CHICAGO, IL – April 2, 2026 — The First Ladies Health Initiative is set to highlight the urgent issue of Black maternal health through its upcoming panel discussion, Born to Thrive. As part of Black Maternal Health Week, this event will take place at the historic First AME Church, located at 2270 S Harvard Blvd, Los Angeles, 90018, on Saturday, April 11, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The free, 90-minute session aims to shed light on the health disparities and systemic barriers faced by Black women and birthing individuals, emphasizing the need for targeted solutions to improve health outcomes within these communities.
“This isn’t just about numbers or statistics; it’s about real people facing daunting challenges,” said Marquisé Alston-Allison, Executive Director of First Ladies Health Initiative. “By bringing together diverse voices from different sectors under one roof, we aim to not only highlight these disparities but also work collaboratively towards meaningful solutions.”
The panel will feature prominent figures from various sectors, including public health, reproductive health, maternal mental health, policy-making, and community advocacy. Moderated by actor, producer, and director Vanessa Estelle Williams (9-1-1, Candyman, Soul Food, Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story), this event is part of an ongoing national effort by the First Ladies Health Initiative to share important research findings through trusted faith-based networks.
“Maternal health isn’t just a medical topic; it’s a social narrative woven into our daily lives,” added Vanessa Estelle Williams. “By integrating scientific understanding with community-driven action plans within trusted spaces like churches, we create impactful change.”
Panelists include First Lady and Co-Pastor Dr. Shalonda “Sunshine” Crawford of Experience Christian Ministries, who is also a licensed psychologist, mental health advocate, and media personality; Dr. Melissa R. Franklin from LA County Department of Public Health’s Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health Division; and Priya Batra from LA County Department of Public Health’s Promotion Bureau.
“Health equity should never be an aspiration but an expectation,” added Alston-Allison. “By leveraging cultural authority within our communities’ spiritual sanctuaries alongside expert insights into systemic failures around maternity care access—our initiative aims at meaningful change.”
The discussion seeks not only to highlight key issues surrounding black maternal mortality rates but also to equip attendees with practical tools for recognizing risks early while connecting them directly with available resources or support systems necessary throughout their pregnancy journeys.
For more information on the First Ladies’ Health Initiative, visit www.firstladieshealth.com.
