Nationwide — black women for wellness will host its 24th Annual Reproductive Justice Conference on August 10, 2023. It will be held at the California Foundation in Los Angeles from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This impactful event will feature experts, healthcare providers, live podcasters, advocates, and government officials. The event will include workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speakers on topics ranging from maternal health to reproductive rights to environmental justice.
This year’s theme emphasizes the need to identify and heal past trauma while protecting the present and building a better future for Black women and girls. This conference hopes to provide a space where participants can work together to create tangible, positive change by learning from each other, sharing resources, and uniting communities.
In 2023, 11 Black women died during childbirth in Los Angeles County, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. This is her death rate of 3.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is significantly higher than the death rate for white women. This translates to 1.2 deaths per 100,000 live births. Black women are less likely to have access to contraception than women of other races. In 2019, 49% of black women had access to effective contraception, compared to 68% of white women. Black men and women increasingly need help and support in an equitable manner when it comes to their reproductive journey, maternal health, and breast health.
For these reasons and many others, Black Women for Wellness is proud to host its 24th annual Reproductive Justice Conference at the California Endowment in Los Angeles. This year’s event will be more dynamic and interactive than ever.
What you can expect at the conference:
• $100 early bird tickets on Eventbrite: Tickets
• Distinguished speakers will be announced, including Deidre Cooper Owens, Ph.D., Byron “BK” Edmond, Ph.D., and Professor Dereso A. Alford.
• A special exhibit entitled “Monument to the Mothers of Obstetrics and Gynecology” by Michelle Montgomery.
• The Men’s Track will discuss the role men play in the reproductive justice community through breakout sessions, panels, and open discussions.
• Up to five Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credits.
• Networking and professional development opportunities.
• Renowned authors in attendance.
• Breakfast and lunch.
In addition, there will be two pre-conference events and one post-conference event.
• July 20 – Black Love and Joy: Celebrating and Nurturing Relationships in the Black Community
• August 3 – Invisible Mothers: Addressing inequality and improving birth outcomes for Black women in prison.
• TBD – The intersection of mental health and reproductive justice: Advocating for Black women and girls
To purchase tickets, please visit
about
Black Women for Wellness began as a grassroots program that matched pregnant women with “sister friend” mentors who mentored expectant mothers until their children were at least one year old. Within four years of implementation, BWW became a California 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 1997 and began upstream efforts to address institutional and political policy. BWW has grown from a women’s volunteer group to a community organization. BWW operates in Los Angeles County, home to more than 1 million Southern Californians and serving Black women of all ages.Learn more about BWWLA.org
For more information, please contact Arnedra Jordan at atarnedra@bwwla.com.
For press inquiries or media interview requests, please contact Tonya McKenzie at tmckenzie@sandandshores.com or (510) 589-3764.
