Light the Way

This panel on Black Maternal Health highlights the major racial disparities in deaths, complications, and treatment for Black mothers when compared to white mothers. We welcomed Dr. Camille Walker (Obstetrics & Gynecology; Maternal & Fetal Medicine), Marie Kinsella (Director of Community Programs for The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey),  and Dr. Khadijah Costley White (Associate Professor in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Rutgers University). Data show that Black mothers are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications with most of those maternal deaths being preventable. The panel discussion considers the impact of racism on health, including biased care practices within clinical care, discriminatory hospital policies, and policy solutions and advocacy measures that support reform. 

Episode 3 with Community Coalition on Race trustee, founding member, and multi-year chair of the board Robert A. Marchman 

Stories of one community's commitment to racial equity and integration, where people of all backgrounds are welcome and active in every aspect of civic life. In this episode, host Liz Testa has an inspiring conversation with South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race's long-time program director, Audrey Rowe and her daughter, Solana, also known as Grammy-nominated artist, SZA. 

Abby Pastor Cotler shares the joys and challenges of raising an interfaith, multicultural family in SOMA. Hear her inspiring story as she traces the history of anti-racism groups over the past 3 decades and how her passion for education reform became a calling. Abby offers practical advice and encouragement to those seeking to make their community stronger, more equitable and vibrant. Visit www.communitycoalitiononrace.org for more ideas and info.