April 15–18, 2027 · Belleville, IL & St. Louis, MO
H.B.C.U. — Honoring Birth Community United — 4th Annual Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience Bi-State Summit
H.B.C.U. — Honoring Birth Community United
4th Annual Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience Bi-State Summit
About the Conference
A Homecoming for the Birth Community
The Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience (CJBBE) Bi-State Summit is the region's premier gathering for birth workers, clinicians, researchers, advocates, and community members committed to transforming Black maternal and family health.
Each year we bring together hundreds of professionals and community members across Missouri and Illinois for education, advocacy, celebration, and connection. This year's theme — H.B.C.U.: Honoring Birth Community United — calls us home.
"Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers — strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves."
Who Attends
Something for Everyone
For Attendees
Connect, Learn & Thrive
Browse attendee profiles before you arrive, join community boards, engage in live Q&A and polling during sessions, and access digital resources from your phone.
Learn More →For Speakers
Share Your Expertise
Submit your proposal by January 30, 2027. We welcome doulas, midwives, clinicians, researchers, advocates, and community storytellers. Open call — deadline January 30, 2027.
Submit Proposal →For Sponsors
Amplify Your Impact
Set up a digital booth, capture leads, and engage attendees through our Passport Contest. Reach the most passionate birth community professionals in the region.
Become a Sponsor →Keynote Speakers
Voices That Move Us
Speaker announcements coming soon. Submit your own proposal by January 30, 2027 — the call is open now.
Keynote Speaker
Speaker TBA
Centering Joy '27
Featured Panelist
Speaker TBA
Centering Joy '27
Workshop Facilitator
Speaker TBA
Centering Joy '27
Conference Schedule
Four Days of Transformation
April 15
Training Day & Welcome Night
- Doula Recertification CE (AM & PM, 4 hrs, 40 seats)
- VDTA × Gifted Hands International Skills Day
- The Yard Show: Welcome Night 6–9 pm
April 16
The Summit
- Angad Arts Hotel, St. Louis, MO
- Full-Day Summit 8:30 am–4:30 pm
- Keynotes, Panels & Workshops
April 17
Wellness & Homecoming Gala
- Women's Wellness Retreat 8 am–1 pm
- Men's Wellness Retreat 8 am–1 pm
- The Homecoming Gala 5:30–9 pm
April 18
Stakeholder & Legislator Brunch
- Invite-Only Brunch 11 am–2 pm
- Policy & Advocacy Conversations
- Closing Celebration
Save the Date
Centering Joy · CJBBE 2027
Homecoming Court Awards
Who carried the birth community this year? Nominate a doula, clinician, champion or community partner. The community votes — winners are crowned at the Homecoming Gala on April 17, 2027.
Our Sponsors
Partners in the Movement
Join us in supporting Black maternal health and the birth community.
Become a Sponsor