African American Babies Coalition and Projects

Promoting healthy development of African American babies across the Twin Cities

Committed to racial equity, Wilder partners with African American community stakeholders who promote the healthy development of African American babies across the Twin Cities. African American Babies Coalition (AABC) and Projects shares brain science and early childhood development research in a culturally relevant and accessible way.

Soon-to-be and new moms/parents: Know your rights in the workplace!

Contact:

Sameerah Bilal-Roby
Founder & Director of African American Babies Coalition & Projects
800-550-7195 | sameerah@africanamericanbabies.org

Visit the AABC Website

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This campaign seeks to make sure that African American families are aware that early traumatic experiences (also known as Adverse Childhood Experiences) can short circuit young brain development.

Through participatory research, AABC developed 15 Key Factors for parenting and fostering healthy brain development. The factors were implemented in two guides (Living Room Conversations and Kickin’ It conversations) for adults and youth respectively, and are key tools in AABC's work.

Brains Are Built group holding Emmy award

Along with these and other efforts, AABC partnered with Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) to produce 10 educational videos about key factors impacting babies’ brain development and parent child interactions through age 7. “Brains Are Built” won a 2017 Upper Midwest Emmy Award.

For more information visit our website or call 1-800-550-7195 to speak with the Brains Are Built Coordinator.

Watch More Videos

The Integrated Care and High Risk Pregnancy Initiative (ICHRP) addresses disparities in the African American community when it comes to pregnancy and birth outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm birth, infant and maternal mortality. Our partners in this initiative are NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, the Saint Paul Care Collaborative, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

The AABC’s role in this initiative is to catalyze their relationships within the community with parents and families and connect them to resources provided by NorthPoint, the Ramsey County Care Collaborative, and others in the County. AABC is also providing trainers to providers and community members to educate them about the disparities and equip them with tools in order to help them make the right decisions about their care or how providers can improve the care they offer to be more holistic and culturally relevant. The goal of the ICHRP Initiative is to reduce the effects of social determinants of health, such as housing, economic stability and education on pregnancy outcomes.

ICHRP Events

Radio Show

The Integrated Care and High Risk Pregnancy Initiative hosts a monthly streaming radio show through Twin Cities Radio Network. Previous shows can be streamed on our Soundcloud station.

Are you pregnant or a new mom/parent?

You are legally protected in Minnesota to ensure your health and safety when you: are pregnant at work, take pregnancy leave from work, or pump breast milk at work. Please feel free to share this link, share the page or save and share these images below to help spread the word to your family, friends and colleagues!

Pregnant & New Moms/Parents:
Know Your Rights