“Roots loves our people. Women of Wellness is a safe space for Black women. It is a place where women can come and learn about mental health and wellness without being judged. We’re all in the same space together. It helps you cultivate a voice that you may not have thought you had, and you’re able to just be you, authentically you.”
Nkemka Egbuho, MPH
Program Coordinator | Women of Wellness Family Navigation | Roots South Bay Clinic
My mom is a family practice doctor. When I was a kid, she opened up her own clinic in North Hollywood. I loved watching my mom become a doctor and open her own practice. I went to King/Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles, and when we got to choose an elective, I chose labor and delivery. It really put a bug in my ear. Maternal and child health was something that I wanted to do, especially in the Black community.
Roots loves our people. Women of Wellness is a safe space for Black women. It is a place where women can come and learn about mental health and wellness without being judged. We’re all in the same space together. It helps you cultivate a voice that you may not have thought you had, and you’re able to just be you, authentically you.
Black mothers die at a disproportional rate. Our children die at a disproportional rate. We’re the intervention. During pregnancy, we’re trying to help mothers be healthy for themselves and also have healthier babies. We’re here to help mothers have building blocks, form a foundation, and heal from trauma.
We help Black women find a voice, empower them when they go into doctors’ offices, give them tools for life that they can share with their families and be able to continue this ripple effect of good health and wellness.
Roots is letting our people be seen. This world is not really built for us. There was a time when we were supposed to be the less-thans. We were supposed to be outsiders. The way that they built this land was not for us. Roots is saying, “Hey, I see you. I hear you. And I want you to be empowered because you matter. You are valued in this community. You can inspire other people to do more.”
This work is really helping me to embrace being a visionary. Working here, being out in the community, it inspires me. It inspires and motivates me every single day.
“Black mothers die at a disproportional rate. Our children die at a disproportional rate. We’re the intervention. During pregnancy, we’re trying to help mothers be healthy for themselves and also have healthier babies. We’re here to help mothers have building blocks, form a foundation, and heal from trauma.”
“Black mothers die at a disproportional rate. Our children die at a disproportional rate. We’re the intervention. During pregnancy, we’re trying to help mothers be healthy for themselves and also have healthier babies. We’re here to help mothers have building blocks, form a foundation, and heal from trauma.”