On August 27, 2025, the California State Museum in Sacramento became a focal point for a critical conversation about a crisis that has long simmered beneath the surface of public health: the disproportionate rates of pregnancy-related complications and deaths among Black women. Hosted by the California Black Health Network (CBHN), the legislative briefing, titled "The State of Black Maternal Health," brought together advocates, lawmakers, and medical professionals determined to change the narrative—and the numbers—surrounding Black maternal health.
Adjoa Jones, Director of the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative at the L.A. County Department, set the tone for the day with a somber reminder of the stakes. She recounted the stories of two Black women from Southern California whose lives were cut tragically short after childbirth. "I come to you speaking from the voices of our community from the stories of two unforgettable mothers, but it really speaks to the most preventable tragedies," Jones said, as reported by the Los Angeles Sentinel. Her words echoed through the museum halls, underscoring that these losses are not isolated incidents but a reflection of systemic issues affecting Black mothers across California and the nation.
One story Jones shared was that of April Valentine, who died on January 10, 2023, after giving birth at Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood. According to reports, Valentine succumbed to a pulmonary embolism—a blood clot that traveled from her leg to her lung—a well-known risk during pregnancy. Valentine’s family believes her death was preventable and has filed a wrongful-death claim, seeking accountability for what they view as a failure in care.
The second case involved Briget Cromer, a 32-year-old mother who died on March 2, 2023, just hours after delivering her fifth child at California Hospital Medical Center. Cromer’s family alleges her death resulted from medical negligence and has filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, citing systemic racial bias in her care. These stories, Jones emphasized, are emblematic of a broader crisis. "We’re doing all that we can to ensure that pregnancy is uplifted (and) pregnancy is a place that’s where folks can enjoy the journey," she said. "We just don’t want our (health) systems to continue to be negligent toward Black women, Black families, and Black people."
Data from the California Department of Public Health paints a stark picture: although Black women account for just 5% of pregnancies in the state, they represent a staggering 21% of pregnancy-related deaths. Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, an obstetrician-gynecologist and the event’s keynote speaker, did not mince words about the systemic roots of this crisis. "Here in California, we tragically lose another mother due to pregnancy-related complications every five days," Weber Pierson said. "Here and nationally, Black mothers are three to four times likely to be one of those mothers lost. That’s coming from 40% of maternal deaths." Her remarks, as reported by the Los Angeles Sentinel, highlighted the urgent need for systemic change.
Panelists at the briefing—including Sandra Poole of the Western Center on Law and Poverty, Brittany Chambers of UC Davis, Palav Babaria from the California Department of Health Care Services, and Zea Malawa of Expecting Justice—discussed both the roots of the problem and the policy solutions in play. At the heart of the legislative response is Assembly Bill 2319, authored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2024. The bill requires all healthcare providers in California to complete implicit bias training by June 1, 2025, aiming to address the unconscious prejudices that can shape patient care and outcomes.
But as Rhonda Smith, CBHN’s Executive Director, noted, policy alone is not enough. "There are amazing and incredible women who are doing amazing work here in the state," Smith said, praising the panelists and the broader community for their commitment. The briefing concluded with a set of action-oriented takeaways: effective implementation of policies, accountability at the system level, collaboration between healthcare systems and communities, a focus on culturally competent care, and a long-term commitment to resources and support. The message was clear—lasting change will require more than training; it demands a transformation of the systems and attitudes that have allowed disparities to persist.
This call for community-driven action is not limited to California. Across the country, in Savannah, Georgia, members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Gamma Sigma Omega Chapter have launched a bold public education and awareness campaign to shine a spotlight on Black maternal health. On June 13, 2025, in partnership with Chatham Area Transit (CAT), the chapter installed eye-catching and informative posters on all 60 CAT buses, reaching nearly four million passengers annually throughout Savannah, unincorporated Chatham County, and parts of Garden City. The campaign, which will remain visible through September 2025, aims to educate the public about the disproportionate maternal health outcomes affecting Black women and the often-overlooked impact of mental health on maternal care and birthing experiences, as reported by the Savannah Tribune.
Funding for the initiative came from a grant provided by Postpartum Support International—Georgia Chapter, as well as private donations from five community members. The campaign’s creative vision was realized by local digital artist Jimmie Westley, whose illustrations of pregnant Black women add a deeply personal and relatable touch. Dr. Dawnique Steel led the design of the impactful poster graphics, while Dr. Stacey Michael provided technical support, incorporating QR codes that link directly to vital maternal health resources and support services.
Nicole M. Williams, President of the Gamma Sigma Omega Chapter, lauded the project’s collaborative spirit and its potential to make a real difference. "We are proud to be part of a campaign that not only uplifts women but also provides actionable resources to support maternal health in our community," Williams said. The chapter plans to extend the campaign’s reach even further by displaying posters on the campuses of Savannah State University and Georgia Southern University–Armstrong when students return in the fall.
Both the California and Georgia initiatives highlight a critical truth: addressing the Black maternal health crisis requires more than statistics and policy—it demands stories, art, education, and above all, community engagement. Whether through legislative action, public awareness campaigns, or the tireless work of advocates and families, the movement to improve Black maternal health is gaining momentum.
As Senator Weber Pierson put it, "We must care for, protect, and invest in Black women. Because when we do that, we are investing in all women, we are investing in all families, and we are investing in all our communities." The message resonates far beyond the walls of any one institution, echoing a call to action that is as urgent as it is universal.