Fall 2022 Newsletter
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Community:
It’s been a while since I connected with you through our newsletter. I’m happy to share that BBK continues to move closer to our vision of “empowered and wellness-centered communities where healthy families blossom to realize their dreams and full potential.” As you’ll read, Black moms, are experiencing healthy pregnancies and deliveries with a BBK CoCo Doula by their side. Parents and youth are working together to bring their ideas for youth achievement and community wellness to life.
As for myself, while self-care seems to be the number one buzzword for 2022, it can often take a lot of work to practice. I will challenge myself to prioritize it even when there doesn’t seem to be the time because I deserve it, and I bet you do too. So let’s do this together, say “no,” it’s a complete sentence. Don’t try to squeeze in one more meeting, event, or activity when you are exhausted, and turn off the self-talk that says you need to be busy. Our time is precious, and 2022 is teaching me that life is too short in the most unexpected and painful ways. So take care of yourself.
We are developing opportunities with community partners in the Bay Area Coalition for Education Justice and Black Village Network to spring forward parent-and-youth-led advocacy, which inspires me. And since it’s reflection time for me, I’m proud of our tremendous year in 2021, despite the continued challenges COVID-19 placed on our communities. While we’ve already sprung forward and the clocks are an hour ahead, take a look at our 2021 Impact Report to see what we seeded last year that is now in bloom.
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, x404.
In Appreciation,
Sheryl Lane
Executive Director
Happy Birthday, CoCo Doulas
Can you believe some babies born with the assistance of a CoCo Doula will celebrate their first birthday? More than 40 babies have been born. Woo hoo!
Every Black birthing family deserves a doula because of the alarming rates of maternal and infant morbidity, mortality, and preterm birth in the Black community. CoCo Doulas continue to support Black birthing families throughout Contra Costa County, resulting in more healthy and fewer pre-term births. August and September were our busiest months for expectant moms going into labor at Kaiser, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, and other birthing centers.
We are answering the call for more community-based doulas with the launch of our second community-based doula training cohort.
CoCo Doulas Informational Night
Are you interested in becoming a community-based doula? If the answer is yes, join us on November 30th for our CoCo Doulas Program Informational Session via Zoom. Our program trains you in community-based doula practices and the opportunity to join our team as a Fellow and support Black birthing families throughout Contra Costa County. To participate in the training, you must attend Info Night. Register for it here. To receive more information about CoCo Doulas training, please complete this form.
If you are a Black birthing person and want to access birthing support, visit our webpage.
What's a Doula?
Doulas are trained to provide non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational support to people before, during, and after labor and birth. CoCo Doulas are special because they are from the same communities as their clients.
Black Parent and Youth Voices Count
We often hear that the time for transformative change is now, and we look to the next generation to learn from past generations to move social justice forward. Well, the youth and adults in Black Village Network (BVN), convened by BBK and The Ed Fund, have created a shared space to envision, reimagine, and co-create solutions for Black students and Black families in our local communities to thrive.
Youth leaders at BVN’s family reunion event passionately shared solutions to support youth with mental health and their desire for belonging in our local schools and resources that reduce achievement gaps. We recognize the genius in Black youth, so let’s promote it. The parents and adult BVN leaders focused on ideas for mental health support and dedicated spaces in our communities that bolster healing, joy, and shared learning for Black families.
In 2023, BVN leaders look forward to strengthening the network and our community as we create transformative change. Connect with Jannika Wagner, BVN’s Coordinator at blackvillagenetwork@edfundwest.org to learn more.
Upcoming Health and Wellness Events and Activities
Please join our spaces for healing, fun, and community. We hope to see you.
Saturday, November 12th: Flavors of Fall Cooking Class at BBK. Create chocolate candy clusters, pear cider, and other treats. Contact Treschanna Green at tgreen@bbk-richmond.org to register or on our Facebook page.
Wednesday, November 16th at 9:30 am: Latina Sanctuary. Join a hybrid space for Latinas to connect and build community, learn from one another, and encourage each other’s hopes and dreams. Facilitated by Maria Lupita Ortega-Villalobos and Irma Urizar-Reyes. This month's special guest is Ricardo Berrocal, Yoga Professor, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Join via Zoom at ZOOM ID: 829 4329 0959 or email mortegadevillalobos@bbk-richmond.org to pre-register to join us in person.
Wednesday, November 16th at 6:30 PM: Black Woman’s Sanctuary (BWS). Join a space for Black women to support and encourage each other, and grow in a safe and trusted environment. Facilitated by life coach Paula Taylor and often joined by dynamic guest speakers. Join via Zoom at ZOOM ID: 857 0927 1459.
Friday, November 18th at 6:30 PM: Holding Space Men's Group. Join a dynamic space created by and for men of color to empower, uplift, and create supportive connections. Facilitated by LeJon Fahim Reese and Patrick Scott. Join via Zoom at ZOOM ID: 890 6243 1801.