Building a Future Where Black Mothers Thrive: The Work of Queens Village Columbus

By Whitney R. Gordon, Program Manager, Queen’s Village Columbus

Reach Whitney at queensvillagecolumbus@gmail.com.  

Across the nation, Black mothers face alarming disparities in maternal and infant health. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, and Black infants are more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday.

In Franklin County, Ohio, the stark reality of racial disparities in maternal and infant health is alarming. Black infants face an infant mortality rate of 11 per 1,000 live births, more than double that of non-Hispanic white infants. Furthermore, Black residents experience an 18.3-year lower life expectancy compared to their white counterparts.[1] These statistics are not just numbers; they represent lives unjustly cut short and families enduring profound loss. For the women of Queens Village Columbus, they are also urgent calls to action.

Founded in 2022, Queens Village Columbus is a community-led initiative designed by and for Black women, creating spaces where Black mothers can rest, heal, and lead. Our work isn’t just about addressing disparities—it’s about rewriting the story of Black motherhood to one of joy, strength, and thriving families.

Why Queens Village?

Traditional maternal health interventions often fail to acknowledge a key reality: systemic racism, not individual behavior, is the root cause of health disparities in Black communities. Black women aren’t dying because of personal choices; they are dying because healthcare systems, economic barriers, and social structures weren’t designed for their well-being.

Queens Village Columbus exists to change that. We build networks of support, invest in Black women’s leadership, and work to dismantle the systemic barriers that impact maternal and infant health.

The Power of Community: What We’ve Built

Over the past year, we have deepened our impact, ensuring that Black mothers not only survive but thrive. Our 2024 accomplishments include:

•  Creating Safe Spaces for Black Mothers: We hosted eight gatherings where Black women could connect, share their experiences, and find support without judgment.

• Investing in Leadership: We expanded our Community Advisory Board, ensuring that Black women have a voice in shaping the future of maternal health in Columbus.

• Strengthening Advocacy Efforts: Queens Village leaders participated in key policy discussions, including Infant Vitality Advocacy Day, where we pushed for policy changes that directly impact Black families.

• Economic Empowerment: We supported over 15 Black women-owned businesses through our events and partnerships, ensuring that economic opportunity is part of our strategy for improving health outcomes.

• Expanding Access to Maternal Health Resources: Through collaborations with hospital partners such as Nationwide Children’s Hospital and community organizations like CelebrateOne, we provided mothers with critical information on safe sleep, prenatal care, and mental health support.

The impact of this work is real and deeply felt. One Queens Village Columbus member shared:

“Queens Village is a safe space where I can show up as I am, without fear of judgment. It’s given me the support I didn’t even know I needed. Because of this community, I feel stronger as a mother and as a woman.”

Where We’re Going: Our 2025 Vision

While we are proud of what we’ve built, we know the work is far from done. Our 2025 strategic plan focuses on five key areas:

1. Rest, Relax, Repower: Black women deserve spaces to breathe. We will expand our gatherings, increase engagement in high-need communities, and ensure that Black mothers have places to recharge.

2. Shifting the Narrative: We will elevate Black women’s voices through storytelling, digital campaigns, and community outreach, ensuring that our stories shape the maternal health conversation.

3. Investing in Black Women’s Leadership: By training new leaders, expanding our advisory board, and securing seats at policymaking tables, we will ensure that Black women are not just included but centered in maternal health discussions.

4. Economic Justice for Black Mothers: Financial security is a key social determinant of health. We will strengthen partnerships that provide economic opportunities, business support, and career advancement for Black women.

5. Policy and Systems Change: We will continue to advocate for policies that address Black maternal and infant health disparities, work with healthcare providers to improve care quality, and push for systemic changes that support Black families.

How You Can Take Action

If you care about maternal and infant health equity, now is the time to act. Here’s how you can support Queens Village Columbus:

• Amplify Our Work: Share our message, follow us on social media, and help us shift the narrative about Black motherhood.

• Join Our Village: If you are a Black mother in Columbus, our doors are open to you. Attend an event, find your community, and be part of the movement.

• Advocate for Policy Change: Whether you’re a policymaker, healthcare leader, or community advocate, we need you to push for policies that support Black maternal health.

• Invest in Our Mission: Financial contributions allow us to expand our reach, train new leaders, and create sustainable change. Every dollar moves us closer to a future where Black mothers thrive.

A Movement, Not Just a Moment

Queens Village Columbus is more than an organization—it is a movement. It is a radical act of love, resistance, and community-building that recognizes Black women’s right to rest, joy, and thriving families.

As we move into 2025, we are calling on policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders to stand with us. Together, we can dismantle the barriers that harm Black mothers and create a world where every Black woman has the resources, respect, and support she deserves.

Are you ready to be part of the change?

Connect with us at queensvillagecolumbus@gmail.com to join our village today. If you're located elsewhere and want to connect with a Queens Village chapter in your community, visit blackwomenforthewin.com/chapters to learn more.

[1] Infant Mortality report. Public.tableau.com. (2019, May 10). https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/columbus/viz/InfantMortalityReport/P1Home

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Whitney R. Gordon, a Cincinnati native and mother of two, is the Program Manager for Queens Village Columbus, leading efforts to combat maternal health disparities for Black women and their families.

With over a decade of experience in social services and a Master’s in African & American Studies from The Ohio State University, she blends historical awareness with lived experience to drive community engagement and advocacy.

Focused on creating safe, supportive spaces for Black women, she forges partnerships across medical, political, and community sectors to foster lasting change.