Provider Spotlight | Centering Community and Care with Jamia McKinney, MPH

Founder of the South Carolina Black Maternal Health Collective (SCBMHC)

This month, we’re honored to spotlight Jamia McKinney, founder of the South Carolina Black Maternal Health Collective, whose work is reshaping how South Carolina shows up for Black mothers and birthing people.

A Florence native with roots in public health and a background in Exercise Science, Jamia has always been passionate about community wellness. But it was her work as a WIC nutritionist in Rock Hill that gave her a firsthand view into the daily barriers Black mothers face—limited access to care, being dismissed by providers, and the absence of culturally relevant support.

“I saw moms doing everything they could but still running into barriers that just shouldn’t exist,” she shared. “It wasn’t just professional—it was personal too.”

A Spark Becomes a Movement

Everything changed after Jamia watched the documentary Aftershock. The stories of Black women lost to childbirth complications stirred something powerful in her.

“It shook something in me. I knew I wanted to do more—not just as a professional, but as a woman deeply connected to her community.”

That moment became the catalyst for Jamia to pursue her Master’s in Public Health. Her capstone? A deep dive into Black maternal health in South Carolina. Out of that research and personal conviction, SCBMHC was born.

A Collective Rooted in Love, Advocacy, and Joy

SCBMHC is a grassroots organization committed to closing the maternal health gap for Black, Brown, and Indigenous women. With a mission to provide culturally grounded care and community-driven programs, their work includes diaper drives, advocacy campaigns, and educational events that uplift and affirm.

“We’re not just talking about disparities—we’re actively creating solutions that honor the power, resilience, and joy of Black motherhood.”

From everyday support like diapers and supplies to large-scale initiatives, Jamia’s vision is clear: a South Carolina where Black mothers thrive before, during, and after childbirth.

Centering Joy: A Summit to Celebrate and Support

One of those transformative initiatives is the upcoming Centering Joy: Maternal Health Summit & Community Baby Shower happening on Saturday, June 28 in Rock Hill. This free, joyful event is designed to bring families, providers, and community leaders together for a day of connection, education, and celebration.

From panel discussions (where we’re honored to join Jamia!) to wellness resources and baby essentials, the summit is a bold example of what happens when community care is prioritized.

Why Her Work Matters

Jamia’s story reminds us that maternal health is not just about survival—it’s about dignity, joy, and culturally responsive care that meets families where they are. Her work through SCBMHC is rooted in love, fueled by lived experience, and guided by a commitment to build a better world for Black mothers.

We’re honored to join Jamia at the Centering Joy: Maternal Health Summit & Community Baby Shower on Saturday, June 28 in Rock Hill—and we’d love for you to be there too.

Join us at the summit—flyer and registration link below.

REGISTER NOW