Black women’s health equity in California is in crisis. One in five Black women lives in poverty, faces housing insecurity, and struggles with food insufficiency. In the Bay Area, Black women are most likely to live in low-resource neighborhoods. More than half do not earn enough to meet basic family needs, and two-thirds are rent-burdened. These overlapping challenges—combined with widespread medical mistrust rooted in racism—create a dangerous recipe for poor health outcomes.
The Toll of Inequity
The statistics are stark. Black women in California carry a disproportionate burden of chronic illness and cancer-related deaths. One in four rates her health as “fair” or “poor,” and one in ten experiences severe mental distress. Even more concerning, Black mothers are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. Many report being dismissed, disrespected, or mistreated by healthcare providers. As a result, Black women now have the second-shortest life expectancy in the state.
Systems, Not Choices
Unrelenting racial, social, and economic inequities are costing Black women years of life. Furthermore, as federal protections for marginalized communities continue to erode, Black women’s health equity in California is at even greater risk. However, these disparities are not just numbers on a chart—they reflect deeply embedded failures in our healthcare and social systems.
Inadequate access to quality care, environmental stressors, financial hardship, and implicit bias in clinical settings all contribute to poor outcomes. These barriers drive mistrust and often delay critical treatment. To change this, we must create safe and affirming spaces where Black women feel heard, respected, and supported in making health decisions.
A Community-Centered Response
The Black Women’s Health Forum (BWHF) offers that kind of space. Curated specifically for Black women in the Bay Area, BWHF provides healing, learning, and connection. In addition, it delivers trusted health information, culturally relevant resources, and community support—all under one roof.
From One-Day Event to Ongoing Movement
BWHF features dynamic speakers, open and honest conversations, a vibrant resource fair, and thoughtful giveaways. These offerings help women advocate for themselves, navigate care systems, and understand prevention and treatment options. Now led by Jeweld Consulting, the Forum has grown from a one-day gathering into a yearly movement—one that advances equity and fosters lasting change.