Natashia Conner &
B.R.E.A.S.T. 4 BABES
Black Breastfeeding
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The BLACK Collaborative Inc. (Nonprofit)
The nonprofit arm of the Conner Equity Hub Foundation, The BLACK Collaborative (Birth & Lactation Agents of Change) advances maternal–infant equity at the grassroots level. We engage families where they live, work, and gather—through community programs, events, and advocacy campaigns that close gaps in care and build healthier futures.
We are a consortium of Black birthing, lactation, and maternal-child health professionals, advocates, and allies working collaboratively to address Black mortality, reproductive rights, and health equity. The BLACK Collaborative Inc. is an Ohio non-profit directorship corporation & 501(c)(3) Private Foundation.
Our approach is rooted in three principles:
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Access: Meeting families’ immediate needs with practical resources.
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Advocacy: Building community voice into systems change.
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Equity: Centering Black families in every decision, program, and partnership.
HIV Rapid Testing
Community Care Closet
The Care Closet is a year-round resource center that provides families with:
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Infant clothing (new or gently used)
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Diapers, wipes, and formula
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Breastfeeding supplies and baby care items
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Emergency support for new parents
It’s powered by community generosity and volunteer coordination, ensuring no baby in our neighborhoods goes without essentials.
Clear the Crib Campaign
Infant mortality in Ohio disproportionately impacts Black families. Clear the Crib is our safe sleep initiative that:
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Educates families on safe sleep practices through workshops and outreach
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Distributes cribs, bassinets, and safe sleep kits
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Incorporates raffles and interactive activities to increase awareness and engagement
This initiative directly reduces preventable infant deaths and builds a culture of safe, supported parenting.
Health Block Party
Our signature annual event brings hundreds of families together for:
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Free health screenings and blood pressure checks
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Infant safe sleep demonstrations and crib giveaways
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Breastfeeding and nutrition education
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Family fun—games, raffles, sack races, jump rope competitions, and line dancing
Anchored in the THRIVE 2025 initiative, the Block Party also normalizes talk therapy and mental health as part of community healing.
Our Target
Individuals identifying as Black/African American women, infants, children, and families who historically have lower breastfeeding rates or suboptimal breastfeeding outcomes, who are disproportionately impacted by infant mortality & matronal morbidity, regardless of education, income, or disability, who live in rural & urban communities with reduced access to resources or hindered access due to social and organizational barriers.
Our Assumption
Successful governance (leadership) includes transparency and accountability, which create trust between the decision-makers (employees, leadership, community stakeholders) and society (individuals within our community indirectly impacted) by way of access to information, and communication can help to create an interactive and collaborative environment.
“Grassroots equity. Family by family, block by block.”
Make a difference
Change starts with people like you. Your donation helps make a real impact, one action at a time. Together, we can do more.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Yearly
Amount
$50
$100
$200
$1,000
Health Block Party (Flagship Community Event)
A high-energy, family-centered event that brings free health services, screenings, education, and joy directly into the neighborhood. Anchored in your THRIVE vision, it normalizes talk therapy, mental wellness, and breastfeeding support while connecting families to resources on the spot.
Health Equity Programs
We work strategically to strengthen the social support networks/systems for Black families. We aim to strengthen and develop community-based access to care and facilitate referral systems to increase access to quality healthcare, training, and resources to advance antenatal and postnatal safety.
BLACK Perinatal Mental Health
The BLACK Perinatal Mental Health Program sets out to increase the number of Black & BIPOC individuals who have access to and receive mental health screenings. In addition, increasing the number of Black & BIPOC individuals who have access to mental health coping strategies and techniques to manage mental health issues
Empower
“Equity starts here. Join us.”
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Donate Now (supports programs & supplies)
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Volunteer (events, closet, campaign)
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Partner (institutions & community organizations)
