AMPLIFY VOICES
Centering Black Women. Changing the Narrative.
Featured in the News:
A Call to Listen and Act
“Listen to Black women.”
That powerful reminder is at the heart of a recent WCPO news story highlighting the pregnancy journey of Kristen Uttenham, one of several courageous Black mothers who shared their experiences during the Unheard Narratives event.As Kristen and others opened up about the real challenges they faced—from being dismissed by healthcare providers to navigating systems that weren’t built with them in mind—their stories made it clear: Black maternal health is in crisis, and their voices must lead the change.
This public recognition is a reminder of why we do what we do.
This Moment Matters
We are proud to see our work and the voices of our community making headlines—but this is just the beginning. When Black women speak, we must listen, learn, and take action. These stories are not just personal—they are powerful tools for change.
🟣 Let’s come together to build a future where Black women are heard, respected, and supported—before, during, and after childbirth.
UNHEARD NARRATIVES:
The Community Speaks Back
From these lived experiences came Unheard Narratives, a public-facing event that elevated these voices into collective action. With data insights from DataBloom and the strength of storytelling through spoken word, music, and testimony, we brought awareness and accountability to the forefront. Leaders, policymakers, health professionals, and community members joined us to listen—and more importantly—to act.
Speakers included:
Minister Floetic Flo with a powerful spoken word tribute to the strength of Black mothers
Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney with opening remarks on equity and change
Testimonies from courageous mothers: Kristen, Kenaja, Agol, and Jamaica
Why It Matters:
The maternal health crisis facing Black women isn’t just a statistic—it’s a lived reality. Unheard Narratives served as a bridge between personal truth and community transformation. The event not only brought awareness but also fueled commitment to change systems, practices, and narratives.
What’s Next? The Amplifying Voices Portal
As we move forward, we’re launching the Amplifying Voices Portal—a digital space where stories, data, resources, and advocacy live on. This portal will serve as a community-driven tool to continue amplifying the voices of Black pregnant and postpartum women.
Because every story matters. Every voice matters.
🟪 Stay connected. Keep listening. Keep amplifying.
Amplify Voices Portal
A community-powered platform to elevate Black pregnant and postpartum voices
The Amplify Voices Portal is a digital space designed to center, uplift, and amplify the lived experiences of Black pregnant and postpartum individuals. Born out of The Empowerment Foundation’s Unheard Narratives project, this portal is a next step in our commitment to transforming maternal healthcare through truth, storytelling, and community-led change.
Our Why:
Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. The portal is one part of the solution—creating space for those most affected to shape the future of maternal care.
Because when Black women speak, we must not only listen—we must amplify.
Explore the portal. Engage with the stories. Be part of the change.