Believe Birth and Equate teams are excited to host the BELIEVE in Black Joy Gala, an evening of supporting and honoring Black Joy and innovators in Black maternal health.

Date: June 10th, 2023

Time: 6-10pm ET

Location: MLK Jr Student Center at St. Augustine’s University (2nd floor)

Attire: Dress to impress in your evening best!

The night will honor those working to improve Black Maternal Health with a special focus on celebrating the BELIEVE Maternal Health Scholarship recipients. Please join us for celebration, dinner, and fun.

What to expect

Storytelling Gallery: Come prepared to listen to stories from mothers and birthing people and share your story to assist with creating more equitable outcomes for all. For those planning to participate/share your story at the event, here are some details we’ll share before you get started. Click to review the consent form.

Dinner and Dessert: We will be serving appetizers, a buffet dinner, dessert, drinks, and more. Vegan and vegetarian options will be served. Dietary options available as well. Here is the Gala menu.

Silent Auction: Come prepared to cast your bid on an array of items. We have everything from art to spa packages. All proceeds will directly fund scholarship recipients.

DocuDance- Reclaiming Power: The Black Maternal Health Crisis: Come prepared to view a documentary-dance short film directed by Keshia Wall and produced by Stephanie Baker.

Announcing Believe Scholarships: The BELIEVE project will announce the three scholarship awardees for students entering the field of Maternal and Child Health (MCH). BELIEVE scholarships are made possible through donations. Please consider making a donation to support the Health Careers Scholars.

Keynote Address: We’ll hear from Former Chief Justice of North Carolina Cheri Beasley and Senator Natalie Murdock. We will hear from partner organizations, a poem, and more.

Photo Booth, Group Photos and Social Media: Please share your experience! We’ll be capturing professional photos, but welcome and encourage lots of social media sharing! Use #BelieveBirth. We do ask: if you are attending with your colleagues, please try to get a group photo of you all! Great virtual and in-person networking opportunities will be available to meet new and familiar faces!

Networking Bingo: Please use these fun Gala bingo cards to get to know other attendees!

Please share event feedback: Click to share feedback about your experience with us!

Ongoing Support: 2024 exhibit and sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Imani Clark @ imani_clark@med.unc.edu  for details.

A lactation room will be available. Additional accommodations made possible and shared via email.

Questions? Contact Kimberly Harper at Kimberly_Harper@med.unc.edu.