Black Maternal Joy and Justice

In this powerful episode of How I Ally, Lucinda sits down with Amani Echols, Senior Policy Analyst for Maternal Health at the National Partnership for Women & Families, to unpack the realities behind the Black maternal health crisis in the United States.

This conversation goes beyond statistics—exploring the lived experiences, systemic barriers, and deeply human moments that shape pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

Together, they discuss the meaning behind Black Maternal Health Week, its 10th anniversary theme of justice and joy, and why both must exist at the same time.

In this episode, we cover:

• What Black Maternal Health Week is—and why it matters
• Why the U.S. has worse maternal outcomes than other high-income countries
• The shocking reality that nearly 90% of maternal deaths are preventable
• Why Black women are 3.5x more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes
• The difference between racism vs. race in health outcomes
• The concept of “weathering”—how chronic stress and racism impact the body over time
• Why many Black women are not listened to in medical settings
• The role of midwives and doulas in improving outcomes
• The postpartum period (“fourth trimester”) and why it’s often overlooked
• Maternal mental health, stigma, and the fear of speaking up
• The lack of paid leave and postpartum support in the U.S.
• How we can begin to build a more just, equitable system for mothers

Key Takeaways

• This crisis is preventable. The issue isn’t biology—it’s systems.
  • Racism—not race—is the risk factor.
  • Maternal mental health matters. It’s one of the leading contributors to maternal mortality.
  • Support doesn’t end at birth. The postpartum period is critical—and often neglected.
  • Listening to mothers is essential. Their experiences must shape policy and care.
• Memorable Quotes
  • “The most radical thing a mother can do is raise her children with love in a world that tries to deny their humanity.” — Angela Davis
  • “We are failing our mothers right now—and Black mothers in particular.”
  • “The problem is not race. The problem is racism.”
  • “Your body keeps score.”
• About the Guest
  Amani Echols is a Senior Policy Analyst for Maternal Health at the National Partnership for Women & Families, where she works at the intersection of equity, health justice, and maternal care policy.
  Resources & Links
  • Learn more about Black Maternal Health Week
  • Follow Lucinda: @lucindarogerskoza
  • Share this episode to help raise awareness