Nationwide — Black Women for Wellness presents The 24th Annual Reproductive Justice Conference on August 10, 2023. It will take place at The California Endowment in Los Angeles from 8am to 5:30pm. This impactful event will feature experts, healthcare providers, live podcasting, 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 of identifying and healing from past traumas while protecting the present and building a better future for Black women and girls. The conference hopes to provide a space where attendees can learn from one another, share resources, and collaborate to create tangible and positive change by bringing the community together.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, there were 11 Black women who died in childbirth in Los Angeles County in 2023. This is a rate of 3.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is significantly higher than the rate for white women, which is 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 are increasingly in need of assistance and support with the reproductive journey, maternal health, and breast health in an equitable way.
For this and many other reasons, Black Women for Wellness is proud to bring The Annual Reproductive Justice Conference back to The California Endowment in Los Angeles for the 24th time. This year’s event will be more dynamic and interactive than ever before.
What to expect from the conference:
• Early bird tickets at $100 on Eventbrite: TICKETS
• Renown speakers like Dr. Deidra Cooper-Owens, Dr. Byron “B.K.” Edmond, Professor, Professor Deleso A. Alford, and more to be announced.
• A special exhibit, by Michelle Montgomery entitled, The Mothers of Gynecology Monument.
• A men’s track to discuss the role that they play in the reproductive justice community with breakout sessions, panels, and open discussions.
• Up to 5 Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) units.
• Networking and professional development opportunities
• Prominent authors in attendance.
• Breakfast and lunch.
Additionally, there will be two pre-conference events and one post-conference event:
• July 20th -Black Love and Joy: Celebrating and Nurturing Relationships in the Black Community
• August 3rd – Invisible Mothers: Addressing Inequality and Improving Birth Outcomes for Black Women in Prison
• TBD – Intersection of Mental Health and Reproductive Justice: Advocacy for Black Women and Girls
To purchase a ticket, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-women-healing-from-our-past-present-and-preparing-for-our-future-tickets-595125976817
About
Black Women for Wellness started as a grassroots program matching pregnant women with “sister-friends” mentors who coached expecting mothers throughout their pregnancy until the child was at least a year old. Within 4 years of implementation, BWW began moving upstream to address systems and political policy by becoming a California 501(c)3 nonprofit in 1997. It has grown from a volunteer group of women to a community institution. BWW works in Los Angeles County where over one million of all Southern California residents live and Black women of all age groups are served. Learn more at BWWLA.org
For more information, contact Arnedra Jordan at atarnedra@bwwla.com
For press inquiries or media interview requests, contact Tonya McKenzie at tmckenzie@sandandshores.com or (510) 589-3764
