Policy and Poetry | Social Determinants of Health

Policy & Poetry Social

Determinants of Health | Black Maternal Health Week 2026

The Policy & Poetry Social is an evening of transformative dialogue where poetry, storytelling, and policy intersect to explore how the Social Determinants of Health shape Black maternal health outcomes. Hosted by Shades of Motherhood Network (SOMN) during Black Maternal Health Week 2026, this event centers community voices, lived experience, and creative expression as powerful drivers of systems change.

Through poetry, storytelling, and facilitated conversation, participants will examine how factors such as economic stability, education, healthcare access, housing, neighborhood environments, and social support systems influence maternal health and well-being.

Why Policy + Poetry Matters

Policy impacts health — but stories move policy. This social uses art and community wisdom to humanize data, illuminate inequities, and center those most impacted by maternal health disparities. By elevating Black voices and lived experience, the Policy & Poetry Social creates space for truth-telling, healing, and actionable…