Celebrating mothers.
Supporting families.
Building community.

Join The ALLICE Collective for Mental Health & Community Engagement and our co-organizer, Black Mental Avenue, at the second annual Dear Mama: Block Party for Black Maternal Mental Health!

Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Time: 10am - 3pm
Location: The Blue Triangle
3005 McGowen Street, Houston, TX 77004

Maternal Mental Health: Often Overlooked

Black mothers experience postpartum depression and anxiety at nearly twice the rate of white women, yet most never receive treatment. These challenges are often invisible, leaving too many women to struggle in silence.

The Dear Mama Block Party was created to change that — raising awareness, reducing stigma, and opening doors to support.

DID YOU KNOW…
❤️ Black women are at higher risk for poor maternal mental health outcomes, driven by lifelong trauma, discrimination in maternity care, and barriers to support.

Why This Initiative Matters to The ALLICE Collective

At The ALLICE Collective, we know maternal mental health is not only about the well-being of mothers but about the stability of children, families, and neighborhoods. That’s why the Dear Mama Block Party is so important to us. It reflects our mission to promote mental well-being in underrepresented communities by creating spaces where care, connection, and culturally relevant resources are accessible to all.

In the spirit of collaboration, we seek out organizations that share our vision for maternal mental health. Together, we create a space that celebrates Black mothers, uplifts families, and strengthens community support.

Dear Mama 2024 Panelists

Join Us This Year

The Dear Mama Block Party 2025 is more than an event. It’s a celebration of Black mothers, families, and community, with resources and activities to uplift and support everyone who attends. This year you can look forward to:

  • Vendors sharing local goods, services, and resources

  • Father’s Lounge created as a space for dads and father figures to learn, connect, and recharge

  • Kids’ Zone with fun and safe activities for children ages 4yo - 12yo.

  • DJ and Music to keep the energy high and the celebration lively

  • Panel Discussion featuring voices from parents on maternal mental health and wellness

  • Introduction to Harris County Public Health’s Maternal Health Bill of Rights (MHBoR) to raise awareness and share critical information with families

  • Voter Registration Presentation to equip attendees with tools to make their voices heard

  • Light Refreshments to keep you fueled while you enjoy the day

✨ Free and open to the public. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors.

DID YOU KNOW…
❤️ Active and positive father (or father figure) involvement is found to improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Meet Our 2025 Dear Mama
Parent Panelists

  • Jamie Chinn, LMSW, CCM

    Moderator

    Behavioral Health Program Manager
    Harris County Public Health

  • Ingrid Baker

    Panelist

    Founder & President
    I Love 2 Educate

  • Junelle Berry, MBA

    Panelist

    Founder & Owner
    JPB Consulting

  • Onyi Oriji-Dor, LCSW-S, CCTP

    Panelist

    Founder & Clinical Director
    Merite Counseling & Consulting Services

  • Nic Hardy, Ph.D., LCSW

    Panelist

    Owner
    Hardy Behavioral Health

  • Carleigh Joseph-Olivas, LMSW, LCDC-I

    Panelist

    Founder
    Nurtured Roots Doula & Family Services

  • Danyelle Vaughn

    Panelist

    Founder & Executive Director
    Black Mental Avenue

DID YOU KNOW…
❤️ Pregnant women with little social support are twice as likely to experience depression, proving that access to community is key to improving maternal mental health outcomes.

Vendors & Sponsors

The Dear Mama Block Party for Black Maternal Mental Health is made possible through the generosity of our sponsors and the vibrant presence of local vendors who help create a full and engaging experience for families.

2025 Vendors

2025 In-Kind Sponsors

We are thankful for our sponsors who give generously and for the vendors who help bring energy and resources to the day.

Resources

The Dear Mama Block Party is about more than one day. We want families to leave with tools, knowledge, and connections that last. If you’d like to learn more about Black maternal mental health, check out our Resources page (coming soon).

There you’ll find:

  • Fact sheets on postpartum depression and anxiety

  • Information about community support and why it matters

  • Research on the role of fathers in maternal and family well-being

  • Links to local organizations committed to improving maternal mental health outcomes

Please complete our request form if you offer health and wellness products or services and would like to donate raffle items, have an interest in becoming a partner, collaborator, sponsor, and/or vendor.

Contact Us:

O: 832.536.5948 | E: community@theallice.org

About:

The ALLICE Collective for Mental Health & Community Engagement is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 86-3986124

Our organization promotes mental well-being in underserved communities by breaking down barriers to connection and fostering a sense of belonging. Through culturally relevant support groups, creative wellness programs, and accessible counseling, we empower individuals and families to nurture healthy relationships and create communities rooted in strength, healing, and shared purpose.

Learn more about our services at www.theallice.org.