Overview:
The African American Babies Coalition and Projects will host the free, two-day Black and Brown Birthing Summit Saint Paul on Sept. 18-19, 2025 at the Wilder Center, 451 Lexington Parkway North. The summit centers Black and Brown birthing voices, tackles systemic barriers to healthy outcomes, and offers keynotes, plenaries, panels, and community-building sessions. Speakers include Ruth Richardson, Dr. Michele Goodwin, Akhmiri Sehkr-Ra, Ken L. Harris, Dr. Cirecie A. West-Olatunji, Autumn Mason, Deborah Jiang Stein, and a Now and the Future legislative panel with state and county leaders. Vendor registration is available for $150, and admission is free.
The Black & Brown Birthing Summit returns this fall with two days of connection, learning, and celebration. Hosted by the African American Babies Coalition and Projects (AABC), the free summit takes place September 18–19, 2025, at the Wilder Center in Saint Paul, 451 Lexington Parkway North.
Organizers say the gathering is designed to celebrate, empower, and elevate the voices of Black and Brown birthing individuals while addressing the systemic barriers that continue to affect families and communities.
Keynotes and plenaries
The summit features an exceptional lineup of national and local leaders in health, policy, and advocacy.
Day 1 – Thursday, September 18
- 9:45 a.m. Keynote speakers: Ruth Richardson, Dr. Michele Goodwin
- 1:00 p.m. Plenary speakers: Akhmiri Sehkr-Ra, Ken L. Harris
- 2:00 p.m. Panel: What About the Men? Acknowledging Perceived Invisibility: Is It a Myth? with Charles Dixon, Samuel Simmons, Dr. Anthony Stately, and Ken Harris; facilitated by Dwayne Combs
Day 2 – Friday, September 19
- 9:30 a.m. Keynote speakers: Ruth Richardson, Dr. Cirecie A. West-Olatunji
- 11:00 a.m. Plenary speakers: Autumn Mason, Deborah Jiang Stein
- 1:00 p.m. Panel: Young Adults, Impact, and Beyond with Rasana Mamdani, Thomas Chatman, Chalese Knight, and Mikayla Smith; facilitated by Marcus Pope
- 2:30 p.m. Legislative panel: Now and the Future Legislative Agenda: Our Community with State Rep. Clardy, State Rep. Esther Agbaje, Ramsey County Commissioner Rena Moran, and Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley
More than a conference
From interactive workshops to community-building sessions, the summit provides space for honest conversation, actionable solutions, and healing. Attendees will leave with resources, strategies, and inspiration to continue the fight for healthier birthing outcomes and stronger family systems.
Admission is free, with vendor registration available for $150 (plus fees).
Event details
Black & Brown Birthing Summit 2025
📅 Thursday–Friday, September 18–19, 2025
🕘 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
📍 Wilder Center, 451 Lexington Parkway North, Saint Paul, MN
💲 Free admission | Vendor fee: $150
Sponsored by Regions Hospital, the summit is open to the public, with families, community members, advocates, and healthcare professionals encouraged to attend.