Paid Post

NORTH MIAMI, FL (April 7, 2026) – Many know North Miami’s Vice Mayor Kassandra Timothe, MPA, District 2, as a passionate public servant – a title she carries with pride. In 2024, however, after traveling a difficult road through labor and delivery, the title she cherishes most is “mom.” This experience inspired Timothe to create the City of North Miami’s inaugural Black Maternal Health Symposium and Resource Fair, in 2025. The City is thrilled to announce its return on Saturday, April 11th, to once again provide exposure to knowledge and community resources that empower local moms as self-advocates in the fight against maternal health disparities among black women. 

 “I was a preemie mom,” said Timothe. “For two months, I visited my baby girl at the NICU – standing on my faith, competent and devoted medical care, and family support — until I brought my baby home.” Timothe continued, “This seems like a simple formula; but my experience caused me to reflect deeply on the moms without the same access, and on how this contributes to the growing maternal health disparities plaguing black women in our nation.”

 The National Center for Health Statistics reported that in 2023, the U.S. experienced decreased maternal mortality rates, while black women saw a spike — with 50.3 deaths per every 100,000 live births. 

 “The data is alarming,” said Timothe. “Thankfully, national conversations to explore the root of this this problem are finally happening. This symposium brings that conversation to North Miami.”

 North Miami’s 2nd Annual Black Maternal Health Symposium will feature workshops about professional midwife and doula support, breastfeeding, youth and the special roles of dads. Expert panels will delve into medical treatment of the disproportionate rate and severity of uterine fibroids among black women and examine the latest trends, insights and resources for new parents from leading maternal healthcare practitioners and advocates. 

Available giveaways include children’s clothing sized for premature babies to 10-year-olds, diapers, groceries and supplies for new moms and infants. Strollers and car seats will be raffled. Also taking place is a ribbon-cutting introducing the Mobile Midwife Clinic, powered by the North Miami-based Southern Birth Justice Institute. 

Timothe stated, “We’re excited to kickoff Black Maternal Health Week with this event; and we want to see all North Miami moms. Dress comfortably. Grab the kids, your partners and everyone supporting your motherhood journey. We’ve got you covered for a day of learning, care and fun.” 

The 2026 symposium collaborators include Black Moms Miami, Extended Hands, Inc., March of Dimes, Jackson Health, Southern Birth Justice Network, Florida Healthy Start Coalition, Menstrual Market, the Impact Partners Agency and the Zeta Nu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

The 2nd Annual Black Maternal Health Symposium and Resource Fair takes place Saturday, April 11th, 1 – 4 p.m., at Scott Galvin Community Center, 1600 NE 126th Street, North Miami, FL 33181. Registration and details are available at www.NorthMiamiFL.gov.