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May 2025
International Doula Month, Mental Health Month, National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and National Trauma Awareness Month
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Wishing a heartfelt Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers and caregivers out there. Whether they are our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, or mother figures, their influence is immeasurable and their impact everlasting.
Their legacies continue to shine through their children, grandchildren, and the communities they touched.
| | Thank You for Making SisterWalks a Success! | | |
We want to extend our gratitude to everyone who participated in our first-ever SisterWalks: Movement for Black Maternal Joy during Black Maternal Health Week. Special shout out to our partners for this event, SisterWeb!
The chill and foggy day couldn't dampen the joy of great conversations, tree therapy, and fresh air. Even the park was celebrating with wildflowers blooming everywhere! Your presence not only helped raise awareness, but also strengthens our community. Together, we are making a difference.
| | The Next SisterWalks is May 15 at Golden Gate Park | | |
The Center for Birth Justice — which PTBi is transitioning into — and SisterWeb invite you to the next SisterWalks: Movement for Black Maternal Joy! It will take place at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco as a way to center Black mamas and Black maternal health.
Whether you’re a new or expecting mother, a birth worker, or simply someone passionate about Black maternal wellness, we'd love for you to join us.
When: Thursday, May 15, 11:45 am to 1 pm (free)
Where: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
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Special In-Person Black Mamas Meet Up Brunch!
Celebrate Mother's Day at Blooming into Motherhood Brunch & Wellness Day—
a special in-person Black Mamas Meet Up event, designed to nourish, connect, and celebrate mamas! Enjoy delicious food, mental health-focused activities, and meaningful community time.
Childcare will be provided on-site, so feel free to bring along the little ones.
When: Friday, May 9, 11 am to 1:30 pm (free)
Where: Rafiki Coalition for Health & Wellness, 601 Cesar Chavez, SF, CA 94124
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Books for Birth Justice!
We're launching Books for Birth Justice, a monthly virtual book club where reading, community-building, and birth justice intersect.
It’s not just about work—it’s about nurturing creativity, sparking curiosity, and connecting with others in a meaningful way. Whether you’re in it for rich discussions, personal reflection, or just to connect with like-minded people, we invite you to join our monthly discussions and virtual reading community!
Our first book will be Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by adrienne maree brown—an insightful guide to embracing change and shaping the future we want.
When: Monday, May 19, 1:30 - 2:30 pm Pacific Time (free)
Where: Virtual Meeting
| | Call for Presentation Proposals for the 2025 California Black Birth Equity Summit! | | |
The California Black Birth Equity Summit is seeking proposals for presentations that support healthy and thriving Black families at the biennial summit at the DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento.
All people with lived experience, those who envision healthy Black futures, and those working to advance Black birth equity are encouraged to submit proposals.
The 2025 California Black Birth Equity Summit, to be held on October 20-21, is one of the largest gatherings in California focused on advancing Black birth equity and justice. Each summit convenes 300-400 birth equity leaders, policy and government officials, public health professionals, philanthropists, clinicians, midwives, birthworkers, and advocates. This event will feature expert keynote speakers, interactive concurrent sessions, strategic planning, meaningful dialogue, wellness, and networking opportunities.
The call for proposals will close on May 12, 2025 at 6pm PT. The deadline will NOT be extended! Presenters will be notified of their acceptance status in early June 2025.
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Thought Prompt of the Month
Who are the people who show up for you, not just in big moments but in the everyday?
The we'd love to hear from you!
If you feel moved you can leave a message either by phone or through the link below.
Voicemail: (415) 502-5601 or Submit Online
| | Please note that messages left on voicemail or submitted online may be shared via our newsletter, website, social media, or other channels. | |
Featured Reply
What do you need to feel supported and pursue your dreams?
“I need positive reinforcement and validation from those around me, plus encouragement to step out of my comfort zone and try new things to help me grow. Having friends who support me and challenge me in a constructive way is important for building my self-esteem.” -Mia
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SF Pregnancy Family Village
This event for Black pregnant residents and families in San Francisco provides a reliable one-stop-shop of offerings built around the community’s stated needs and engaging within environments that are uplifting, supportive, and dignified. Every second Saturday of the month from 12 pm to 3:30 pm.
Lunch is served at noon with music, free maternity clothes, yoga, and more!
When: Saturday, May 10, 12 pm to 3:30 pm (free)
Where: Bayview YMCA
1601 Lane St, San Francisco, CA 94124
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Bringing Up California: Inaugural Summit in Oakland
This summit marks the official launch of Bringing Up California (formerly the Whole Child Equity Partnership). This multiracial, multisector coalition is united by a bold vision: to make California the best state to have, raise, and be a child.
The daylong summit will explore how to center families during times of uncertainty, build lasting advocacy efforts, and strengthen cross-sector collaboration.
When: Tuesday, June 3, 9:30 am to 4 pm (free)
Where: The California Endowment
2000 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94612
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Marna Armstead
Doula, Co-Founder and SisterWeb Advisory Committee Chair
It was the challenges of having a daughter born at 36 weeks that inspired Marna to become a doula, but it was the desire to match doulas of color with families of color that led to founding the community doula collective, SisterWeb.
Read Marna's Story
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Ruta Lauleva Lua’iufi Aiono
Doula Coordinator, Traditional Birth Attendant, M.A.N.A Pasefika
Ruta comes from a lineage of people who were born at home, starting at 24 years old, helping her god-baby come into the world. As her experience grew, so did the desire to work with people like her: Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
Read Ruta's Story
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Show Up with PTBi's May Zoom Background
May's background features Brandi Gates-Burgess, founder of Breastfriends and Lactation and Infant Feeding Specialist.
Download Background
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