Winter 2021 Newsletter
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Friends:
Can you believe we are already in mid-March? It seems like just yesterday that 2021 began and like many people, I looked forward to a year with more hope and less despair than in 2020. I continue to hold on to that hope as complex decisions are made about what education will look like once students return to in-person learning, designing equitable access and rollout for the COVID-19 vaccine, and of course the myriad of struggles that remain persistent.
On the days where my hope is diminished, I think about leaders like Congressman John Lewis who so eloquently stated: "Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble."
I’m encouraged that spring is here and that it brings renewal which is demonstrated throughout BBK. In this newsletter, you’ll read about how we listened and learned from residents about what they want to support their emotional well-being and how we are moving forward with a community-based doula program. As we move forward, I’m proud to reflect on BBK’s impact in 2020 as shared in our Impact Report.
Finally, in recognition of Women’s History Month, I am inspired by BBK’s fierce all women of color team. As one of my greatest inspirations, Maya Angelou said: You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lines. You may trod me in the very dirt, but still, like dust, I'll rise.
As always, if you have any questions, please send me an email at slane@bbk-richmond.org or give me a call at 510-230-5812.
In Appreciation,
Sheryl Lane
Executive Director
Navigating Towards Emotional Well-Being Webinar
In late 2019 and throughout 2020, BBK listened, learned, and partnered with community members about individual and community well-being. We sought to gain a deeper understanding of the perception, opinions, and experiences that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) experience when seeking out services for their personal, family, and community’s mental health needs. What’s even more important is that we sought community solutions and gathered innovative and logical ideas to create healthier communities where positive wellbeing abounds.
Join our webinar on Wednesday, March 31 from 1:00PM - 2:00PM led by BBK staff and guest speakers Jenny Rougeau, Richmond Lands Fellow/Black Wellness Hub Project and Christopher Gibson, Alameda County Public Health Department.
Elevating Black Maternal Health in Contra Costa County
BBK and Contra Costa County’s Perinatal Equity Initiative, is putting maternal health and justice at the forefront. Black birthing people are nearly 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their White counterparts.
Black babies are 2 times more likely than white babies to die before their first birthday. One approach for supporting healthy pregnancies and birth is the opportunity to have a doula. Doulas provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a parent before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.
This spring, BBK is launching a free county-wide community-based doula program that trains community members as doulas to provide free support to Black pregnant people in Contra Costa County through pregnancy, labor and delivery, and during the early postpartum period.
Please join BBK, Contra Costa Health Services, and HealthConnect One on April 15th and 16th for a two-day Community Stakeholder Meeting to learn about the mission and vision of the Community Based Doula Program, the role of Doulas, and discuss ways that you can personally support the program. This meeting is especially for people who are interested in Black maternal health and those who work in health and social services.
Meet BBK’s newest team members
We are happy to have Juanita Towns, Lauren McCollins, and Xochitl Montano on the BBK team. Xochitl and Juanita joined BBK as Policy Advocacy Organizers and are actively working to build parent and caregiver power to transform our local education and health systems. Lauren will join BBK later this month as the manager for the Community Based Doula Program. To learn more about Juanita, Lauren and Xochitl, please read their bios and reach out to them to learn more about our organizing and community-based doula programs.
