In 1776, the United States was founded on ideals of freedom and liberty. Yet for Black women, birthing people, and families, those promises were never fully realized. Enslaved African women were denied bodily autonomy. Their reproductive lives were controlled, exploited, and legislated as property. That contradiction—between proclaimed freedom and lived oppression, has shaped the foundation of maternal health in this country. As we mark the 250th anniversary of the United Sta

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, Black joy, Black autonomy, and Black prosperity. It is a time to honor the strength of the Black community and reflect on the long struggle for liberation and equity. As Kelly Navies, museum specialist and oral historian, explains, Juneteenth is a time to "...remember the collective strength of people of the African diaspora, and finally remember the spirituality and transcendent joy that enabled us to overcome." Juneteenth

BWPC Team pictured with Fresno Board Supervisor Luis Chavez On June 10, 2026, BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center attended a press conference announcing the First 5 Fresno County Commission’s approval of $3.79 million in funding agreements with 13 local community-based organizations reaching communities across the Central Valley including Fresno, Huron, Firebaugh, Orange Cove, Cantua Creek, Mendota, and many unincorporated areas. Funding aims to increase access to critical ear

ABC 30 Action News | April 15, 2026 | Ana Torrea FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- This week, Black Maternal Health Week is celebrating 10 years since the movement first started. The goal is to amplify the voices of African American mothers and address longstanding disparities in maternal health outcomes. Becoming a new mother can be an exciting milestone, but it can also bring uncertainty and unanswered questions. Learn more about Black Maternal Health Week here Learn more about Bir

BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center (BWPC) is proud to announce Birthing While Black: A Hospital Guide, developed in partnership with Borne by CRWNMAG , Tre Borden /Co , with support from The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards . This beautiful guide was designed to help Black mothers protect their voice, understand their options, and feel supported throughout their pregnancy journey. In February 2025, Shantay R. Davies-Balch, BWPC President & CEO was awarded The Jam

As 2025 comes to a close, our hearts are full of gratitude for the strength and resilience of our community. This year, BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center (BWPC) overcame significant challenges and grew even stronger. Despite a difficult year for so many, we move forward with hope, grounded in the ways our community continues to show up for one another. Thank you for being a part of our community and for your support! We are honored to reflect on and share the work, wins, and

ABC 30 Action News | October 7, 2025 | Ana Torrea The following is quoted from the segment, " National Midwifery Week: Looking at the...

At BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center, our work is rooted in evidence. We rely on peer-reviewed, scientific research, clinical expertise,...