Advocacy in Action: A Benefit Brunch for Pregnant and Black
Rayna Reid Rayford, the founder of Pregnant and Black (PAB), launched the free mobile platform during Black Maternal Health Week and recently hosted the inaugural Advocacy in Action: A Benefit Brunch for Pregnant and Black in Houston, TX.
After dealing with her own significant maternal challenges, including enduring two miscarriages and suffering a severe complication of acute appendicitis that nearly claimed her life, Rayford drew from her experience to create a platform that connects black expectant mothers with “culturally competent healthcare advocates.”
Grammy award-winning singer and actress LeToya Luckett was the keynote guest and honoree receiving the Safe Passage Legacy Award.
We spoke with former Destiny’s Child member Luckett and Rayford; check out our exclusive interview, where both Rayford and Luckett share their thoughts on PAB and the inaugural event.
When it comes to maternal health, everyone in the community needs to get involved – Rayna Reid Rayford
Rayna
You created the “Pregnant and Black” initiative based on your own experience. Thank you for your advocacy work supporting the maternal health of women, especially Black women.
Q: What did you hope to see from the event? What challenges do you still face? And how can the community get more involved to reduce the mortality rate for Black women in Harris County? Reportedly the highest in the U.S.
A: The goal for Pregnant and Black’s inaugural Advocacy in Action Brunch was to shift the conversation from simply raising awareness to taking action We know that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable, and that’s the gap we aim to close with this organization and event.
As a Black woman founder, funding disparities exist, which is why events like Advocacy in Action are so important; when we convene the right people, change can happen. As a result of my recent event, we can provide more than 200 hours of advocacy to pregnant women in need because no one should be alone during such a vulnerable time.
When it comes to maternal health, everyone in the community needs to get involved. As I always like to say, “This is not a group project where one person does all the work.” It takes a village, and the Pregnant and Black app was created to be that for pregnant women and their families, especially Black women who are more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth.
Being part of Pregnant and Black is personal for me. I experienced both joy and fear during my pregnancies – LeToya Luckett
LeToya
Q: As someone who advocates for maternal health. What are your hopes for events like this? What motivated you to be a part of “Pregnant and Black,” and how does it feel to be honored for your work?
A: My biggest hope is that it sparks real change, not just conversation. I want Black women to feel seen, heard, and truly cared for throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Being part of Pregnant and Black is personal for me. I experienced both joy and fear during my pregnancies, knowing the disparities we face. I was blessed to have support, but so many women aren’t and that’s why I felt called to use my voice.
And being honored is humbling. It means the message is reaching people, but this work is bigger than me. It’s about protecting and uplifting Black mothers, always.
For more information about Pregnant and Black (PAB) visit pregnantandblack.com
Credit: Marianna Costa Photography
