"For years, parents and children the world over have found comfort in Mr. Roger’s reassuring words. Instilling hope, he has encouraged us to look beyond ourselves in search of “the helpers.” Whether that means first responders during emergencies or generous passersby offering aid, there have always been plenty of people willing to jump in and lend a helping hand.
But offering our help doesn’t always call for big, heroic gestures. There are plenty of ways to embody Mr. Roger’s dictate and, not only look for the helpers, but become them. And now, more than a year after George Floyd’s murder—when throngs of people flooded the streets in protest, and companies big and small pledged sweeping changes in the name of racial equity—we’re offering a powerful, effective, and quite simple way to continue lending our helping hands: to give charitably to Black-led organizations that have been championing this fight for years.
Below, we share eight worthy charitable organizations working to improve the lives of our fellow moms and their families.
1. National Birth Equity Collaborative
The National Birth Equity Collaborative addresses the issues of Black maternal and infant mortality head-on. The organization provides training, fights for lifesaving policy changes, funds research, and provides education on birth equity and justice at the community level.
2. Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, Black moms are significantly less likely to breastfeed their babies than white mothers. And while we are 100 percent Team Fed is Best, no one can dispute the incredible health benefits breast milk provides. That’s why the Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association is on the ground working to close the gap among nursing moms, offering education, support groups, and a doula program for Black moms and their families.
Source: Bruno Nascimento | Unsplash
3. Mothers Against Senseless Killings
What began as one Black mother’s effort to stem the violence in her Chicago neighborhood has grown into a full-fledged community organization. Rooted in a peaceful presence and neighborly love, Mothers Against Senseless Killings aims to “interrupt violence and crime and teach children to grow up as friends rather than enemies.” The organization also acts as a resource for community members, providing job skills training and educational support—two issues that, if addressed properly, could help ease the threat of violence on city streets.
4. Black Mama’s Bail Out
Black Mama’s Bail Out cites that “60 percent of people in local women’s jails have not even been convicted of a crime and are awaiting trial—and 80 percent of them are parents.” This situation puts moms—especially Black moms, who are disproportionally jailed—at risk of losing custody of their young children. Black Mama’s Bail Out exists to come to the aid of all Black mothers held in jail, including Transgender women and non-binary people.
5. Black Mamas Matter Alliance
By advocating for policy changes, funding research, and providing education and support to Black mothers and families, the Black Mamas Matter Alliance aims to improve maternal health outcomes during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Their credo is a simple but powerful one: “We envision a world where Black mamas have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy.”
Source: Austin Wade | Unsplash
6. National Black Child Development Institute
Focused on the unique needs and challenges Black babies and children face in today’s world, the National Black Child Development Institute is an advocacy group dedicated to improving early childhood education and the health and well-being of every Black child in America.
7. Moms of Black Boys
Moms of Black Boys (MOBB) is a national organization fighting to “positively influence how Black boys and men are perceived and treated by law enforcement and in society.” Through community engagement and support, the group works to provide education on racial inequities, offer job and academic opportunities, and celebrate hard-won accomplishments. Its sister organization, MOBB United for Social Change, aims to enact change through local, state, and federal policy.
8. SisterSong Birth Justice Care Fund
In response to the current global health crisis, which has left many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color struggling financially, SisterSong Birth Justice created a special fund to support parents in need. When you donate today, your gift helps ensure a mom and her family have access to essential items and services to help in pregnancy and the postpartum period, like doula support, diapers, car seats, formula, and more.