Historic Declarations in Virginia
Greater Awareness for Black Maternal Health and the Celebration of Black Women in History
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2024
CONTACT
Sequoi Phipps-Hawkins, Kenda Sutton-EL, hello@birthincolor.org, 804-840-6435
Historic Declarations in Virginia Lead to Greater Awareness for Black Maternal Health and the Celebration of Black Women in History
Richmond, VA – Unanimous decisions in both the House and Senate have led to the declarations of Black Maternal Health Week from April 11-17 and the recognition of Black Women’s History Month in Virginia in 2024 and succeeding years. The historic declarations will be discussed at a press conference on April 2 at 10:00 AM at the General Assembly Building in the Senate Briefing Room, 201 N. 9th St. in Richmond.
Senate Joint Resolution No. 23 and House Joint Resolution No. 44, Black Maternal Health Week Declaration, carried by Senator Lashrecse Aird and Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling, highlight the importance of Black Maternal Health by establishing an annual awareness week, already celebrated around the nation and in Richmond by many reproductive justice organizations.
“The passage of this resolution signifies a new day in our Commonwealth,” said Senator Lashrecse Aird. “By uplifting Black Maternal Health Week, we continue to illuminate this critical issue and that our disparate outcomes in birthing cannot take a back seat.”
Delegate LeVere Bolling said, "As we observe Black Maternal Health Week, let us not only raise awareness of the challenges faced by Black mothers but also reaffirm our commitment to building a world where every woman receives the care and support she deserves. Together, we can work towards … ensuring that pregnancy and childbirth are safe, dignified, and joyful experiences for all.
House Joint Resolution No. 8, carried by Delegate Joshua Cole, now recognizes April as Black Women’s History Month in Virginia, providing intentional space to commemorate and honor the Black women who have made lasting and impactful changes in their communities and around the world.
Delegate Cole stated, “In 2020 I introduced legislation to create a Black Women’s heritage month, however it wasn’t drafted properly. During this session with the most Black Women serving in the legislature, during the 50th anniversary of Sen. Yvonne Miller’s election, and a year later after Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, our First Black Woman to represent Virginia in Congress was elected - we were successful in making April Black Women’s Heritage Month!
For women who carry society on their back and never hear “thank you” this was the very first step in honoring and giving homage to the black women who made not just Virginia great, but our nation as a whole.”
From April 11-17, Birth in Color will hold events to highlight Black Maternal Health Week and will take time to recognize Black Women’s History Month at the annual Black Maternal Health Summit on April 12 at U-Turn of Richmond.
“The triumphant passage of Black Maternal Health Week and Black Women's History Month declarations in the General Assembly heralds a pivotal moment in our ongoing fight for justice. By recognizing the systemic challenges faced by Black women in maternal healthcare and society at large, while also amplifying the monumental impact Black women have made in shaping history, these declarations serve as beacons of hope in our quest for equity. Birth In Color stands proudly at the forefront of this movement, advocating fiercely to uplift Black voices and dismantle barriers to reproductive and maternal health.”
- Kenda Sutton-EL, Executive Director of Birth in Color
