Thank you for coming home with us. Black Birth Matters 2026 has ended. See you next year.

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Black Birth Matters: 2026
Attendee guide

Know Before You Go

Everything you need for Black Birth Matters 2026: Let's Go Home. October 1 to 4, New Orleans.

Confirm Your Events

First things first

  • Confirm your events and shirt size at the RSVP page so we can plan an accurate head count for every gathering.
  • Have your registration confirmation and QR code ready on your phone or printed. You'll use it to check in.
  • Bring a photo ID that matches the name on your registration.

Your weekend at a glance

Thu, Oct 1

Welcome Home Film Gathering

Doors 5:30 PM, welcome remarks 6:00 PM, ends 9:00 PM

The Broad Theater
636 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119

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Fri, Oct 2

BBM x Ipas: UPR at Home

Doors 9:00 AM, program 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Ashé II
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA

Open in Maps →Separate free registration: register here
Fri, Oct 2

Coming Home: the Wellness Way

Doors 1:45 PM, program 2:15 to 3:30 PM

Ashé II
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA

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Fri, Oct 2

Homecoming Mixer

Doors 6:00 PM, ends 8:15 PM

Ashé
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA

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Sat, Oct 3

Main Conference Day

Doors 9:45 AM, opening ceremony 10:00 AM, closes 4:25 PM

Ashé I
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA

Open in Maps →
Cancelled due to thunderstorms and flash flooding

For the safety of our community, Our Lineage: Tour & Tea will not take place today. We're gathering again on Sunday, October 25 — see the tour details. Questions? Blackbirthmatters@birthmarkdoulas.com

Sun, Oct 4

Our Lineage: Tour & Tea

Gather 9:30 AM, walking tour departs 10:00 AM sharp, closing tea 12:00 PM

Backatown Coffee Parlour
301 Basin St, Ste 1, New Orleans, LA 70112

Open in Maps →

See the full agenda →

Arrival & check-in

  • Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before start time. Doors open early so we can begin on time.
  • Check-in happens at the entrance of each venue. Show your QR code and ID.
  • Saturday is our largest day. Plan for extra time at check-in.
  • Sunday's walking tour leaves at 10:00 AM and cannot wait for late arrivals.

Getting around & parking

  • Friday and Saturday events are at Ashé Cultural Arts Center on Oretha Castle Haley Blvd in Central City. Street parking is limited. We strongly encourage rideshare, carpooling, or public transit.
  • Thursday's film gathering is at The Broad Theater on N Broad St in Mid-City.
  • Sunday's tour begins at Backatown Coffee Parlour on Basin St near the French Quarter and Tremé.
  • Please never leave valuables visible in your car.

What to wear

  • New Orleans in early October is typically warm and humid, often in the 80s°F, with a chance of afternoon rain. Dress in light, breathable layers and bring a small umbrella.
  • Indoor venues can be cool. A light sweater or wrap is a good idea.
  • Coming Home: the Wellness Way includes Pilates and somatic movement. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in.
  • Our Lineage: Tour & Tea is a walking tour. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.
  • Homecoming Mixer: come as you are, dressed for community, music, and joy.

What to bring

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Food & vendors

  • ReJu Juice will serve fresh cold-pressed juice at the Friday Wellness session.
  • Saturday includes a lunch break with a DJ set from 12:15 to 1:00 PM.
  • Support our Black-owned vendors throughout the weekend.
  • Shop Black Birth Matters merch at birthmarkdoulas.com/store.
Sat, Oct 3 · Main Conference Day Lunch

The Homecoming Table

Mains
  • Creole Herb-Roasted Chicken with Garlic, Thyme & Pan Jus
  • Brown Sugar & Mustard Glazed Salmon with Fresh Herbs & Lemon
Salad
  • Southern Roasted Vegetable & Couscous Salad
    Roasted squash, zucchini, sweet peppers, tomatoes, couscous, herbs, and lemon-Dijon vinaigrette
Vegetable
  • Slow-Simmered Southern Green Beans with Garlic, Herbs & Smoked Turkey
    Vegetarian preparation available upon request
Starch
  • Whipped Garlic Sweet Potatoes
Rice-Based Dish
  • Creole Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya
Dessert
  • New Orleans Bread Pudding with Warm Vanilla-Praline Sauce

Accessibility & care

  • We want everyone home. If you need accessibility accommodations, a quiet space, or a lactation space, email us before you arrive so we can prepare.
  • Babies in arms are welcome.
  • Our programming includes stories of birth, loss, criminalization, and harm. Step out, take a breath, and care for yourself whenever you need to.

Our community agreements

  1. 01Center Black birthing people and our stories.
  2. 02Listen to understand. Speak from your own experience.
  3. 03What's shared here stays here. What's learned here leaves here.
  4. 04Respect pronouns, identities, and lived experiences.
  5. 05Ask before you touch, hug, or photograph someone.
  6. 06Take space, make space.
  7. 07Rest is resistance. Care for yourself and each other.

Photos & social media

  • Black Birth Matters 2026 will be photographed and filmed. Let our team know at check-in if you prefer not to be photographed.
  • Do not record or post personal stories shared during panels or community conversations without permission.
  • Share the joy: #BlackBirthMatters2026 #LetsGoHome #BBM10Years

Give back

Help us raise $100,000 for the Maternal Health Fund supporting families and birth workers across Louisiana: doula care, lactation support, mental health, wellness stipends, and training.

Donate to the Fund

Questions?

Email: Blackbirthmatters@birthmarkdoulas.com

Or use our contact page.

Ten years in, we're going home. We can't wait to welcome you.