This Saturday, July 26, South Dallas will welcome an important gathering aimed at healing, advocacy, and joy: The Black Moms Fair. This one-day event is designed to uplift, resource, and celebrate Black mothers and families, hosted by The Mtoto Agency.
Among the prominent figures scheduled to speak is Tatyana Ali, the beloved actress known for her advocacy work. During the fair, she will engage attendees in a keynote fireside conversation and unveil her maternal wellness brand, Baby Yams.
In an interview with Dallas Weekly ahead of the event, Ali shared her insights on the urgent conversations surrounding Black motherhood. She highlighted that the issues are numerous and multifaceted, covering economics, mental health, access to doulas, and experiences of birth trauma.
“There are so many things we need to talk about — Black maternal mental health, black maternal health, midwives, doulas, birth partners — but none of those conversations can happen unless we first come together,” Ali stated.
For Ali, fostering connections is not merely an ideal; it is a crucial, life-saving necessity. She pointed out that modern systems often lead to isolation, which diminishes the collective support traditionally found in Black families. Events like The Black Moms Fair are essential to reigniting that sense of community.
Ali’s path to maternal health advocacy began through her personal experiences. Her first childbirth was traumatic, and both she and her son were fortunate to survive what she describes as “the grace of God.” This difficult experience prompted her to delve deeper into research and advocacy work.
“When I became pregnant again, I knew I needed something different,” Ali explained. It was during this pregnancy that she discovered a Black midwife named Rashalala, who provided transformative care on multiple levels — physical, emotional, and spiritual.
This connection ignited a powerful sense of responsibility within Ali. She recognized that empowering culturally competent birth workers would significantly benefit families, yet the shortage of Black midwives and doulas remains a troubling statistic.
This realization prompted the launch of her new initiative, Baby Yams.
At The Black Moms Fair, attendees will not only witness Ali’s keynote but also get an exclusive look at Baby Yams, a line of handmade baby blankets inspired by her healing journey. Ali clarified that Baby Yams represents more than just products; it signifies a movement focused on maternal wellness, ancestral care, and reinvestment in the community.
She revealed, “I made a baby quilt during my second pregnancy and filled it with blessings and wishes for my son. That quilt represented hope and healing for me.” After receiving numerous compliments on the quilt, Ali saw an opportunity to harness her creativity for supporting the midwives and doulas dedicated to this important work.
Proceeds from Baby Yams are directed toward scholarships and grants for Black birth workers, ensuring that more Black families can access safe, affirming care. Ali is determined to transform maternal experiences by breaking the cycle of traumatic birth stories, making maternal safety a universal standard rather than a privilege.
As the interview concluded, Ali’s enthusiasm shone through when discussing her hopes for families attending the fair. “This event is about loving on you,” she expressed with joy. She encourages attendees to come as they are and engage with one another, especially those who may be feeling isolated.
She wants Black mothers who have felt overwhelmed or disconnected to find new resources, relationships, and a strengthened sense of community. “The magic happens when we all step foot in the same place — when we come together, we remember just how much power and love we already have.”
image source from：dallasweekly
