MelaMama Maternal Wellness Hosts Black Maternal Health Week Event in Indianapolis
Business Equity for Indy’s People Pillar is dedicated to advancing health equity and improving access to care for all residents in Central Indiana. That mission comes to life in powerful ways through community-based efforts like EmpowerHER: Advocating for Black Maternal Joy, an event hosted by MelaMama Maternal Wellness on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ruth Lilly Health Education Center in Indianapolis.
This event flips the narrative in honor of Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17). Instead of focusing solely on disparities, EmpowerHER embraces joy, healing, and solutions. It’s an intentional space where Black mothers and maternal health advocates can gather to celebrate, educate, and advocate for meaningful change.
“EmpowerHER is about creating a space where Black mothers feel seen, supported, and celebrated,” said Sierra Woods, BSN-RN, IBCLC, PMH-C, CCHW, Postpartum Doula,
Founder & Executive Director or MelaMama. “We know the data, we know the disparities—what we need now are opportunities to heal and reclaim our joy.”
This free event welcomes the public to engage in:
- A panel discussion with local maternal health experts and advocates focused on culturally competent care, policy change, and self-advocacy.
- Community vendors offering resources on perinatal and maternal wellness, reproductive justice, and family support services.
- Light refreshments and intentional spaces for connection, reflection, and joy.
“So often, Black maternal health events focus on what’s going wrong,” said Woods. “While those conversations are necessary, EmpowerHER exists to remind us of everything that is going right—and to fuel the momentum forward with love and purpose.”
Black Maternal Health Week is a national observance created to spotlight the urgent maternal health crisis disproportionately affecting Black women across the U.S. Studies show that Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women—due to systemic racism, lack of access to quality care, and generational trauma.
“Our mission at MelaMama is to disrupt the cycle,” Woods emphasized. “We believe education, advocacy, and community are the keys to empowering Black mothers and changing outcomes—not just for today, but for future generations.”
EmpowerHER is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Attendees can register by visiting via Eventbrite.
“When Black mothers thrive, communities thrive,” said Woods. “This is more than an event—it’s a step forward in the fight for equitable, joyful, and affirming care for all.”
Together, we can create a Central Indiana where Black maternal joy is not the exception—it’s the standard.
About MelaMama Maternal Wellness
MelaMama is a community-rooted organization committed to supporting Black mothers through holistic maternal health initiatives that prioritize joy, healing, and empowerment. For media inquiries, sponsorships, or to get involved, contact info@lovemelamama.com.
