Actress and producer Vanessa Estelle Williams, known for movies “Candyman,” “Soul Food,” will moderate a health pannel which will shed light on the health disparities and systemic barriers faced by Black women.
As part of Black Maternal Health Week, the event is set to highlight the urgent issue of Black maternal health through its upcoming panel discussion, Born to Thrive.
The panel will feature prominent figures from various sectors, including public health, reproductive health, maternal mental health, policy-making, and community advocacy and 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,” shares Williams. “By integrating scientific understanding with community-driven action plans within trusted spaces like churches, we create impactful 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.
The Brooklyn-born actress made her debut in “New Jack City,” willl appear as a love interest opposite Tracy Morgan in “Crutch,” the new comedy spin-off of “The Neighborhood,” debuting on CBS/Paramount.
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.
