🌸 Reflections of Birth — Centering Black Motherhood as Sacred

In May, we hosted our first Reflections of Birth Mother’s Day event, and it was everything we dreamed of and more.

We gathered in sisterhood to share stories, honor the labor of motherhood, and reframe the conversation around Black maternal health through the lens of joy, care, and cultural connection.

This space was made possible through our collaboration with CDPHE Baby & You.
Had it not been for their openness to reimagine what a focus group could look like—centering Black motherhood as a self-care day—we may never have had this opportunity. We’re so grateful they said “yes” to our vision.

And because of the impact this space had, we are thrilled to announce that Reflections of Birth will now be an annual event.

✨ Gratitude: Sponsored & Supported

We are overjoyed and deeply humbled to share that:

💜 The Colorado Health Foundation is sponsoring our first Mahogany Mothers Day Retreat this Fall!
🖤 We’ve also received a grant from the Black Resilience Fund, which is supporting both general operations and my growth as Executive Director over the next two years.

To both organizations: thank you for believing in our vision and honoring the sacred labor of Black mothers and families.

🌱 Introducing: The Mahogany Mothers Circle Birth Fund

This Fall, we’re launching the Mahogany Mothers Circle Birth Fund—a fund to directly support Black families with the costs of:

• Doula care

• Childbirth education

• Lactation support

• Postpartum wellness

We are asking for your help to build it.

Every donation will help a mother birth in safety, power, and dignity.

👉🏾 Click here to donate now
🎁 We also welcome Lyft, Uber, DoorDash & Airbnb gift cards for our families in need.

🤱🏾 Currently in Atlanta — Supporting a Birth

Right now, I’m in Atlanta supporting a beautiful mama who is due any day now.
I don’t attend as many births as I used to—but when I do, it’s to reconnect with my “why”, revisit my skills, and continue walking in my lifelong calling.

I plan to be a birth worker until I take my last breath on this Earth.
There is no work more sacred to me.

🍉 Womb Nourishment: Watermelon + Okra Juice Recipe

After one of our labor prep sessions, I made this refreshing and healing juice for my client. I’d love for you to try it too:

✨ Watermelon + Okra Fertility Juice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups seeded watermelon chunks

• 3–5 fresh okra pods

• 1–2 cups spring or alkaline water

Instructions:
Soak okra overnight. Blend with watermelon. Strain if preferred. Serve chilled.

Benefits:

• Watermelon: deeply hydrating, boosts circulation, rich in lycopene

• Okra: supports ovulation, gut health, folate intake, and natural womb lubrication

This blend is ideal for fertility, postpartum recovery, and summer womb wellness. 🌺

🏡 Searching for the Next Mahogany House

As we continue to grow, we are now looking for another Mahogany House in the Denver Metro area—a place to hold space, host healing events, and build intentional community.

If you know of available properties or opportunities, please reach out. Our next sacred space is waiting.

📺 Let’s Stay Connected — Join Our YouTube Channel

We’re building something beautiful online, too.
Our YouTube Channel will feature:

• Birth stories

• Mahogany Circle updates

• Womb wellness tips

• Juice recipes

• Motherhood wisdom & more

🌐 Subscribe here to Mahogany Mothers Circle on YouTube 

💜 In Summary

✅ We hosted our 1st Reflections of Birth thanks to CDPHE Baby & You
✅ We celebrated my son’s graduation and Black family joy
✅ The Elijah McClain Mural is now a Cultural Heritage Site
✅ We are sponsored by the Colorado Health Foundation and supported by the Black Resilience Fund
✅ We’re looking for a new Mahogany House in the Denver Metro Area
✅ I’m currently in Atlanta holding sacred space for a birth
✅ We’re launching our Birth Fund—and need your support
✅ And we’re inviting you to join us on YouTube for stories, healing & education

Thank you for walking with us, for sowing into this vision, and for helping us protect and uplift Black birth, Black families, and Black futures.

In community and care,
Marpessa D. Allen
Founder & Executive Director
Mahogany Mothers Circle
💜🌿✨