In this Black Girl Brief, we're talking about a crisis that continues to impact Black women across the country; the alarming rates of Black maternal mortality. From being dismissed in healthcare spaces to the systemic barriers that put black mothers at risk, this is a conversation we can't afford to ignore.

Black women are murdered by intimate partners at disproportionately high rates, yet these stories often receive little attention. In this Black Girl Brief, we explore the realities of Black femicide, the statistics behind the crisis, and why awareness, accountability and community action are more important than ever.

Is there a war on black women? Black girls and women are 4x more likely to die by violence than white or latina women. It has become so severe that black women are now facing a higher risk of being murdered than white boys and men. Author, playwright, director and Women's Leadership Project's #StandingForBlackGirls co-founder Sikivu Hutchinson steps up to talk reasons for increased violence, prevention and solutions.

Black women are 3x more likely than white women to die from complication during pregnancy and delivery. 31 year old April Valentine knew these stats and took every precaution to not be a statistic. She was excited to have 1st child, but unfortunately she would never get to meet baby Aniya. Cousin Mykesha shares April's story.