August 3, 2021

When it comes to breastfeeding, racial equity is an issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control, fewer than 60% of Black mothers have ever breastfed compared to 75% of white mothers. Breastfeeding builds immunities, is free and provides excellent nutrition and Black babies are in greater need of its benefits than ever. Why?

Racial inequality results in health inequality. Black babies die at twice –– and in some places, three times –– the rate as white infants. According to the CDC, increased breastfeeding could decrease infant mortality by as much as 50%. Additionally, it has been shown to reduce risks of SIDS, asthma, Type II diabetes, respiratory infections and other illnesses that Black children have in greater numbers than others.

Racial inequality results in access inequality. Black communities may be “first food deserts” –– a term coined by Kimberly Seals Allers, one of the founders of Black Breastfeeding Week –– meaning access to healthy food that supports breastfeeding may be limited.

Racial inequality and breastfeeding bear a cultural legacy –– and lack of diversity. The historic role of Black women as wet nurses in enslavement and beyond, the lack of role models and multi-generational support for breastfeeding and a woeful lack of diversity in lactation education and support has contributed to fewer black women breastfeeding.

Black Breastfeeding week was launched over nine years ago by Kimberly Seals AllersKiddada Green and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka. Black Breastfeeding Week grew out of the need to promote awareness and highlight the special challenges and triumphs of being Black and breastfeeding. To learn more about events and activities this year, visit at Black Breastfeeding Week.




Child & Family Progress Project Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

POSTING DATE: AUGUST 20, 2025 DUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) UPDATE(S): September 4, 2025 – the following has been posted under the Questions and Answers section: Child & Family Progress Project RFQ - Questions and Answers August 27,...

First 5 LA August Board Meeting: Navigating the Shifting Landscape

First 5 LA August Board Meeting: Navigating the Shifting Landscape

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer August 19, 2025 First 5 LA’s Board of Commissioners met on August 14, 2025, for an information-only session centered on the urgency of planning for the future in the midst of a rapidly changing policy landscape. Commissioners heard...

First 5 LA August Board Meeting: Navigating the Shifting Landscape

First 5 LA Board Approves Budget for FY 2025-26

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer August 5, 2025 First 5 LA's Board of Commissioners convened in person for its monthly meeting on June 12, 2025. Highlights of the meeting included the approval of the FY 2025-26 Budget and Long-Term Fiscal Plan, as well as several...

An Absolute Equality: Celebrating Juneteenth

An Absolute Equality: Celebrating Juneteenth

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer June 10, 2025 Nine hundred days. That's how long the dream of freedom was deferred for the enslaved Black people of Galveston, Texas. Although President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, it...

Translate