Our VAAC Friday Community Meeting is happening today in recognition of Black Maternal Health Week.

Black maternal health is a real issue in our communities, shaped by decisions being made every day. Access to care, safe housing, economic stability, and the impact of the criminal legal system all play a role in whether Black women, families, and caregivers can live, give birth, and care for one another with dignity.

This is about what’s being prioritized and who is being supported.

This conversation will look at how civic engagement and voting shape these conditions, and why building civic power is necessary if we want different outcomes.

We will be welcoming Cassy Jones-McBryde, Founder of the Michigan Chamber for Reproductive Justice, and State Representative Stephanie A. Young, as our guest speakers. State Representative Young currently serves as Chair of the Detroit Caucus and House Democratic Caucus and has led legislative work focused on families, children, and community health.

About Black Maternal Health Week

Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17) is a week-long campaign founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to build awareness, foster activism, and center the voices and lived experiences of Black mothers and birthing people.

The 2026 theme, “Rooted in Justice & Joy,” marks the 10-year anniversary of the movement. It reflects the work of Black-led maternal and reproductive health organizations that have driven change across communities, while recognizing the ongoing impact of systemic oppression, reproductive injustice, and health inequities.

The week is part of a broader effort to advance maternal health and rights, and to support a future where Black women, families, and caregivers are able to live, give birth, and care for one another with dignity.

Policies shaped by elected officials, on healthcare, housing, and the criminal legal system, directly impact Black maternal health outcomes, which is why civic engagement and voting are critical to this work.

Join us

Friday, April 10
12:30–1:30 PM EST
Join via Zoom: bit.ly/VAACFridays

Everyone is welcome. Your voice is powerful – come learn how to make it count.

Interested in our newsletter? Sign up here!

The post Join VAAC This Friday For Our Community Meeting: Black Maternal Health Week appeared first on Voting Access For All.

Capitol Day 2026

On Wednesday, April 29, VAAC will be in Lansing alongside Michigan United, Reproductive Freedom for All Michigan, Black Voters Matter, and partners from across the state for Capitol Day 2026.

This is a statewide day of action focused on voting rights, reproductive freedom, healthcare access, and economic justice. Community members from across Michigan will gather at the Capitol to raise these issues directly with decision-makers.

Free buses will be available from Detroit, Grand Rapids, Flint, and Saginaw.

Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Michigan State Capitol, Lansing

Register: bit.ly/capday2026

Detroit Pistons Social Impact Summit

On Saturday, April 11, VAAC will be at the Social Impact Summit hosted by the Detroit Pistons.

This event connects to the priorities of Second Chance Month and Fair Housing Month and brings together a range of services and resources, including housing support, expungement assistance, driver’s license restoration, job readiness support, mental health services, and voter registration.

VAAC will be on-site hosting a basketball-themed civic game, where participants can test their knowledge, win prizes, and learn about voting rights, ID access, and civic participation.

Location: Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center, 6201 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

Time Slots: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Register: http://pistons.com/socialimpactsummit

Black Maternal Health Week Events

VAAC will also be participating in events hosted by the Michigan Chamber for Reproductive Justice during Black Maternal Health Week.

The Promise of Joy: A Black Maternal Health Week Celebration
Saturday, April 11 at 2:00 PM

This event brings together birth workers, families, and community members to recognize the lived experiences that shape maternal health and to highlight the leadership working to ensure safe and dignified care.

Location: Redford, MI (shared after registration)

Register: bit.ly/mcrjpromise

Broken Systems, Sacred Bodies
Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 PM

This event focuses on pregnancy and parenting while in custody, examining the conditions people face while also recognizing the experiences of those directly impacted. The program includes a screening of American Black Journal on PBS featuring Cassy Jones-McBride.

Location shared after registration

RSVP: bit.ly/mcrjsacred

Join us at any or all of these events to connect, get information, and engage with the work happening across our communities.

The post Where You Can Find VAAC This Month: Capitol Day, Detroit Pistons Social Impact Summit, Black Maternal Health Week Events appeared first on Voting Access For All.