Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamia McKinney.
Hi Jamia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely. My journey into this work began in the nonprofit sector, where I was teaching reproductive health to youth in South Carolina. I was passionate about education and equipping young people with tools to make informed decisions, but I knew there was more to uncover about the issues impacting our communities.
One day, I came across the documentary Aftershock. Watching it changed everything for me. It opened my eyes further to the devastating reality of Black maternal health in the United States. Black women are 3x more likely to die due to preventable pregnancy-related causes than their counterparts in the United States, and more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.
Shortly after, I decided to return to school to pursue my Master of Public Health. In my final semester, I focused my research and fieldwork on Black maternal health in South Carolina. What I found was heartbreaking but not surprising. I couldn’t shake the feeling that more had to be done. Not just in theory. Not just in policy. But right here in our communities.
That’s what led me to create the South Carolina Black Maternal Health Collective in 2024. I didn’t wait until everything was perfect or until I had a big team. I started with what I had, which was a vision, a passion, and a deep love for my people. SCBMHC is now a growing grassroots nonprofit rooted in advocacy, education, and direct support.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. Starting a nonprofit isn’t easy. I didn’t have a roadmap, a big team, or unlimited funding. I had a calling and a deep sense that this work couldn’t wait.
One of the biggest challenges has been the financial strain of launching and sustaining a grassroots organization from the ground up. The need is overwhelming, but the funding doesn’t always meet us where we are. Programs like the Village Diaper Program are in high demand, yet every diaper, every wipe, every event is funded by pure hustle, community support, and a deep belief in our mission. There have been times when I’ve had to pull from my own pockets just to make sure we could show up for our mamas. With our Village Diaper Program, I am working primarily out of my home and garage, making personal deliveries to drop off diapers every month to continue to show up for my community.
It’s also been tough getting our name out there. We’re still new, still growing, and we have such a big vision for what we want to offer our community. Sometimes the hardest part is figuring out where to start when you want to do it all. From birth justice education to emergency relief efforts, we’re dreaming big. But navigating that growth with limited capacity has been a real challenge.
But even with all the struggles, I wouldn’t trade this journey. I’m always reminded that God doesn’t call the qualified, but He qualifies the called. Every obstacle has sharpened my vision. Every “no” has brought me closer to a more aligned “yes.” And every mother we serve reminds me why this fight is necessary.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The South Carolina Black Maternal Health Collective (SCBMHC) is a nonprofit organization based in York County that exists to support, celebrate, and advocate for Black, Brown, and Indigenous mothers and birthing people across South Carolina. Our focus is on creating free, accessible spaces that meet families’ most urgent needs while also building community and education around maternal health.
We have one major program that we have been working on over the past 8 months. Which is our Village Diaper Program. The Village Diaper Program provides families with free diapers, wipes, postpartum supplies, and small wellness items. What started as a small, grassroots effort is growing into an ongoing source of relief for mothers in maternal health and resource deserts.
Our other events are the free community baby showers. Our community baby showers are more than just events; they are joyful, affirming gatherings that offer free baby items, local resource connections, food, support, and maternal health education. These showers give us a chance to meet families where they are with dignity and care.
Both programs reflect our mission to create safe, supportive spaces for mothers, spaces where their voices are heard, their needs are met, and their experiences are honored.
What sets us apart is our deep connection to the community. We’re small, intentional, and led by people who understand the barriers firsthand. We keep our programs free, culturally relevant, and focused on reducing the real burdens our families face, from the cost of diapers to the lack of access to supportive care.
What I’m most proud of is how we’ve grown, even without major funding or infrastructure. Every item we distribute, every mom we serve, is a reminder that this is the work that we are meant to be doing.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was the shy kid who played the clarinet in both middle and high school. I was quiet in class, but once I was comfortable, my silly personality definitely showed. My parents always called me a “busy body” because I wanted to be involved in everything. I was constantly curious, always asking questions, and never satisfied with surface-level answers. Even after I got an explanation, I needed to know why. That sense of curiosity is still very much a part of who I am today.
And, I’ve always been determined, too. Once I set my sights on something, I give it my all. I never let “no” stop me from going after what I wanted in life. That mindset has carried me through school and through every challenge I’ve faced along the way. I’ve always found a way to keep going. That determination is still at the core of who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scbmhc.org
- Instagram: @scblackmamas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/SC-Black-Maternal-Health-Collective/61555967437214/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sc-black-maternal-health-collective/
