Black Women’s Health Imperative Partners with Strayer University, Blackhouse Foundation to Release Documentary on Overcoming Racial Bias in Health Care
WASHINGTON (October 22, 2021) — The Black Women’s Health Imperative announced today the release of a documentary short film highlighting the organization’s work addressing inequities in Black maternal health.
Directed by Lisa Cunningham, the film is a project of United for Equality, a partnership between Strayer University and the Blackhouse Foundation that seeks to elevate diverse voices in filmmaking.
“At BWHI, our mission is to uplift Black women across the country and work towards a healthier, more equitable future,” said Linda Goler Blount, president and CEO of the Black Women’s Health Imperative. “We are grateful to United for Equality for giving us a platform to convey the healthcare challenges Black women face.”
The film details the biases and disparities that Black women disproportionately face throughout the U.S. healthcare system, with a specific focus on maternal health. Black women are up to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. The film is one of three featured in a Strayer sociology course where students learn about organizations like BWHI working to eliminate racial inequities and empower communities to enact change. Through the course, students develop skills to aid their own advocacy efforts.
“It was an honor as a creator and a member of the Black Women’s Health Imperative team to direct this film,” said Cunningham, who is also manager of digital content for BWHI. “It is both personal and universal. It tells the unique stories of two Black women. Yet the story of the unequal maternal care they received is far too common. We at BWHI are trying to change that.”
“This film sends a clear message that Black women are needlessly dying in childbirth, and we all need to act,” said Kanika A. Harris, health equity strategist and birth justice advocate for BWHI. “It showcases the work that’s already being done — and will inspire the next generation of changemakers to achieve a healthier future for Black women and for everyone.”
About the Black Women’s Health Imperative:
Established originally as the National Black Women’s Health Project in 1983, the BWHI is the oldest national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and wellness of our nation’s 22 million Black women and girls — physically, emotionally, and financially. Our core mission is advancing health equity and social justice for Black women, across the lifespan, through policy, advocacy, education, research, and leadership development.
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