Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee's Maternally Strong Collective delivers hope and healing for new moms of color
MILWAUKEE — A group of Milwaukee women is making a powerful impact in maternal health—not by simply delivering babies, but by delivering hope.
Maternally Strong, a collective of doulas, is stepping up to support new mothers, especially in areas where the health care system often falls short.
For many new parents, the postpartum period is supposed to be filled with joy. But for many mothers of color, it is often marked by silence, stigma, and struggle. That’s why these four local doulas on Milwaukee’s North Side are rewriting that narrative.
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Though it might seem small, the space they’ve created is making a huge impact. Here, healing begins not with medicine but with conversation.
“We need a space for Black and Brown women to come together and feel comfortable in what they’re saying and how they’re feeling,” said Shanna Franklin, one of the doulas.
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Postpartum depression is a serious health concern that disproportionately affects minority women. For these mothers, it’s not just a statistic—it’s a crisis.
“Being able to have somebody along that journey who truly understands what it looks like from beginning to end is something you can’t duplicate,” said Michelle Wilkins, another member of the collective.
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Maternally Strong was formed by four CAPPA-certified doulas. Their focus is on postpartum mental health, offering free support groups specifically for Black and Brown families.
“We know there are cultural differences within communities, and we just wanted to create a space where people feel welcome and comfortable,” said Brandi Jewell.
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“Everybody needs somebody, especially Black and Brown people who don’t have a lot of support. So being able to be that in a room where they may have nobody is a very pivotal moment,” Wilkins said.
The weekly gatherings blend culturally relevant care with a sense of community. New parents are encouraged to open up about the anxiety, depression and isolation that are often ignored in the maternal experience.
Maternally Strong
“Postpartum isn’t really talked about as much. It’s like, ‘Okay, you’re having a baby—congrats! How’s the baby?’ They don’t really talk about you and what’s going on with you,” said Kiara Schott.
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Franklin agreed, noting, “It’s hard to be heard in that room. A lot of the time, they are only focused on what they see to be a good outcome.”
But it’s working. Dozens of families have found healing while helping shape a broader conversation around maternal health and equity.
“We’ve all had different experiences throughout our pregnancy and postpartum, and we were able to come up with the group and really pour into it from a lived experience,” Wilkins said.
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Their goal is to expand these free support groups, reaching more families who need this care.
“Come out, spend some time with our women. It’s a very good energy,” Franklin said.
In a world where maternal health disparities are real, Maternally Strong is not just a group of doulas—they’re a lifeline, offering support, care and a sense of community where it’s most needed.
Here are some of their upcoming free events:
Maternally Strong Doulas
Maternally Strong Doulas
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For more information, visit Maternally Strong at 9211 W. Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53222.
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MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Several Milwaukee leaders are condemning recent Immigrations and Customs Enforcement activity in the city, though questions remain whether actions meant to limit the agency within city limits can be enforced.
The group led by U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore expressed anger at the nature of the at least 57 confirmed arrests made by ICE agents across Wisconsin during “targeted operations” that began in late June.
“They’re being kidnapped. They’re being disappeared. They’re being rushed through a judicial process without due process because they don’t have any money. And we’re here to decry that,” said Moore during a press conference July 9.
Back in April, Milwaukee Common Council members unanimously passed one of the key pieces of their “ICE Out MKE” package: an ordinance that prohibited ICE agents from wearing masks while working in the city. But the Department of Homeland Security has indicated they will not adhere to the ordinance, with representatives asserting the US Constitution’s Supremacy Clause allows for federal laws to supersede any local ordinance.
“State and local sanctuary politicians attempting to ban our federal law enforcement from wearing masks is despicable and a flagrant attempt to endanger our officers,” said an ICE spokesperson in a statement to WTMJ. “To be crystal clear: we will not abide by unconstitutional bans. The Supremacy Clause makes it clear that state and local sanctuary politicians do not control federal law enforcement.”
During the recent arrests, ICE agents were spotted by groups like Voces de la Frontera wearing masks despite the ordinance. Agents also used the Milwaukee Police Department District 2 parking lot for staging purposes, which is against another “ICE Out” city ordinance. A statement from MPD said they were not told in advance that ICE intended to use the parking lot, and then asked them to leave.
No citations have been written by Milwaukee Police against any agents who have violated the mask ban, with the department citing the need for legal clarity from City Attorney Evan Goyke.
“We’re waiting to see what the city attorney’s advice will be on that,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson July 9 when asked by WTMJ if any of the “ICE Out” package is enforceable.
ICE says those arrested will remain in custody pending removal proceedings.
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MILWAUKEE – A shooting in Milwaukee on Wednesday, July 8 left one person wounded.
11th and Locust
What we know:
According to the Milwaukee Police Department, a 23-year-old was shot around 6:30 p.m. near 11th and Locust.
The victim arrived at the hospital for treatment.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation.
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MPD tips
What you can do:
Milwaukee police are seeking information to identify a suspect in connection with this incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or P3 Tips.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by the Milwaukee Police Department.
Milwaukee community members gathered at pop-up events across the northwest side Wednesday as part of “Peace on Every Block,” a week of activities aimed at building community, mentorship and sharing resources for violence prevention.
The week is organized by Advance Peace Milwaukee, Milwaukee Community Cross Roads and Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services.
“We want to see everybody win, and that’s the whole theme about it, about healing, coming together, stopping the violence,” Desilynn Smith of Uniting Garden Homes said.
Lorenzo Davis of Advance Peace said the northwest side was a deliberate focus for the effort.
“Because this is where the gun violence is happening, and we’re trying to end the gun violence in the city of Milwaukee. We really want to do what’s best for Milwaukee,” Davis said.
The Milwaukee Police Department reported a 30 percent drop in homicides during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. But community members say that progress doesn’t always reflect what people are experiencing on the ground.
Watch: ‘Peace on Every Block’ brings Milwaukee community together to fight gun violence
‘Peace on Every Block’ brings Milwaukee community together to fight gun violence
“The data doesn’t lie, that’s true, but when it’s like every day we’re hearing about a shooting, or we’re so connected to it, and so many people connected to it, it just doesn’t appear that way,” Smith said.
The events come as Milwaukee has seen several violent deaths in recent days. 42-year-old Kristy Syed was found shot to death on Milwaukee’s south side.
The Medical Examiner’s Office also identified 19-year-old Savannah Lynn, who was killed after gunfire broke out following a fight on the Fourth of July.
Nine-year-old Jade Riser died after a shooting that happened near East Burleigh Street last Thursday.
Smith said healing is central to any lasting change.
“If we don’t heal, we can’t stop anything, because violence is actually the secondary emotion that is really driven off a lot of pain,” Smith said.
Davis said the young people in these neighborhoods are ready for something better.
“They want to see a better inside Milwaukee. They want to see a better chance for Milwaukee, and they want to do something better for themselves. So, these kids out here, we promote peace with them, and we’re going to back them, and we want to see them win,” Davis said.
Let’s talk:
Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.
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