Democratic Party of Illinois Hosts Black Maternal Health Event in Belleville (Belleville, IL) – The Democratic Party of Illinois partnered with local maternal health organizations Saturday for a community event focused on addressing disparities in Black maternal and infant health outcomes.
The event, held in Belleville, featured a screening of The Ebony Canal, an award-winning documentary that explores the challenges Black mothers and families face within the healthcare system. Following the film, community leaders, healthcare professionals and advocates participated in a panel discussion examining maternal health disparities and strategies to improve outcomes.
The Democratic Party of Illinois collaborated with The Doula Lab and Nurture Birth & Health, two Black women-led organizations in the Metro East region that work to support families and reduce maternal and infant health inequities.
13th District Democratic State Central Committeewoman LaToya Greenwood joined the discussion, which focused on clinical realities facing Black families, healthcare policy, community advocacy and efforts to address systemic barriers to care.
“Community and collective action is how we support and advocate for underserved families, and I’m proud to partner on this important event alongside The Doula Lab and Nurture Birth & Health,” said Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez. “From legislation to community events like this one, Illinois Democrats are clear: our current maternal health disparities are unacceptable and we are fighting to turn the tide.”
Greenwood emphasized the importance of community engagement and policy solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.
“This event celebrated Black motherhood in a culturally grounded and affirming space—while addressing head-on the systemic health disparities our community faces,” Greenwood said. “Making real change is going to take all of us—whether it’s through policy, advocacy or through your vote at the ballot box.”
The panel featured healthcare professionals and community advocates with experience in maternal and infant health, including National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach Ronda Smith Branch, featured documentary participant Mariah Peoples, board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Cherese Collins, Certified Nurse-Midwife Talia Whittington and Eboni Hooper-Boateng, founder of Birthing You Doula Services.
Organizers said the event aimed to raise awareness of ongoing disparities in maternal and infant health while highlighting community-based solutions and resources available to families throughout the Metro East region.
According to national and state health data, Black women continue to experience significantly higher rates of pregnancy-related complications and maternal mortality compared to other demographic groups, making maternal health equity a continuing focus for healthcare providers, advocates and policymakers.
Democratic Party of Illinois Hosts Black Maternal Health Event in Belleville
