by Pleshette Robertson, Community Engagement Coordinator @ The SOL Project
On Saturday, March 8, a room filled with joy, encouragement, and community support came together for the “For Colored Girls” Community Baby Shower, a citywide celebration in Sacramento honoring single minority mothers presented by Jessica Ellis-Bulgin and Be Alright Wellness.
The event welcomed several pregnant mothers and community members for an afternoon of games, photos, dinner, and valuable resources from local organizations. Each mom received a bundle of gifts—including diapers and wipes—along with the reassurance that a supportive village stands behind them during their motherhood journey.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the celebration was a special prayer partner session, where elders in the room gathered together with the pregnant mothers, holding hands and offering prayers, encouragement, and words of wisdom for their journeys into motherhood. It was a powerful and emotional moment to witness, reflecting the strength of intergenerational support and community love.
Jessica Ellis-Bulgin, founder of Be Alright Wellness, shared her heartfelt reflection following the event on Instagram:
“Our first Be Alright Wellness Community Baby Shower was a success, and my heart is full. We had the honor of celebrating single mothers of color, providing resources, encouragement, and a reminder that they are supported… It truly takes a village, and yesterday we saw what that village looks like.”
Ellis-Bulgin, who became a teen mother herself, created the event to ensure that other single mothers receive the support she once experienced.
“What started as a vision for single mommies became a room full of love, support, and encouragement,” she shared. “The mothers we celebrated are strong, resilient, and deserving of every bit of support they received.”
The SOL Project Shares Resources for Healthier Moms and Babies
Among the organizations participating in the celebration was Saving Our Legacy (SOL) Project – African Americans for Smoke-Free Safe Places, which joined the event to connect with mothers and families about healthier environments for babies.
Representing the organization was The SOL Project’s newest Community Engagement Coordinator, Anissa Adams, who shared information about the initiative “Breathe for Two: Supporting Black Moms & Babies.”
The program invites Black pregnant and postpartum mothers in Sacramento County to share their lived experiences and help shape tools that support smoke-free pregnancies and healthier families. During the event, Adams connected with several moms, registered participants for the upcoming focus groups, and hosted a small prize drawing where attendees won baby items including baby wipes, a blanket swaddle, and a diaper pad.
Through Breathe for Two, The SOL Project is currently recruiting pregnant and recently postpartum mothers (ages 18+) who have used or been exposed to tobacco or cannabis smoke. Participants who complete a focus group will receive a $100 Amazon gift card for sharing their perspectives and helping inform community-driven solutions.
👉 Learn more or check eligibility to participate:
https://thesolproject.com/breathe-for-two/
A Village of Support
Community partners and vendors also present included Her Health First, Black Mother’s United, Teach BLS, and other organizations committed to maternal health and family wellness. Together, they provided resources, education, and encouragement for mothers preparing to welcome their babies.
For The SOL Project, participating in events like the For Colored Girls Baby Shower reflects the organization’s mission to empower communities with information, resources, and advocacy that promote smoke-free homes and healthier futures for families.
As the event concluded, the atmosphere remained one of gratitude and connection—reminding everyone in the room that when communities come together, mothers and babies thrive. 💜
