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Why this work matters
Black women continue to experience significant inequities in sexual and reproductive health. These are not just numbers. They represent our mothers, our sisters, our daughters, our communities.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) - 5x
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) - 5x
Black women experienced an HIV diagnosis/reported case rate approximately 5 times the overall rate among U.S. women in 2023.
In 2023, Black women accounted for 50% of HIV diagnoses among U.S. women in 2023, while representing only 13% of the female population.
Chlamydia - 2.2x
Chlamydia - 2.2x
In 2023, Black women experienced a chlamydia diagnosis/reported case rate 2.2 times the overall rate among U.S. women.
Gonorrhea - 3.2x
Gonorrhea - 3.2x
Black women experienced a gonorrhea diagnosis/reported case rate 3.2 times the overall rate among U.S. women.
Primary & Secondary Syphilis - 2.3x
Primary & Secondary Syphilis - 2.3x
In 2023, Black women experienced a primary and secondary syphilis diagnosis/reported case rate 2.3 times the overall rate among U.S. women.
Beyond the Numbers
Understanding health inequities requires more than identifying differences in outcomes. We must also listen to the experiences behind the numbers. Mama Said... explores how culture, family relationships, social expectations, historical experiences, and interactions with healthcare systems shape how Black women understand and communicate about sexual health across generations. Our work centers on three interconnected areas: Intergenerational Communication, Sexual Health & Well-Being, and Healthcare Experiences.
Intergenerational Communication
Intergenerational Communication
How do messages about bodies, sexuality, relationships, and health move across generations and what remains unsaid?
Sexual Health & Wellbeing
Sexual Health & Wellbeing
How can cultural knowledge, communication, reliable information, and access to care support informed sexual-health decisions?
Healthcare Experiences
Healthcare Experiences
How do identity, previous experiences, expectations, and interactions with healthcare professionals shape Black women's experiences of care?
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Diagnoses, deaths, and prevalence of HIV in the United States and 6 territories and freely associated states, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/media/pdfs/2025/09/2023_STI_Surveillance_Report_FINAL_508.pdf
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