Community Hub
Black Maternal Health Week
Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) takes place annually from April 11 to April 17. Originally instituted by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance in 2018, BMHW is crucial to advancing Black maternal health in the United States and dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the improvement of maternal health outcomes within the African American community. Specifically in Florida in 2020, Black mothers were four times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related complications. Our mission is to unite our community across the Tampa Bay area and serve as a catalyst to mobilize in a collective effort towards a brighter future. We aim to honor, celebrate, and acknowledge the strength, resilience, and importance of Black mothers, shedding light on their unique social circumstances and healthcare challenges.
#BMHWofTampaBay was created in collaboration with the Community Hub at USF's College of Public Health to develop a platform to raise awareness and advocate for the improvement of maternal health outcomes within the African American community. This initiative strives to promote optimal Black maternal health outcomes in Tampa Bay through an intentional and coordinated campaign to engage the community, local organizations, stakeholders, students, faculty, and staff at the University of South Florida and in the surrounding Tampa Bay area!
As our annual fundraising event, all proceeds are used strategically to support our programming to improve perinatal outcomes in Florida. We identify these priority program areas annually in collaboration with our community partners, as well as our steering committee, which has representation from 25+ community organizations, during our Annual Equal Birth Collective Summit.
This program or activity is privately funded. See Florida BOG Regulation 9.016(1)(a)7-8 and 9.016(2) https://www.usf.edu/provost/faculty-success/resources-policies-forms/guidance-sb266.aspx; and SB 266 (section 1004.06(2), Florida Statutes) https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/266/BillText/er/HTML
2025 Schedule of Events
The Black Birth Experience: Photography Exhibit & Showcase
Thursday, April 10
Kick off #BMHWofTampaBay as we highlight the beautiful yet complicated experiences of Black mothers with this celebration through art and culture! Engage in creative expression through art exhibits, performances, and activities amplifying the stories of Black mothers.
MOMMA Fest
Friday, April 11 at 5:00 p.m.
Join us for a community block party, health fair and family fun day with activities for the entire family! This celebration will include wellness booths, health screenings, perinatal support and education services, bounce houses, music, food and more!
Race for Black Mommas and Maternal Health
Saturday, April 12
Healthy Mommas make healthy babies! Walk or run, near or far, connect with your community and support healthy birth outcomes for all as you join us for the Race for Black Mommas! This event provides several opportunities for participation.
Race for Black Mommas and Maternal Health
April 14: Reframing Resilience: Community Healing & Emotional Wellbeing
Monday, April 14
Join us for an engaging discussion with a diverse panel of experts as they provide tangible stress mitigation strategies and education on the importance of community healing and our collective mental, social and emotional wellbeing.
Men in the Movement: Supporting Brothers in Fatherhood
Tuesday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Husbands, fathers, partners and young men, this event is for you! Join us for a community conversation centered on engaging partners in their role in the Black Maternal Health movement and how we as a community can support their involvement.
Girl Talk
Wednesday, April 16
During Girl Talk, we create a safe space for our young adults and college students to pose questions, share concerns, and learn about tangible, evidenced-based strategies to help them achieve their optimal health and wellbeing.
State of Black Maternal Health: Building Community Power
Thursday, April 17
Our final #BMHWofTampaBay event highlights an interdisciplinary dialogue about leveraging our community power and various skillsets to help bridge the gap in maternal health outcomes. The event concludes with a closing address to inspire advocates in this journey.
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Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Lactation Station Sponsors
Collaborating Partners
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Diamond Sponsor - $25,000+
- Prominent logo placement on #BMHWofTampaBay materials:
- Signage, program, email, and social media promotion and website
- Race for Black Maternal Health T-shirts (prominent positioning)
- Recognition during campaign opening and closing ceremony
- 30 complimentary Race for Black Maternal Health registrations
- Swag added to #BMHWofTampaBay swag bags
- Education Station at MOMMA Fest and Race for Black Maternal Health
Platinum Sponsor - $10,000
- Logo included on #BMHWofTampaBay materials including:
- Program, email, and social media promotion and website
- Race for Black Maternal Health t-shirts
- 15 complimentary Race for Black Maternal Health registrations
- Swag added to #BMHWofTampaBay swag bags
- Education Station at MOMMA Fest and Race for Black Maternal Health
Gold Sponsor - $5,000
- Logo included on #BMHWofTampaBay materials including:
- Program and website
- 10 complimentary Race for Black Maternal Health Registrations
- Swag added to #BMHWofTampaBay swag bags
- Education Station at MOMMA Fest and Race for Black Maternal Health
Silver Sponsor - $2,500
- Logo placement on official event program
- 5 complimentary Race for Black Maternal Health Registrations
- Education Station at MOMMA Fest and Race for Black Maternal Health
Bronze Sponsor - $1,000
- Recognition in #BMHWofTampaBay 2024 Program
- 3 complimentary Race for Black Maternal Health Registrations
- Education Station at MOMMA Fest and Race for Black Maternal Health
Educational Collaborator - $350
- Recognition in #BMHWofTampaBay 2024 Program
- 1 complimentary Race for Black Maternal Health Registration
- Education Station at MOMMA Fest and Race for Black Maternal Health
Additional Ways to Support:
- In-Kind Donations: Water, food, snacks, giveaways, diapers, wipes
- Volunteer: We need volunteers to help runners on Race Day
- Corporate Team: Increase company morale and promote health and well-being at your workplace
All donations are welcome! If you are interested in supporting #BMHWofTampaBay, please contact BMHWofTampaBay@gmail.com or click the buttons below for more information.
- Prominent logo placement on #BMHWofTampaBay materials:
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Black Maternal Health Week of Tampa Bay
BMHWofTampaBay@gmail.comMarshara Fross, PhD, MPH, CPH
Postdoctoral Scholar & Research Fellow
frossm@usf.eduRoneé Wilson, PhD, MPH, CPH
Director of the Community Hub
rewilson@usf.edu