Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls Highlights Contributions, Challenges of African American Mothers

Statement

n celebration of Mothers' Day, Congresswoman Robin Kelly hosted a Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls event at the Matteson Holiday Inn honoring African American mothers and highlighting issues affecting their health and families.

"For three years, the Caucus Black Women and Girls has worked to specifically address the needs of African American women and girls, their families and their communities," said Congresswoman Robin Kelly, co-founder of the Caucus. "As the recent CDC report shows, one of the most pressing issues facing black women is maternal mortality. Since introducing the MOMMAs Act two years ago, I've tried to use each Caucus event and symposium to bring awareness to this issue."

During the panel discussion, Richton Park Police Chief Elvia Williams and others talked about the struggles of motherhood, including the health of their newborns, their own unexpected health challenges and support they received from the community.

Other featured panelists at the Mother's Day event included: Lisa Mackel, special education teacher with Chicago Public School; Olivia Ndyabagye, mental health specialist at the YWCA; Deja Parks, Sunrise Senior Living facility manager, and Zoubida Pasha, a bilingual parent trainer and advocate with the Family Resource Center on Disabilities. The panel also featured Dr. Adrienne Ray, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist of Nye Partners in Women's Health, and Ra'eesa Sadat, public health social worker and member of Chicago Volunteer Doulas. Founder and former CEO of Demoiselle 2 Femme, Sherida Morrison, served as moderator.

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