Black Maternal Health: Honouring our Ancestors

Part of the Diasporic strand of Radical Retrospectives

From 26 September 2025, Collective Encounters will present an exhibition of previously unseen creative material produced in our Black Maternal Health project at the Kuumba Imani Millennium Centre.

This powerful installation revisits and reflects on themes of migration through the lens of Black maternal health. Created in collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University, the work draws a striking connection between historical research into enslaved midwives in the 19th century and the stark, ongoing disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity rates between Black women and women of other racial and ethnic groups today.

The exhibition also features our ‘Hey Mama’ leaflet, designed by Black women, for Black women on maternity wards, offering peer-informed guidance and support. Visitors will have the opportunity to sign up to join our Black Maternal Health Group, which meets to discuss, plan and lead future initiatives and interventions.

Honouring our Ancestors: family friendly drop in event

On Monday 27 October, 11am – 2pm, we will be hosting a family friendly drop in event alongside the installation, led by local Black mothers. This will include an exclusive opportunity to see the original Shrine to Granny Marie, on loan from the International Slavery Museum.

Interactive creative activities will invite everyone to celebrate the achievements of their ancestors and to reflect on the legacies, strengths and qualities passed down to future generations.

There is no need to book for this event, just turn up any time between 11am and 2pm. If you have any access requirements or want to ask any questions in advance, please email admin@collective-encounters.org.uk