CHICAGO, IL – April 2, 2026 — The First Ladies Health Initiative is set to highlight the urgent issue of Black maternal health through its upcoming panel discussion, Born to Thrive. As part of Black Maternal Health Week, this event will take place at the historic First AME Church, located at 2270 S Harvard Blvd, Los Angeles, 90018, on Saturday, April 11, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The free, 90-minute session aims to shed light on the health disparities and systemic barriers faced by Black women and birthing individuals, emphasizing the need for targeted solutions to improve health outcomes within these communities.
“This isn’t just about numbers or statistics; it’s about real people facing daunting challenges,” said Marquisé Alston-Allison, Executive Director of First Ladies Health Initiative.”
The panel will feature prominent figures from various sectors, including public health, reproductive health, maternal mental health, policy-making, and community advocacy. Moderated by actor, producer, and director Vanessa Estelle Williams (9-1-1, Candyman, Soul Food, Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story), this event is part of an ongoing national effort by the First Ladies Health Initiative to share important research findings through trusted faith-based networks.
“Maternal health isn’t just a medical topic; it’s a social narrative woven into our daily lives,” added Vanessa Estelle Williams. “By integrating scientific understanding with community-driven action plans within trusted spaces like churches, we create impactful change.”
Panelists include First Lady and Co-Pastor Dr. Shalonda “Sunshine” Crawford of Experience Christian Ministries, who is also a licensed psychologist, mental health advocate, and media personality; Dr. Melissa R. Franklin from LA County Department of Public Health’s Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health Division; and Priya Batra from LA County Department of Public Health’s Promotion Bureau.
“Health equity should never be an aspiration but an expectation,” added Alston-Allison. “By leveraging cultural authority within our communities’ spiritual sanctuaries alongside expert insights into systemic failures around maternity care access—our initiative aims at meaningful change.”
The discussion seeks not only to highlight key issues surrounding black maternal mortality rates but also to equip attendees with practical tools for recognizing risks early while connecting them directly with available resources or support systems necessary throughout their pregnancy journeys.
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ABOUT VANESSA ESTELLE WILLIAMS
Brooklyn-born powerhouse Vanessa Estelle Williams lit up the screen in her film debut as Keisha—the fierce, gun-toting “around-the-way girl” and head of security for the Cash Money Brothers—in the iconic urban classic New Jack City, directed by Mario Van Peebles and starring Wesley Snipes.
Her other film credits include Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story, Imagine That, Like Mike, Punks, Mother, and Candyman—both the 1992 original and its 2021 sequel directed by Nia DaCosta, produced by Jordan Peele/Monkey Paw productions and television credits include 9-1-1 (Fox) The L Word Generation Q (Showtime) American Horror Stories( FX) A Luv Tale (BET) NBC’s long-running Days of Our Lives, Freeform’s Famous in Love, The Flash, The Bay, Lincoln Heights, Everybody Hates Chris, and 5 seasons on Soul Food.
In Spring 2026, Vanessa stars alongside Omarion in the highly anticipated drama series “Wild Rose” on AMC/ ALLBLK. Also, this spring, she appears as a love interest opposite Tracy Morgan in “Crutch,” the new comedy spin-off of “The Neighborhood,” debuting on CBS/Paramount.
Nominated for an Emmy for her acclaimed role in Showtime’s Our America, she went on to earn six consecutive NAACP Image Award nominations, winning in 2003 for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Maxine Chadway in Soul Food.
Williams is the author of SHINE, a book of poetry and prose excerpted in Essence magazine. It inspired her solo show Feet on the Ceiling!, a coming-of-age story that premiered at the National Black Theatre Festival in 2011 and continues to captivate audiences across the U.S. and Caribbean.
An activist and proud mother of two creative artists, Omar and Haile Wiseman, Vanessa Estelle Williams radiates authenticity, timeless beauty, a magnetic energy, and charm that deeply resonates with audiences worldwide.
ABOUT FIRST LADIES HEALTH INITIATIVE
The First Ladies Health Initiative is a faith-based 501(c)(3) organization committed to closing the health equity gap in underserved communities through innovative partnerships with churches and First Ladies nationwide.
FLHI’s mission is to provide essential health services, educational support, and advocacy to those who need it most. Since our founding, we have impacted thousands of lives by offering free health screenings, vaccines, mental health resources, and educational outreach that empower individuals and families to take charge of their health.
