The National Coalition
for Black Maternal Mental Health Policy and Training
Centering Black Voices in Maternal Mental Health
A national collective of Black mental health providers, researchers, and advocates advancing culturally grounded solutions to reduce maternal mortality and strengthen families.
About the Coalition
The National Coalition for Black Maternal Mental Health Policy and Training is a developing collective of Black mental health providers dedicated to addressing perinatal and postpartum mental health disparities.
We envision a future where every Black birthing person receives care that honors their voice, history, and humanity. Our mission is to create a culturally grounded and professional space for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy development aimed at improving outcomes for Black mothers and families across the nation.
What We Do
Policy & Advocacy
We work to shape equitable public policies that center the lived experiences of Black birthing people and dismantle systemic barriers in healthcare.
Workforce Development
We build the capacity of Black clinicians through culturally responsive training, mentorship, and continuing education.
Research & Data Equity
We promote research that reflects the realities of Black families, grounding findings in both community wisdom and clinical expertise.
Community Healing
We foster collective spaces for healing, resilience, and intergenerational connection among Black mothers, families, and providers.
Get Involved
Be part of a growing national movement to reimagine maternal mental health through a Black cultural lens.
Join our mailing list to stay informed about events, research, and advocacy opportunities.
Black Maternal Mental
Health Summit 2025
Now A National Virtual Gathering!
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
Hosted by The National Coalition for Black Maternal Mental Health Policy and Training, this inaugural virtual summit will convene mental health providers, advocates, and Black mothers from across the country to reimagine the future of Black maternal mental health.
This “short and sweet” national convening centers the lived experiences of Black mothers and the expertise of Black clinicians who are driving change in policy, practice, and care.
About the Summit
Summit Tracks
Providers’ Track:
Licensed psychologists, therapists, and clinicians will share research, strategies, and culturally responsive practices that improve perinatal and postpartum mental health outcomes.
Black Mothers’ Track:
Accessible, community-centered sessions designed for Black mothers and birthing people, focusing on self-advocacy, wellness, and resilience through storytelling, education, and healing dialogue.
Summit Goals
Engage in critical dialogue about the mental health needs of Black birthing people
Build community among Black maternal mental health providers
Generate strategies and partnerships for policy change
Lay the foundation for a larger in-person conference during Black Maternal Mental Health Week, July 2026
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
Format: Virtual (Zoom with breakout sessions)
Deadline for Submissions: November 1, 2025
Now open!
call for proposal
BLACK MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT 2025
Virtual Event | December 10, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
Why This Summit Matters
The Black Maternal Mental Health Summit brings together Black birthing people, mental health professionals, and birth workers for a powerful day of learning, connection, and collective action. Hosted by maternal mental health professionals, this national virtual gathering centers culturally responsive care, lived experience, and system-level change.
This year’s program will feature two dedicated tracks:
For Providers and Perinatal Professionals
Evidence-based sessions presented by Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, LMFTs, LCSWs, and LPCs.
These workshops emphasize culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices that strengthen the capacity of clinicians and birth-workers to provide equitable, compassionate care for Black birthing people.
For Black Birthing Folks and the People Who Love Them
Sessions grounded in lived experience—created for and by Black birthing people. They highlight self-advocacy, resilience, and holistic wellness practices that honor the fullness of the birthing journey.
Presentations will be 30 minutes in length and delivered in an interactive Zoom format with opportunities for discussion and connection.
We’re inviting dynamic speakers, practitioners, and advocates to share their insights in 30-minute virtual sessions. Presentations should be interactive, community-centered, and aligned with one of this year’s themes.
submit your proposal
Systemic Racism
within the Healthcare System as a Contributor to Maternal Mortality
This theme explores how institutional bias and inequitable care structures shape Black maternal health outcomes and identifies advocacy strategies for systemic change
Family
and Support Systems
in context
This theme examines how family roles, intergenerational trauma, and cultural beliefs—shaped by structural inequities—influence maternal mental health and explores approaches to strengthen family and community support.
Trauma and Healing
in Maternal Mental Health
This theme addresses how unhealed or unrecognized trauma affects pregnancy and postpartum experiences and highlights trauma-informed, culturally responsive strategies for healing and resilience
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Session Title + Abstract
Brief 250-word overview of your session focus and relevance.
Track
Choose your audience.
Learning Objectives
List 2–3 key outcomes participants will gain.
BIO + HEADSHOT
Submit a 150-word bio and a professional photo.
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY
Explain how you’ll engage your audience.
RESUME/CV
Upload as a PDF file.
Important Deadlines
RFP OPEN
October 17, 2025
Proposal Deadline
November 1, 2025
Notifications
November 15, 2025
Virtual Summit
December 10, 2025
Presenter Benefits
Share your voice with a national audience
Featured in all event marketing + press
Join a movement to transform Black maternal mental health
Ready to Submit?
Click the button below to complete your proposal submission. All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM EST on November 1, 2025.
For questions, email us at: info@bgmhfoundation.org