Freedom and a Fourth of July Reflection | | |
As we celebrate Independence Day and contemplate the meaning of freedom, we’re reminded that true emancipation includes the fundamental right to make informed decisions about our bodies and families. Freedom is having access to scientifically proven information, trusted healthcare guidance, research to address the increasing disparities in maternal health, and the ability to make decisions that align with our individual circumstances, values, and needs.
In the face of current challenges to civil rights, voting access, research, and reproductive rights, we draw inspiration from historical figures like Frederick Douglass, Fannie Lou Hamer, and John Lewis, along with countless unnamed heroes who demonstrated that progress is possible through collective action and persistence.
This Fourth of July, we honor our predecessors by committing to build a more just society—one where access to accurate information, dignified healthcare, and the ability to make personal health decisions remain fundamental to our democratic ideals.
| | The Next SisterWalks Is on July 17 | | |
The Center for Birth Justice — an organization born from PTBi — and SisterWeb invite you to the next SisterWalks, taking place 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, July 17, 11:45 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Warming Hut Park Store
983 Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129
| | |
Join Our Free Book Club: Books for Birth Justice
Join us for the first discussion meeting of Books for Birth Justice, a monthly virtual book club where reading, community-building, and birth justice intersect.
Our first book is Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by adrienne maree brown—an insightful guide to embracing change and shaping the future we want.
When: Monday, July 28, 1:30 - 2:30 pm PT
Where: Virtual Meeting
| | |
Tickets on Sale Now for the 2025 California Black Birth Equity Summit!
2025 California Black Birth Equity Summit registration for both virtual (with access to select presentations) and in-person are available now.
For those traveling from afar, a block of discounted rooms are available (until sold out).
The California Black Birth Equity Summit 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
When: October 20–21
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento
2001 Point West Way, Sacramento, CA 95815
|
| |
Thought Prompt of the Month
Who are the people having a positive impact on you and your community?
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 are your creative outlets?
“As a birth worker, I find that my creative energy flows through several channels that help me process and celebrate the profound work I do. I love writing in my journal, especially after births or client sessions, since it helps me process the emotional weight and beauty of supporting new life and families.” -Jade
| | | | |
Join Black Mamas Meet Up
A virtual postpartum group for Black mamas with children up to 3 years old meets every second and fourth Friday of the month from
11:00 am - 12:00 pm PT. Most meetings are virtual with periodic in-person family-friendly activities.
The next session is on July 11.
Sign Up for the Black Mamas Meet Up
| | |
SF Pregnancy Family Village
This free 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 12:00 - 3:30 pm.
A complementary lunch is served at noon with music, free maternity clothes, yoga, and more!
When: Saturday, July 12, 12:00 - 3:30 pm
Where: Bayview YMCA
1601 Lane St, San Francisco, CA 94124
| |
Mental Health & Sisterhood Circle for Black Mothers
Join this FREE weekly support group series designed for Black mothers at all stages of their birthing journey.
Taking place every Thursday through August 28 at Rafiki Coalition, the sessions include healing activities, nutritious meals, and community.
The program is led by Alexis Cobbins, an accomplished advocate in maternal health, with over 15 years of experience.
When: Thursday, July 3, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: Rafiki Coalition
601 Cesar Chavez St, SF, CA
| |
Intensive Care Nursery Community Group Lunch
Join this vibrant community support group for mothers with babies in the UCSF neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This is a warm and inclusive space for families with preterm babies to come together.
Enjoy a free lunch to better nourish your little ones, connect with other NICU moms and families, and build community. Don’t miss your chance to ask questions and seek guidance from the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and dedicated staff.
When: Thursday, July 17, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
Where: Intensive Care Nursery conference room at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco
1975 Fourth St, Third Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | |
The BlackECE Symposium is back for a second year!
This year's symposium by Black Californians United For Early Care And Education (Black ECE) centers on the beauty, brilliance, and resilience of Black English. It aims to disrupt the systemic linguistic oppression faced by Black children and early educators.
The event will bring together early care and education professionals, policymakers, researchers, families, and advocates to engage in powerful conversations, share research and lived experiences, and shape policies that affirm Black children's language and cultural identity.
When: August 14th - August 15th
Where: The California Endowment
1000 Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA
| | |
Loren Newman
Mom, Graphic Designer and Communications Manager at PTBi
Loren finds joy in using her skills as a graphic designer to create community-focused, digestible, and informative graphics to improve maternal health for Black and Brown families.
Her commitment to the cause increased since giving birth. She brings special care to the work, sharing her knowledge of the health disparities from working at PTBi and her own lived experience working with midwives, doulas, and giving birth during a pandemic.
Read Loren's Story
| | |
Catherine Porchia
Mom, Doula, and Postpartum Doula
It wasn't until her third child that Catherine learned about postpartum doulas, and it sparked her to desire to become one.
It's difficult to do everything right as a new parent, and the situation can be have negative effects on their mental health. This is where she comes in.
She does the work to guide new moms, offering support, and lets them know what they are experiencing is normal. Most of all, she helps them find the joy in motherhood that they may have lost.
Read Catherine's Story
| | |
|
Make an Impact with PTBi's July Zoom Background
July's background features Tanefer L. Camara, a mom, Lactation and Infant Feeding Specialist, and Doula.
Download Background
| | | | | |
