Car seats, strollers and diapers are among the items that will be provided to pregnant women of color this weekend at a community baby shower on the Northside.
On Saturday, more than 20 women will have also have access to consultations with professionals to discuss childhood education, lactation and postpartum depression. The event, Bey-B Shower: Everything is Love, is hosted by the organizations CoCoHaus and the Black Femme Excellence Collective and themed around singer Beyoncé, who gave birth to twins last year.
Tye Clark, co-founder of CocoHaus said she hopes the event raises awareness about the mortality rate of black and brown babies, which is three times higher than white infants in Allegheny County. Clark said these numbers are high due to disproportionate access to help.
“But one of our feelings is that lack of resources and lack of education contribute a lot to that,” Clark said.
By providing an inclusive environment, Clark said she hopes to end any stigma surrounding women engaging in dialogue about their bodies.
“Some of these women are going into spaces where they might not be comfortable, or they might not be able to explain what's going on with them or what’s going on with their bodies,” Clark said.
The event will also provide maternity photoshoots, games and gifting ceremonies. Clark said she hopes the baby shower sends a message of awareness and helping others.
“It’s double sided, we want to both bring attention [to these issues] and then on the other want to do something and provide for the women in our community,” Clark said.
