Free block party highlighting Black Maternal Health Week happening in Algiers

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Louisiana ranks pretty low for the care of black mothers and infants but a local non-profit is doing their part in helping to improve care for both groups.

It is Black Maternal Health Week and founder of One Happy Mama Janitza Vasquez with mentee, Imani Badie, were in the WGNO studio to talk more about what is happening in America right now.

“We know that black mothers are three times more likely to die while giving birth than white women. And so, this is used to bring awareness to what’s going on and trying to advocate for our moms and just let the world know, like this is an issue and how do we fix this issue?” said Vazquez.

Badie, being a mentee in the organization, says One Healthy Mama paves the way for young women.

“Young mothers in general, just to get out, reach, get their connections, get support that they need. Because a lot of moms don’t have a lot of support people to talk to,” said Badie.

Happening Saturday, April 19 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Martin Behrman Charter School in Algiers, is a block party.

“This is a celebration. We are doing a family style cookout. So you come out, you bring your, picnic blankets, your chairs. We’re going to have a DJ, free food, a kid zone, and then we’ll also have panels. We’ll talk about different topics, surrounding Black maternal health,” said Vazquez.

She adds that they are doing a baby giveaway with a bunch of car seats and strollers for moms that are in need. Everything is free.

“So a little bit of fun, a little bit of advocacy and a lot of resources. So one happy mama plus one happy kid equals one happy community.”

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