Maryland artist creates Black maternal health flag out of hospital baby blankets
A Maryland artist turned familiar pink, blue and white hospital blankets for newborn babies into a powerful call to action.
Lex Marie, of Prince George’s County, used the blankets to create what she calls the Black maternal health flag. The artwork evokes the American flag, with alternating black stripes and hospital blanket strips.
“Black maternal health deserved a symbol and something to bring awareness,” she said.
Marie said she first made the flag two years ago and that combining motherhood and artistry felt “naturally aligned.” She said as her son grows up, she is confronting issues raising a Black boy in the U.S. and wants to continue to advocate for him and other children and mothers.
She said she wants the flag to become an emblem for protecting Black maternal health.
Marie created merchandise to continue to spread awareness, after supporters requested prints, pins, bumper stickers and T-shirts.
She said she hopes the flag will open people’s eyes to the crisis in a new way.
“Sometimes it’s not the stats. Sometimes it’s not the words. Sometimes it takes an image in order to really get to the core of someone’s feelings,” she said.
News4’s Jummy Olabanji sits down with mothers, fathers, OB-GYNs, nurses, and a lawmaker for a powerful and deeply personal look at the Black maternal health crisis in America. From heartbreaking experiences to stories of advocacy and resilience, this special report explores what’s behind the disparities—and how the community is fighting to save lives.
