://davids.house.gov
4. Connect with Shirley’s Kitchen Cabinet about how you can amplify your voice to empower Black women! www.shirleyskitchencabinet.org