Black Men for Black Maternal Health in Tennessee and Beyond
Black Men for Black Maternal Health is a community-led initiative of Black Mental Health Village that centers Black fathers, partners, brothers, and sons as protectors of Black mamas’mental and maternal health in Tennessee and across the country. We create space for Black men to learn, heal, and take action so that pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are safer and more supported for Black families in Tennessee and in Black communities nationwide.
Black women face a maternal health and mental health crisis, with Black mothers experiencing pregnancy-related complications and maternal mental health symptoms at higher rates than other groups. Yet too often, Black men are left out of the conversation even though they are partners, co-parents, caregivers, and key decision-makers in families and communities. When Black men have information, support, and healing spaces of their own, they are better equipped to advocate for respectful care, challenge harmful systems, and show up emotionally present before, during, and after birth.
Why Black Men for Maternal Health
What Black Men for Black Maternal Health Does
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Healing-centered spaces for Black fathers and father figures, building on Black Mental Health Village’s existing groups and supports for grief, stress, trauma, and emotional wellness.
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Partner support tools that help Black men advocate in clinic visits, hospital settings, and community spaces.
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A social media campaign that shares education, stories, and calls to action for Black men supporting Black maternal and mental health in Tennessee and across the country.
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Community events during Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17) that uplift Black families and local advocates.
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Policy and advocacy efforts that elevate the voices of Black men and Black mothers in Tennessee’s maternal health conversations, including the Health and Free TN Day on the Hill on March 24 at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.
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Growing toward regular educational circles for Black men on pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and Black maternal mental health, as capacity and partnerships allow.