The Foundation for Delaware County, in partnership with Baby’s 1^st Project partners, announces a screening of the documentary, Aftershock, Friday, Dec. 2 from 1 to 4 PM at Widener University.    

Aftershock debuted this year at the Sundance Film Festival.

It documents the families of Shamony Gibson and Amber Rose Isaac who both died from childbirth complications in 2019.

Aftershock follows their loved ones as they galvanize activists, birth workers, and physicians to reckon with one of the most pressing American crises of our time: the Black maternal health crisis in this country.

Shawnee Gibson Benton (Shamony Gibson’s mother) and Omari Maynard (Shamony’s partner), will introduce the film and join a community conversation after the viewing.

“Every day I experience the ripples and waves that come with telling the stories and exposing the truth about this country’s dark and painful history as it relates to Black birthing people and their wombs.

“The crisis in Black maternal health transcends the death of my daughter Shamony.” said Shawnee. “This modern-day reproductive health crisis is the manifestation of centuries of unaddressed trauma and the film, Aftershock, is a powerful conduit for confirmation, restoration and repair,”

“This is an incredibly powerful and moving film,” added Joanne Craig, Chief Impact Officer for The Foundation for Delaware County. “We are grateful to have Shawnee and Omari and other guests join us after the film screening to discuss the maternal health crises in this country and here in Delaware County.

“Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. The public health programs of The Foundation for Delaware County have worked for more than 30 years to tackle some of the most pressing disparities in maternal, infant, and family health.”

After the screening, the Foundation will host a community conversation. The full speaker and guest list include:

• Monica Taylor, PhD., Chair, Delaware County Council

• Shawnee Benton Gibson, LMSW/FDLC and mother of Shamony Gibson
• Omari Maynard, BS, MBA, MSBA and MEd., artist and partner to Shamony Gibson
• Desirée Israel, LCSW., Co-founder, Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color
• Jawanza Bundy, PhD, CNM, WHNP-BC, RN, School of Nursing, Widener University
• Onaje Muid, DSW, Fatherhood Coordinator, The Foundation for Delaware County
• Shanna Williams, LCSW, MEd., Founder of S.W. Doula LLC

The event will be held in person at Widener University’s Alumni Auditorium. Light refreshments will be provided. You can view the trailer for the film or prescreen the documentary on Hulu:  https://www.aftershockdocumentary.com/. 

Register and learn more about this free event.

Continuing Education credits will be provided for physicians and nurses at no cost. Continuing Education Units are pending for social workers/therapists. Please be sure to complete the information in the registration form indicating your request for CE credits. 

About The Foundation for Delaware County

A public charity founded in 2016, The Foundation for Delaware County is the largest philanthropy serving Delaware County.

The Foundation offers support and resources for nonprofits of every size, helps generous people give with more impact, brings together funders, nonprofits, and elected officials to address critical community problems, and responds to major challenges and crises as they arise.

Last year, the Foundation awarded more than $2.3M in Impact Grants and charitable care.

In addition, the Foundation operates the Center for Nonprofit Excellence to strengthen Delaware County’s nonprofit community through training workshops and peer learning opportunities.

The Foundation encourages philanthropy by connecting donors to worthy causes through efficient charitable giving vehicles like donor-advised and scholarship funds.

The Foundation operates the prestigious evidence-based programs Healthy Start, the WIC nutrition program, and Nurse-Family Partnership.

In addition to the new Housing Opportunities Program for Equity (HOPE), other programs include El Centro (a Hispanic resource center) and a health resource center for students in the Chester Upland School District.

To learn more, visit the Foundation at www.delcofoundation.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @DelcoFdn.