( ENSPIRE Health & Wellness ) Dana Sherrod Co-Founder & Executive Of The CCBBJ
ENSPIRE Contributor: Gabrielle Maya
Black mothers and birthing people face a heartbreaking reality: they are disproportionately impacted by maternal health disparities. Dana Sherrod, MPH, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the California Coalition for Black Birth Justice (CCBBJ), leads this nonprofit charge to advocate for birth workers. It’s a crucial time to bring attention to this ongoing crisis and the organizations working tirelessly to dismantle it. The CCBBJ is actively closing the gap in maternal health outcomes for Black women across California. Through driving systematic change, community mobilization, and legislative advocacy, Sherrod is helping all birthing individuals gain access to healthcare resources.
Sherrod shares her insight on the challenges Black mothers and birthing people face in California regarding their mental health, along with the impactful initiatives CCBBJ offers. In addition, she explains the key legislative priorities to improve maternal health in California, including resources. Sherrod lastly tells us what the general public can do to get involved and fight for justice for all birthing people and mothers who need maternal health but don’t have access.
Beyond the national statistics, can you describe the specific challenges Black mothers and birthing people face in California regarding maternal health?
California may be celebrated for its progressive stance on many issues, but when it comes to maternal health, Black mothers and birthing people face uniquely entrenched challenges. Despite representing just 6% of births, Black families in California bear a disproportionately high burden of maternal and infant complications. This is not due to a lack of resilience or strength but because systemic inequities—such as racial bias in healthcare, economic barriers, and limited access to culturally competent care—are deeply embedded in our state’s healthcare system.
Low Medi-Cal reimbursement rates create significant hurdles for accessing quality obstetric and community-based care, while hospitals often fail to address the needs of Black families adequately. These disparities are not just numbers—they are mothers, babies, and families whose lives are forever altered. The voices and needs of our communities must be heard, respected, and acted upon.
The CCBBJ approaches change through multiple channels. Could you elaborate on the most impactful initiatives you’ve spearheaded in community mobilization, legislative advocacy, and direct support for Black families?
At the California Coalition for Black Birth Justice, our work is deeply rooted in the lived experiences of Black mothers and families. Through events like our “Birth Justice & Joy” gatherings and the California Black Birth Equity Summit, which is upcoming this October, we’ve created spaces for Black birth workers, advocates, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and many others to come together to envision and strategize necessary change.
On the accountability front, we believe in what Loretta Ross calls “calling people in.” Recently, we participated in an effort to challenge the California Surgeon General’s Maternal Health Blueprint to better reflect our communities’ needs and concerns.
In terms of direct support, we’re passionate about strengthening the Black birth workforce. From offering paid learning opportunities to curating healing spaces for birth workers, we ensure those on the frontlines of care are equipped and supported.
What are some key legislative priorities for the CCBBJ to improve Black maternal health outcomes in California?
We support many of our partners who work directly with our elected officials to develop strong legislation that calls for accountability in various healthcare settings. Our team also developed a California Black Birth Justice Agenda, elevating strategies to create meaningful change. This powerful resource can serve as a solid foundation for legislative opportunities related to data transparency, quality improvement in healthcare settings, and removing workforce barriers.
For expecting mothers or those who want to get involved, what resources can the CCBBJ offer, and how can the general public support your mission?
We are connected to a large network of Black birthing professionals such as midwives, doulas, lactation professionals, and more, and we are always happy to connect Black women to the many resources that exist to support and center them.
For those looking to support, there are many ways to get involved. Attend our events, volunteer, amplify our message on social media, and donate to sustain our mission. Advocacy is powerful, too—call your legislators and demand they prioritize Black maternal health. Most importantly, stand with us in recognizing that Black mothers deserve care that is respectful, equitable, and life-affirming.
It’s not just about changing the numbers—it’s about honoring the humanity behind them.
Visit CABlackBirthJustice.com to learn more about our initiatives, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. Together, we can build a future where every Black family has the care and support they deserve.
The California Coalition for Black Birth Justice (CCBBJ) offers a beacon of hope in the fight for birth equity. Through its unwavering commitment to community empowerment, legislative advocacy, and direct support, CCBBJ is paving the way for a future where Black mothers and birthing people receive the care, support, and respect they deserve. Partnering with organizations like CCBBJ is essential to raising awareness, advocating for change, and ensuring every birthing person has a safe and empowering experience. For more information, visit CABlackBirthJustice.com.
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