Queens Village is a supportive community of powerful Black women who come together to relax, repower and take care of themselves and each other.
Rest, Relax, Repower
Reduce Black women's stress by creating space for them to relax, rest and repower.
Invest in Leadership
Invest in Black women's leadership, social capital, and power through community advisory boards.
Create Opportunities
Promote economic and professional opportunities for Black women to succeed and flourish.
Engage Communities
Engage with social, political, and medical communities to support equity initiatives and reduce implicit bias that affects Black women.
Change the Narrative
Create spaces and content for and by Black women that celebrate and amplify their voices.
We are a growing team dedicated to amplifying Black women’s voices.
We are shifting not only racial disparities in birth outcomes but also the conditions that drive inequity in maternal and infant health. We provide a safe space for Black mothers to support and be supported by their peers, connect, relieve stress, process trauma, and build a better world together for ourselves and our children. With our members, we are collaborating and creating an organization with purpose.
- Dr. Meredith Shockley-Smith, Queens Village Founder
Why We Exist
Black women in the U.S. are up to three times more likely to experience infant loss
regardless of
3X
socioeconomic status or level of education.
Elevate and Amplify Our Queens’ Voices
There are many ways to get involved with Queens Village to help us reach our goal of maternal equity for Black moms and babies. Whether you would like to donate, sponsor, or join the movement, we want to hear from you.
DESIGN
black maternal health week 2026
April 12th
Viewing + discussion for Black mother's & father's
More Life film
A Love Story on Black Women's Full Humanity & Transformative Love
This film centers Black maternal health and infant vitality while combatting racism, the cause of these disparities.
Our intention in this body of work is to center Black women’s voices, stories, lives, and love. The film captures components of ongoing programming in Akron, Ohio.
April 13th
Viewing + discussion for healthcare providers, birth workers & the community
More Life film
A Love Story on Black Women's Full Humanity & Transformative Love
This film centers Black maternal health and infant vitality while combatting racism, the cause of these disparities.
Our intention in this body of work is to center Black women’s voices, stories, lives, and love. The film captures components of ongoing programming in Akron, Ohio.
April 17th
For Black, pregnant women ONLY!
MaMa's Blessing
Queens Village invites you to an intimate, sacred space where Black, expecting moms are showered with love, blessings, and support before birth.
What to expect:
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Pregnancy massages
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Blessing ceremony
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Craft
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Mama self-care box, baby gift, brunch & other giveaways!
Monthly Diaper Bank
Total # of diapers distributed in 2025
Total # of wipes distributed in 2025
Total # of period supplies distribued in 2025
Total # of toiletry kits distributed in 2025
#StandForQueens Ally Campaign
For the Allies
Queens Village asks that, as an ally, you use your voice in rooms and conversations in which Black women are not present to reduce and eliminate the adversity they experience.
Elevate and amplify the voices of Black women -
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Provide support, availability, and understanding
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Debunk stereotypes
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Listen
Take the Pledge
Queens Village invites our community of white, POC allies, medical professionals, and Black men to stand with us to elevate and amplify the voices of Queens in the fight for equity and reproductive justice for Black women.
Take the pledge to Stand for Queens!
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Share the Stand for Queens graphic on your social media.
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Post - I take the pledge to Stand for Queens by respecting, honoring, trusting, caring and advocating for Black Women.
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Invite 5 people to take the pledge with you.
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Tag @QueensVillageAkron and use the #standforqueens and #becauseweloveher
Queens Village gratefully acknowledges the partners and supporters who help sustain and expand this work. Your collaboration makes community-centered care possible.
