
African American Babies Coalition and Projects
Promoting healthy development of African American babies across the Twin Cities
The African American Babies Coalition and Projects (AABC) at Wilder is a group of African American community leaders committed to preventing the achievement gap by translating brain development and healthy child development practices into African American family and community life. 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.
Contact:
Sameerah Bilal-Roby
Founder & Director of African American Babies Coalition & Projects
800-550-7195 | sameerah.bilal-roby@wilder.org
www.aabcprojects.org
☰On This Page
2023 Black and Brown Birthing Summit
Mark your calendars for September 13-15 as we bring together renowned experts, passionate advocates, and individuals like yourself who are committed to revolutionizing the birthing experience for Black and Brown communities.

This groundbreaking conference aims to celebrate, empower, and elevate the voices and experiences of Black and Brown birthing individuals. From thought-provoking panel discussions to interactive workshops, we have curated an exceptional lineup of sessions that will dive into crucial topics relating to women, babies, and families in present crisis. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and equipped with actionable insights that will drive positive change in the birthing landscape. Our conference will be a space for networking, sharing experiences, and fostering meaningful connections with like-minded individuals who share a common vision.
We encourage you to spread the word and invite your friends, colleagues, and anyone passionate about birthing justice to be a part of this momentous occasion.
Brains are Built
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.

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 call 1-800-550-7195 to speak with the Brains Are Built Coordinator.
Healthy Pregnancies
Integrated Care and High Risk Pregnancy Initiative
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.
Additional Resources
- Find information about cerebral palsy and other birth injuries from the Birth Injury Center.
Soon-to-be and New Moms: Know Your Rights
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 the video and images below to help spread the word to your family, friends and colleagues!




