On Mother’s Day 2025, MPCPMP shared the first of a two-part blog post on Black maternal health. In this second segment we introduce “Women of the Movement,” an organization based in Chapel Hill, NC, that has a history of working for racial and social justice. One aspect of their program, facilitated by Danita Mason-Hogans and Wesley Hogan, involves developing a proposal to address and solve the escalating Black maternal health care crisis. Modeled after community-based intergenerational engagement used during the 20th century Civil Rights Movement, this proposal presents a grassroots approach to problem-solving and prioritizing women’s medical needs. As a resource, this effort incorporates the lived experiences and practices of elders and other local community advocates into the training and services of health care providers. The anticipated result of this holistic, pro-active initiative is a renewed energy to face the challenges and reduce the disparities in health care for women, mothers, and children. Please watch the video for their discussion: https://youtu.be/MUIet_DVYAk Revisit Part 1: https://youtu.be/IcGWgcecNxU?si=iObOkNqcT2BLC-Go (fb)

Memorial Day was established as an official national holiday in 1868 to honor those who fought and died during the Civil War. Following the African tradition of acknowledging and connecting with ancestors, Black women expressed their gratitude to soldiers who sacrificed their lives for emancipation by gathering at burial grounds and cemeteries of those who served on the Union side. The tribute and commemoration with prayers, flowers, and song – initiated primarily by women of African descent – became an accepted national practice for individuals and families and was known as “Decoration Day.” For many African Americans, “Decoration Day” evolved into a family outing with food, music, and stories related to ancestors, not limited to the Civil War. The tradition continues to this day. Several years ago, MPCPMP posted an informative video about libation by Nana Malaya Enum Oparebea for those who wish to remember and honor ancestors or significant people who have died. This can be done privately or publicly, individually or in a group. Please follow this link to view: https://youtu.be/Ur8J4PzZNDo?si=nSBTOQGlaev77gRi As long as a name is spoken, a memory treasured, the person lives. (fb)