BEJMA was honored to join the Boston Women's Fund and the New Commonwealth Fund for a special evening celebrating the release of Mothering the Mother, the debut book by renowned traditional midwife, public health leader, and cultural healer Mama Shafia Monroe.

The event brought together birth workers, healthcare professionals, advocates, funders, and community leaders to explore the importance of postpartum care, healing, and the collective responsibility to support mothers throughout their journey.

BEJMA's Interim Co-Chair, Tiffany Vassell, MSN, RN, was honored to serve as a moderator alongside fellow Boston Women's Fund grantees Julia Lotin, LICSW, of Melanin Mass Moms, and Stephanie Crawford, M.Ed., of PropaCity Community Outreach. Together, they facilitated an empowering conversation on community-based care, reproductive justice, and the importance of centering mothers during one of the most transformative periods of their lives.

Drawing from more than 40 years of experience, Mama Shafia shared the wisdom behind Mothering the Mother, reminding us of the power of African American postpartum traditions rooted in nourishment, rest, ritual, and community. Her message reinforced that improving maternal health requires not only excellent clinical care but also strong support systems that honor the whole person.

BEJMA extends its gratitude to the Boston Women's Fund and the New Commonwealth Fund for creating space for these important conversations and for their continued investment in advancing birth equity and reproductive justice across Massachusetts.