Course Overview
This course examines the Black maternal health crisis through the lens of social determinants of health, medical risks, cultural barriers, and community-driven solutions. Students will explore both macro-level systems and micro-level actions, learning how to advocate for Black mothers, empower communities, and build new standards of care.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will:
- Understand the roots of the Black maternal health crisis
- Recognize common pregnancy complications and their systemic ties
- Empower Black mothers through health literacy and rights-based advocacy
- Identify the role of Black men and families in improving maternal outcomes
- Build actionable solutions for community healing and generational health
Modules:
- Module 1: The Black Maternal Health Crisis — Why It Matters
- Module 2: The Burden We Carry — Pregnancy Complications & SDOH
- Module 3: What Every Black Mother Deserves to Know — Knowledge & Rights
- Module 4: The Role of Black Men in Maternal Health
- Module 5: Echoes of Hope — Healing, Advocacy, and Community Solutions
Course curriculum
Lesson 1 — Understanding the Black Maternal Health Crisis
A powerful introduction to the realities facing Black mothers today.
You’ll learn why maternal mortality is disproportionately high, how social determinants of health shape outcomes, and how racism and systemic barriers continue to impact childbirth. This lesson sets the foundation for understanding the problem — and the path forward.
Lesson 2 — Recognizing Complications & Warning Signs
This lesson gives you the essential knowledge every family needs.
We break down the most common — and preventable — maternal complications including preeclampsia, hemorrhage, cardiomyopathy, and infection.
You’ll learn how to recognize early warning signs, what symptoms never to ignore, and how to respond quickly and effectively.
Lesson 3 — Advocacy, Birth Planning, & Empowerment Tools
Here, you’ll discover how to create a birth plan that reflects your values, protects your voice, and supports your cultural needs.
You’ll learn practical advocacy phrases, how to communicate with medical staff, the role of doulas and midwives, and how to assert your rights with confidence.
This lesson equips you with the tools to navigate medical spaces safely and powerfully.
Lesson 4 — The Role of Fathers, Partners, and Families
This lesson centers the crucial role of fathers and families in maternal health.
You’ll explore how emotional, practical, and advocacy support from partners dramatically improves outcomes.
We reclaim the cultural tradition of “the village” and provide a roadmap for how families can show up, speak up, and stand together during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Lesson 5 — Community and Systemic Change
This lesson expands the focus from individual families to entire communities.
You’ll learn what community-based solutions look like, how churches and barbershops can become hubs of wellness, and what policy changes are needed to save lives.
You’ll also develop your personal or community-level advocacy action plan.