Black Grief: All Grief Is Not Created The Same – October 22
October 22, 2025
9 – 10:30am Pacific Time (Seattle) / 12 – 1:30pm Eastern
via Zoom
BARNARD CENTER FREE LECTURE SERIES
Black Grief: All Grief Is Not Created the Same – This presentation sheds light on the unique challenges faced by Black individuals and communities when it comes to perinatal mental health and grief. It will delve into the 5 stages of grief for Black people and highlight the systemic barriers and disparities Black people face in accessing mental health support.
XAVIERA ZAY BELL, MS, cHET, CD, PFP
After the loss of her son Xander, Xaviera “Zay” Bell became a passionate advocate for maternal health. She is the creator and founder of two impactful nonprofits, Zeal of Xander, Inc. and The Black Birth Institute, Inc. She is dedicated to addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by black women and families in her community. Zay holds a Master of Science, certifications as a doula, and has completed specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Adult Mental Health First Aid. She is also a certified life coach with a focus on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Zay is an author and creator of the first Black Infant Mortality Anthology, The Mourning After, in the United States, she’s a TEDx speaker, and the recipient of the John C. MacQueen Award recognizing her as a nationally awarded lecturer through AMCHP.