NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Two Lowcountry birth equity advocacy organizations are joining together to host a weekend of events dedicated to Black maternal health awareness and action March 21 through 22.
The first event will be held Friday, where Berkeley County First Steps will be presenting a screening of AFTERSHOCK: From Grief to Empowerment, a film directed and produced by Paula Eiselt and Tonya Lewis Lee.
Following the acclaimed full-length 90-minute documentary, a panel discussion will be held, moderated by Simone Lee of Berkeley County First Steps.
Lee plans to address the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) maternal health crisis head-on and discuss ways to move forward by taking action.
The screening event and panel discussion will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.
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Additionally, on Saturday, The BEE Collective will present its daylong Black Maternal Health Symposium from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The Black Maternal Health Symposium is a one-day event dedicated to addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes among Black mothers and families in South Carolina, with an emphasis on advocacy and action.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on workshops, advocacy panels, and interactive community action labs.
According to the organizers, the event seeks to improve maternal health outcomes, build stronger community connections, and influence policies for maternal health equity.
“Our symposium is a powerful step toward addressing maternal health inequities in South Carolina. By uniting families and professionals, we aim to build a beloved community where every family thrives. We are grateful to SC State University for making this convening possible,” said BEE Collective’s co-founder, Adrienne Troy-Frazier.
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Both events will be held at Trident Technical College at 7000 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston.
Registration is required and free of charge.
On-site registration and check-in begins 30 minutes prior to start time for both events. All are welcome, including babies in arms, and free parking is available. Food and refreshments will be provided.