Welcome to April! A new month with new opportunities. Lots of great things happen in April: April showers bring May flowers, we celebrate Easter, and for some of us, we can't wait to pull our annual prank on April Fool's Day. Although these events may immediately come to mind, the month of April also includes other ways to celebrate, including:
*Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-18): Many of us have heard the sad statistics: Black Moms in the United States are more than 2 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than other mothers. This week was initiated by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) based in Atlanta. This year marks the organization's 10-year anniversary. The 2026 theme is "Rooted in Justice & Joy". Their campaign has launched awareness, policy changes and provided platforms to discuss education and activism. You can use this month to support organizations in your community with a similar mission or donate to national organizations like the March of Dimes or Queens Village.
*Stress Awareness Month: Since 1992, Stress Awareness Month has been observed in April. It's a nationwide campaign to educate people on the importance of stress management. Take the time to practice self-care through meditation, exercise or journaling. All of these can have positive effects on your mind, body and spirit.
*National Jazz Appreciation Month: Jazz is an art form rooted in Black America. It grew out of the deep south at the turn of the 20th century. Use this month to introduce yourself to Jazz history, listening to some of the originators like John Coltrane and Ella Fitzgerald. Play the tunes of Grammy Award winning modern-day jazz vocalist Samara Joy. You can turn on the soundtrack of the Disney/Pixar movie Soul and enjoy the music written by composer and pianist Jon Batiste.
*Earth Day (April 22): Earth Day began on April 22, 1970. It started as a way to bring environmental issues into the national spotlight. And if we don't work to keep our planet healthy, who will? And even small steps can make a big difference.
1) Community Clean up: Organize or join a local cleanup event; remove trash from a park, beach or your neighborhood;
2) Go Green with Transportation: If possible, instead of driving, ride your bike or walk to your destination;
3) Conserve Energy and Water: Take shorter showers and turn off electronics to save energy.
Find your own special way to celebrate the month of April.
