CommuniTEA for Change:
Advancing Maternal Health Equity
Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 2:00–5:00 PM | Morehouse School of Medicine Campus
By Invitation Only
About the Event
CommuniTEA for Change is an invitation-only gathering of national and local leaders committed to confronting one of the most urgent public health crises of our time—Black maternal mortality. This solutions-driven convening will bring together policymakers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and faith leaders for bold conversation and collaborative action.
Hosted by Wanda Irving—mother of Dr. Shalon Irving and founder of Dr. Shalon’s Maternal Action Project—this event is deeply personal and profoundly public. It honors the life and legacy of Dr. Shalon, whose preventable passing after childbirth galvanized a national movement for equity in maternal health.
What It Is
Maternal health disparities continue to threaten the lives of Black birthing people at alarming rates. CommuniTEA for Change is more than a networking event—it’s a call to collective action.
This private, solutions-driven gathering brings together policymakers, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, social organizations, and advocates to move from conversation to coordination.
Through powerful discussions, meaningful connections, and shared commitments, we’ll assess the current maternal health landscape in Georgia, spotlight ongoing work, and chart paths toward real, lasting change.
Why It Matters
Every year, far too many Black women in the U.S. lose their lives in the process of giving life. Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women—regardless of income or education.
In Georgia, the crisis is even more acute. The state consistently ranks among the worst in the nation for maternal health outcomes, with Black women facing the highest rates of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity. These outcomes are not inevitable—they are the result of systemic inequities that must be addressed with urgency and accountability.
CommuniTEA for Change is not just about naming the problem; it's about mobilizing those with the power to create lasting solutions.
How You Can Engage
Whether you’re working on the front lines or championing from afar, there’s a role for you in this vital work.
📩 Contact us to learn more or inquire about attending: [email protected]
💡 Share your ideas—your insights help shape the path forward.
💜 Donate or become a sponsor to help us expand our reach and impact.
Together, we can build a future where every Black birthing person receives the care, dignity, and support they deserve
If you are engaged in this work and would like to join us, please contact us. While space is limited, we’ll do our best to accommodate those who share a deep commitment to advancing maternal health equity.
Even if you’re not in the room, your voice and support still matter. Sharing your ideas—or contributing through sponsorship or donation—helps amplify this critical work and extend its reach.
CommuniTea 4 Kids
A Healing Experience for Children on Mother’s Day Weekend
Saturday, May 10, 2025
2:00–5:00 PM ET | Atlanta, GA
For children ages 7–15 who have lost their mothers, Mother’s Day can be a difficult time.
CommuniTEA 4 Kids offers a gentle, supportive space where children can honor their mom’s memory through creativity, connection, and care.
What to Expect:
🎨 Art & Expression: Kids will create a keepsake tribute through guided art and writing activities.
💛 Emotional Support: Led by caring educators and mental health professionals.
🤝 Peer Connection: A safe place to meet others who understand.
Held indoors in a nurturing environment, this 3-hour session is part of our larger CommuniTEA for Change gathering.
While children participate in CommuniTEA 4 Kids, parents and caregivers are invited to join their own session nearby—focused on healing, advocacy, and building community.
Free to Attend | Limited Space
Register by May 1, 2025
📧 [email protected]
