GetSomejoy brought creative tools for thriving to the 2nd Black maternal health & wellness expo
Attendees of the 2nd Annual Black Maternal Health & Wellness Expo, hosted by West Oakland Library Friends at Oakland Public Library’s West Oakland Branch (Sept. 19, 2026)
Last month, GetSomeJoy partnered with West Oakland Library Friends to bring some creative resources and joy to their 2nd Annual Black Maternal Health & Wellness Expo at the Oakland Public Library’s West Oakland Branch (1801 Adeline St.).
Expanding in its second year, the Expo’s aim is to “challenge racism in healthcare, reduce, Black maternal mortality, and empower birthing people through community care and spiritual activism.”
Local wellness practitioners, agencies, and service providers created spaces for mothers, maternal health workers, and other supporters to connect, learn, recharge, share their experiences, gain resources, make tea and candles and other crafts, enjoy a delicious meal, and leave with a bag of fresh produce. It was a beautiful day.
On her response to GetSomeJoy’s contribution to the space, WOLF Vice President Alexandria Pierce said, “Thank you for our grounding activity, for asking the panel such an important question, for providing much-needed and vital resources, and for bringing so much joy to our community space!”
GetSomeJoy Co-founder Alexander Hardy, West Oakland Friends Vice President Alexandria Pierce, and West Oakland Branch Manager Nitoshia Ford at the 2nd Annual Black Maternal Health & Wellness Expo
Attendees reflected and shared about mental health, self-care, supportive rituals, and meals that have helped them cope, navigate grief, and find joy via GetSomeJoy’s Community Literary Therapy Wall and impromptu Mental Health Check-Ins.
We learned how people are finding joy in these raggedy times, about West Oakland & Black Panther Party history, and the wide range of fantastic resources and workshops available at the West Oakland Branch. And we distributed 150 copies of our resource, “griefKit: Crowdsourced tools and considerations for raggedy times.” Plus: fried chicken stickers and other creative tools for thriving.
View GetSomeJoy’s Instagram recap
View West Oakland Branch’s recap
A few pictures from the day:
