Event Description

Inaugural Race for Black Maternal Health

The Tampa Bay Black Maternal Health Week Initiative is thrilled to announce the Inaugural Race for Black Maternal Health taking place on Saturday, April 13, 2024! This is a hybrid event. The Virtual Race for Black Maternal Health will take place anytime during Black Maternal Health Week, April 11-17, 2024. The Inaugural Race for Black Maternal Health is much more than just a race & walk; we are creating a platform to acknowledge Black Mommas, Black Maternal Health Week and raise awareness about the importance of safe and respectful perinatal care for all mothers. Our goal is to encourage more equitable hospital birth environments in light of the stark disparities and unique circumstance experienced by Black mothers and birthing persons in Florida.

At the #BMHWofTampaBay, we hope to plan a race day filled with education, empowerment and encouragement to promote health & wellness for all. By joining together, we believe we can foster a healthier and more supportive community for our Black Mommas and babies. Each registration includes a bib, t-shirt, medal & bag. Participate by choosing one of two options below:

• The 5k Road Race (Offered In-Person & Virtual)
• The 1k Fun Run & Walk (Offered In-Person & Virtual)

Our Call to Act

Interested in contributing? Here is various ways you can support: 

• Register and attend the in-person Inaugural Race for Black Maternal Health on April 13, 2024.
• Can't attend in-person? Register and participate in our Virtual Race for Black Maternal Health. Participate anytime between April 11-17, 2024!
• Share the Inaugural Race for Black Maternal Health with family & friends!
• Support us in this work to help save Black Mommas and babies by donating directly to the Black Maternal Health Week Fund at the University of South Florida Foundation, Inc.
• Join us for other #BMHWofTampaBay events! Learn more here. 

About #BMHWofTampaBay

In Florida, Black Mommas were nearly 4 times more likely to pass-away due to pregnancy-related causes in 2020. Racial inequality in birth outcomes in Florida continues to persist despite years of voiced concern about inequitable access and provision of perinatal care. Black Maternal Health Week was created by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance in 2018 and is celebrated annually during National Minority Health Month on April 11-17.

The Tampa Bay Black Maternal Health Week Initiative is a collaborative space led by the Community Hub in the College of Public Health at the University of South Florida in partnership with several community organizations across the Tampa Bay area. In Tampa Bay and beyond, we hope people across all races, ethnicities and nationalities will join us during Black Maternal Health Week and support efforts to improve the disparate birth outcomes among African American and Black Mommas and babies. Interested in learning more? Find more information about this initiative, our events and more ways to get involved here.