Aftershock Film Screening and Discussion

1375 East Broadway Road,Phoenix AZ 85040

21 January, 2023

Description

The African American Women's Giving & Empowerment Circle, the State of Black Arizona, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter have teamed up to host this timely film and discussion about Black maternal health in America. Panelists: 1. Meka Allen, DSW, Executive Director, Embark Behavioral Health 2. Enjolie LaFaurie, Ph.D., C.Ht, Co-Executive Director, Cihuapactli Collective 3. Joshua Henry, MPsych, Founder and CEO, Fulfilled Life Institute 4. Sharon Thompson, MD, MPH Physician and Chief Executive Officer, Central Phoenix Obstetrics and Gynecology Facilitator: Kenja Hassan, PhD, Assistant Vice President, Cultural Relations, Office of Government and Community Engagement, Arizona State University Refreshments will be provided after the event courtesy of Mindset Medical. Synopsis of Film: Following the preventable deaths of two young women due to childbirth complications, two bereaved families galvanize activists, birth-workers and physicians to reckon with one of the most pressing American crises today: the US maternal health crisis. Through the film, we witness these two families become ardent activists in the maternal health space, seeking justice through legislation, medical accountability, community, and the power of art. Their work introduces us to a myriad of people including a growing brotherhood of surviving Black fathers, along with the work of midwives and physicians on the ground fighting for institutional reform. Through their collective journeys, we find ourselves on the front lines of the growing birth justice movement that is demanding systemic change within our medical system and government. Aftershock premiered as part of the 2022 Sundance Film Festival’s U.S. Documentary Competition. All are welcome. Audience participation will be encouraged. This event is FREE and open to the public.