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BLACK
Maternal
Mental Health
Summit 2026

MAY 5 & 6, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM PT Hybrid Event

Compton College 1111 E. Artesia Blvd., Compton, CA 90221

The 2026 Black Maternal Mental Health Summit (BMMHS) brings together clinicians, birth workers, researchers, advocates, and community leaders dedicated to improving maternal mental health outcomes for Black mothers and families.

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BECOME A SPONSOR
Provider or Clinician
6 CEUs Included
$250
Includes breakfast and lunch both days, swag bag, and 6 APA-approved CEUs. Fees fund free therapy for Black women in the perinatal period.
Student
Currently Enrolled
$100
For anyone currently enrolled in an academic degree program. School email verification required. Includes meals, swag, and CEUs.
Black Mother or Birthing Person
Community
Free
Free admission for Black mothers and birthing people attending in a community capacity. Includes the community baby shower on Day 2.
Virtual - Saturday May 2nd
9 AM to 3 PM
Free / $75
Free for Black mothers and birthing people. $75 for providers. Join from anywhere via Zoom.
1,000+ 2025 Summit registrants
9.63/10 Average participant rating
150 Proposals received for 2026
134K CFP flyer views across platforms

Why This Summit Matters

Closing the Gap in Maternal Mental Health

Black mothers face significant barriers when seeking maternal mental health support, including limited access to culturally responsive care. The Black Maternal Mental Health Summit was created to bring together professionals, advocates, and families committed to addressing these gaps and advancing maternal health equity. Together, we are building solutions that support healing, access to care, and stronger community support systems.

3 to 4x
Higher maternal mortality
Black women are 3 to 4 times more likely to experience pregnancy-related death compared to white women in the U.S., often driven by preventable causes including untreated mental health conditions.
1 in 5
Experience perinatal mood disorders
1 in 5 women experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, yet Black mothers remain significantly more likely to be underdiagnosed, undertreated, and underserved.
49%
Experience mental health symptoms
49% of pregnant Black women experience mental health symptoms overall, yet access to culturally responsive perinatal mental health care remains deeply limited across the country.

What to Expect

A dynamic two-day experience designed to educate, connect, and inspire everyone committed to improving maternal mental health outcomes for Black families.

  • Expert panels

    Hear from leaders in maternal mental health, reproductive justice, and community advocacy.

  • Breakout workshops

    Gain practical tools and strategies for supporting maternal wellness in your practice or community.

  • Community Conversations

    Engage in meaningful dialogue centered on the lived experiences of Black mothers.

  • Wellness Experiences

    Participate in restorative activities designed to support healing and reflection for all attendees.

  • Networking Opportunities

    Connect with professionals and advocates working to improve maternal health outcomes nationwide.

  • Continuing Education Credits

    Earn CE credits while advancing your practice for licensed clinicians and mental health professionals attending the summit.

  • Community baby shower

    Day 2 includes a community baby shower for Black mothers and birthing people with resources, gifts, and celebration.

  • Farmers market on campus

    Compton College hosts its weekly farmers market on May 6th, connecting the Summit to the everyday life of the neighborhood.

Voices Leading the Conversation

  • Charles Johnson

    Founder, 4Kira4Moms

    A nationally recognized advocate and founder dedicated to advancing maternal health equity and reshaping federal policy after the loss of his wife, Kira, to preventable childbirth complications.

  • Theresa Fortune

    Executive Producer, Communion with the Community

    A public speaker, actress, director, and founder using art, storytelling, and creative expression to spark dialogue around mental health and social justice in the Black community.

  • Sandra Igwe

    Founder, The Motherhood Group

    A highly influential Black maternal health advocate and TEDx speaker driving change and promoting better maternal health outcomes for Black women through events, training, and her best-selling book, "My Black Motherhood."

MEET ALL THE SPEAKERS

A Day of Learning and Connection

Summit Agenda

VIEW FULL AGENDA
VIRTUAL AGENDA
Provider or Clinician
$250
Therapists, psychologists, doulas, birth workers, researchers, nonprofit leaders
  • 6 APA-approved CEUs included
  • Breakfast and lunch both days
  • Swag bag (tote, t-shirt, notebook)
  • Fees fund free therapy for Black women
Register as a provider
Student
$100
Currently enrolled in an academic degree program. School email required.
  • 6 APA-approved CEUs included
  • Breakfast and lunch both days
  • Swag bag included
  • School email verification at registration
Register as a student
Black Mother or Birthing Person
Free
Attending in a community capacity, not as a licensed professional.
  • All community programming
  • Community baby shower on Day 2
  • Wellness resources and community space
Register for free
Virtual only · Saturday May 2
Free / $75
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM via Zoom. Free for Black mothers. $75 for providers.
  • Community-centered programming
  • Accessible from anywhere in the country
  • Zoom link sent after registration
Register virtually

All in-person tickets include breakfast and lunch both days and a swag bag. Provider fees fund free therapy for Black women in the perinatal period.

Secure your spot

Registration

VIRTUAL COMMUNITY ACTIVATION

Cannot make it to Compton? Join us on Saturday, May 2nd

9:00 AM to 3:00 PM PST via Zoom · Free for Black mothers and birthing people · $75 for providers

REGISTER FOR FREE
PROVIDER REGISTRATION

Special thanks to our supporters
who make this possible