Some moments stay with you long after the room is empty.
Our Listen to Me screening in New Orleans was one of those moments.
At the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT), we often talk about collaboration, connection, and creating spaces where people can show up authentically. This gathering reminded us of what those words truly look like in practice. It wasn’t simply an event; it was an opportunity to pause, reflect, and be in community with people who care deeply about improving outcomes for Black mothers, babies, and families.
From the very beginning, the atmosphere felt different. We intentionally created a space where participants could level set with one another, reconnect with our shared purpose, and prepare conversations that were honest, emotional, and necessary.
The Listen to Me documentary did exactly what powerful storytelling should do. It challenged us. It moved us. It reminded us that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a lived experience that deserves to be heard. The stories shared throughout the film underscored the urgency of addressing Black maternal health, and the systemic barriers that continue to impact families across our country.
Event participants pose together following the Listen to Me screening held during the Essence Festival.
From Awareness to Action
Following the documentary screening, the conversation continued with a meaningful fireside chat designed to move us beyond reflection and into action. Community partners, and advocates came together to discuss what it truly takes to improve outcomes for Black mothers, babies, and families.
The discussion challenged us to think about the role each of us plays in advancing policy and systems change. It reinforced that lasting progress doesn’t happen through awareness alone; it happens when we intentionally build partnerships, listen to the communities most impacted, and commit to turning what we’ve learned into meaningful action. The dialogue was thoughtful, honest, and solution-oriented, creating space for attendees to ask questions, share perspectives, and reaffirm our collective responsibility to advocate for accessible, affordable and inclusive maternal healthcare.
Reflecting on the importance of the event and the ongoing work to address maternal health disparities, Kanika A. Harris, PhD, MPH, Executive Director of the National Association to Advance Black Birth (NAABB), shared,
“Listen to Me continues to open hearts and minds to the profound injustices of the maternal health crisis in this country. We are honored to partner with the American Heart Association to illuminate the lasting impact of maternal health outcomes on women’s heart health, their families, and their communities. We look forward to continuing our partnership and harnessing the power of art and storytelling to inspire meaningful action.”
Creating Space for Healing
While the conversations were powerful, we also recognized the importance of creating space for restoration. Throughout the afternoon, attendees were invited to experience our interactive Bloom Bar, where they created personalized floral bouquets as a symbol of growth, hope, and community. Guests also participated in our Healing Bath Salt Activation, crafting custom bath salts that served as a reminder that caring for ourselves is an essential part of caring for others.
These intentional moments of wellness complemented the documentary’s message, reminding us that healing is both personal and collective. But what made the evening truly special wasn’t just the programming; it was the connections we built with one another.
Throughout the event, conversations continued organically. Over shared meals, new friendships were formed. Longtime partners reconnected. New collaborations have begun. People exchanged ideas, shared personal stories, and reminded one another that none of us is doing this work alone.
New Orleans gave us the opportunity to slow down, break bread together, laugh together, learn from one another, and strengthen the relationships that fuel this movement every day. Those moments of fellowship were just as meaningful as the conversations on stage, reminding us that community is one of our greatest strengths.
A Heartfelt Thank You
None of this would have been possible without the incredible partners, sponsors, and organizations who believed in this event and helped bring it to life. Your investment created more than a screening; it created a space where people felt seen, supported, and inspired to continue advocating healthier futures for children and families.
To everyone who attended, our partners, sponsors, speakers, advocates, and community members, thank you. Thank you for showing up with open hearts. Thank you for engaging in difficult conversations with compassion. Thank you for listening, not simply responding, but for truly understanding.
As we reflect on this experience, we’re reminded that meaningful change begins with listening. Listening to families. Listening to communities. Listening to one another. Because when people feel heard, they feel valued. And when communities come together with empathy, purpose, and hope, we move one step closer to the healthier, more equitable future every child and every family deserve.
Carrying the Experience Forward
We invite you to watch our Listen to Me recap video. Some experiences can’t be fully captured in words, they have to be felt. While this recap only offers a glimpse into the evening, we hope it reflects the heart of what we experienced together: honest conversations, meaningful connections, moments of healing, and a shared commitment to creating healthier futures for Black mothers, babies, and families. We invite you to watch the recap video and experience a piece of this unforgettable evening with us.
From the powerful documentary and thoughtful fireside chat to the Bloom Bar, Healing Bath Salt Activation, meaningful conversations, and moments of reflection, the day was filled with connection, compassion, and purpose
Thank you for being part of this unforgettable experience. We look forward to continuing this work, and moving from awareness to action, together.
With gratitude,
The National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers (NCIT)
Laura Coleman is the Advocacy Media Relations Manager for Voices for Healthy Kids, an initiative of the American Heart Association, and the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT). She leads media strategy across campaigns nationwide and helps equip Voices for Healthy Kids grantees and NCIT members with the skills they need to build strong, strategic relationships with reporters to advance public policy. Laura holds an M.S. in Strategic Communication from Louisiana State University, a B.S. in Mass Communication from Jackson State University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Global Health Equity at Meharry Medical College. Off the clock, she’s with family, friends, and her fur baby, Eve.
