Tieree Reid, President and Founder of Shades of Becoming a Mom, Inc., and the driving force behind National Black Baby Loss Awareness Week, invites individuals and communities nationwide to participate in its second annual event. From October 17 to 23, the deeply important event aims to raise awareness about the significant differences in infant mortality rates between Black and white families, providing both education and a place of healing for those who have experienced the loss of a baby during pregnancy or as an infant.
According to reliable studies, Black infants have over two times the infant mortality rate as non-Hispanic Whites. In 2020, Black infants died nearly three times as much as the sudden infant death syndrome mortality rate as non-Hispanic Whites. Also, Black infants are four times more likely to die from complications related to low birth weight than non-Hispanic White infants.
National Black Baby Loss Awareness Week (October 17-23) aims to address these disparities, empower communities, and make essential resources available for those affected.
During the second annual campaign, Shades of Becoming a Mom introduces two new initiatives to engage participants further.
Black Candle Day, celebrated on October 23, invites everyone to light a candle in memory of a baby, whether their own or one held dear to their heart. Share your lit candles on social media with hashtags like #BlackBabyLoss, #BlackCandle, and #NBBLAW to foster a sense of unity and remembrance.
Wear Blue on October 17 in support of Black mothers, Black fathers, and Black birthing populations who face mental health challenges related to pregnancy, birthing, postpartum, pregnancy, and infant loss. Wearing blue symbolizes solidarity and empathy towards those who have endured such profound losses.
Additionally, #NBBLAW will draw attention to infant loss resources throughout the week. By visiting blackbabylossawareness.org, individuals can stay connected and informed about available support.
To truly make a difference, individuals are encouraged to GivBlack by supporting verified organizations, and 501c3 charities dedicated to preventing pregnancy complications, reducing infant mortality, and helping Black individuals find positive solutions for their grief.
To learn more about National Black Baby Loss Awareness Week, please visit www.blackbabylossawareness.org.
About Shades of Becoming a Mom, Inc.
SBMOM envisions a world where culturally competent and equitable healthcare is standard practice, racial disparities are eradicated, and the infant mortality crisis has ended. The organization’s mission is to ensure that families, specifically Black families experiencing infant loss or maternal loss, have access to timely and affordable support.
