She Had a Name...

This section is dedicated to the lives of Black women who should still be here. Each story is a reminder that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a future that was taken too soon. Their stories deserve to be seen, remembered, and honored.

Amber Rose Isaac

Amber Rose Isaac was a passionate educator, visionary, and advocate for her community. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2018 and was committed to bringing art therapy and educational opportunities to underserved youth in the Bronx and Harlem. As an early childhood educator in Harlem, she inspired and nurtured the students she worked with, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. Amber later returned to school to pursue her Master’s degree in Business Development, with plans to create programs and eventually a school that would provide children with the resources and guidance needed to succeed. She believed deeply in breaking cycles and empowering the next generation.

Amber was also preparing to welcome her first child, Elias, into a life filled with love and purpose. Throughout her pregnancy, she did everything she could to prioritize her health and her baby’s well-being. However, she did not receive the care she needed. After months of declining health, Amber was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome, a serious pregnancy complication, and required immediate medical attention.

On April 21, 2020, Amber tragically passed away while giving birth to her son. Her death was not related to COVID-19, but rather reflects the devastating consequences of medical neglect and systemic failures in maternal care.

Amber was just weeks away from completing her Master’s degree—a milestone she had worked tirelessly toward. Though she is no longer here, her legacy lives on through her son and the work of the SaveArose Foundation, which continues to honor her life and advocate for change.

Amber had a name. Amber had a future. Amber should still be here.

Tori Bowie

Tori Bowie was an Olympic gold medalist, world champion sprinter, and a woman whose strength and determination inspired people around the world. Beyond her achievements, she was known for her generosity and deep connection to her community.

In 2023, Tori Bowie tragically passed away at the age of 32 while pregnant. Reports later confirmed that she was in labor at the time of her death and experienced complications, including conditions such as respiratory distress and eclampsia, a serious pregnancy-related condition linked to high blood pressure.

Her passing was shocking to many, not only because of her success and physical strength, but because it revealed a deeper truth—Black women, regardless of health, status, or achievement, remain at higher risk for pregnancy-related complications.

Tori’s story brought national attention to the ongoing maternal health crisis and the urgent need for better care and awareness.

Tori had a name. Tori had a legacy. Tori should still be here.

Dr. Janell Green Smith

Dr. Janell Green Smith was a certified nurse-midwife, maternal health advocate, and educator who dedicated her life to improving outcomes for Black women during pregnancy and childbirth. She was deeply committed to providing equitable, respectful care and had helped bring hundreds of babies into the world through her work.

In late 2025, Dr. Green Smith gave birth to her first child after developing preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy-related condition. Although she initially delivered her daughter by cesarean section, complications followed in the days after. She required emergency surgery due to a ruptured incision, but did not survive. She passed away on January 1, 2026, at just 31 years old.

Her death was devastating, not only because of who she was, but because of what it represents. Dr. Green Smith had dedicated her career to preventing maternal deaths, yet she became a victim of the very crisis she fought against. Her story highlights a painful reality: Black women remain at higher risk for pregnancy-related complications, regardless of education, profession, or access to care.

Her legacy lives on through her work, her family, and the countless lives she impacted. Her story continues to bring awareness to the urgent need for change in maternal healthcare systems.

Janell had a name. Janell had a purpose. Janell should still be here.

Kira Dixon Johnson

Kira Johnson was a devoted mother, wife, and entrepreneur whose life was defined by strength, ambition, and love for her family. She was known as fearless, someone who embraced life fully, from flying planes to skydiving and racing cars. She and her husband, Charles Johnson, had been married for 10 years and were preparing to welcome their second child, Langston, into a life filled with love.

In April 2016, Kira went into Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for what was expected to be a routine C-section. Shortly after the procedure, complications began to arise. Kira expressed severe pain and worsening symptoms, while her husband and family repeatedly asked medical staff for help. For hours, her condition continued to decline without adequate response.

When Kira was finally taken into surgery, doctors discovered that she had been internally bleeding due to a surgical injury. By the time intervention occurred, it was too late.

Her death was preventable.

In the wake of her passing, Charles Johnson founded 4Kira4Moms, an organization dedicated to advocating for maternal health, accountability in healthcare, and the recognition of maternal mortality as a human rights issue. Kira’s story continues to raise awareness and push for systemic change.

Kira had a name. Kira had a future. Kira should still be here.

Tatia Oden French

Tatia Oden French was a vibrant, educated, and healthy young woman who was preparing to welcome her first child into the world. She had recently earned her Ph.D. and was looking forward to continuing her education and building her future. Those who knew her described her as strong, thoughtful, and full of life.

In 2001, Tatia was encouraged by medical providers to undergo an induced labor. During this process, she was given Cytotec, a drug not approved by the FDA for labor induction. Shortly after, both Tatia and her unborn daughter tragically passed away.

Her death raised serious concerns about the use of medical interventions without full informed consent, as well as the risks associated with off-label drug use during childbirth. In response, her family created the Tatia Oden French Memorial Foundation to advocate for maternal health awareness, patient education, and safer practices in childbirth.

Tatia’s story continues to highlight the importance of informed decision-making and the need for accountability within maternal healthcare systems.

Tatia had a name. Tatia had a future. Tatia should still be here.

Dr. Shalon Irving

Dr. Shalon Irving was a brilliant epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a U.S. Public Health Service officer, and a passionate advocate for health equity. She dedicated her life to studying and addressing the very disparities that affect Black women’s health. She was also a devoted mother, having recently welcomed her daughter, Soleil.

In the weeks following childbirth, Dr. Irving repeatedly sought medical care as she experienced concerning symptoms, including dangerously high blood pressure. Despite her knowledge, persistence, and access to care, her condition was not adequately addressed. Just weeks after giving birth, she collapsed and tragically passed away from complications related to postpartum hypertension.

Her death was preventable.

Dr. Irving’s story became a national example of the maternal health crisis facing Black women in the United States. Even as a highly educated public health expert with access to resources, she was not protected from systemic failures in care. Her story continues to highlight the urgent need for providers to listen, respond, and take Black women’s concerns seriously.

Her legacy lives on through Dr. Shalon’s Maternal Action Project, which works to transform maternal healthcare through advocacy, accountability, and culturally grounded care.

Shalon had a name. Shalon had a purpose. Shalon should still be here.

Sha-Asia Washington

Sha-Asia Washington was a loving mother, partner, and dedicated educator whose life was rooted in care for others. Described by her family as a beautiful soul, she worked as a paraprofessional at Brooklyn Charter School and was deeply excited to welcome her first child with her partner, Juwan Lopez. Together, they were preparing to begin a new chapter filled with love and possibility.

In July 2020, Sha-Asia was admitted to Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn for a routine stress test but was kept for observation due to high blood pressure. During her stay, her condition required careful monitoring and treatment. However, complications arose during labor.

Sha-Asia went into cardiac arrest and was rushed into emergency surgery. Her daughter, Khloe Sha-Asia Anne Lopez, was safely delivered, but despite prolonged efforts to save her, Sha-Asia passed away shortly after childbirth at just 26 years old.

Her death reflects the ongoing risks Black women face during pregnancy and childbirth, even in situations that begin as routine.

Sha-Asia had a name. Sha-Asia had a future. Sha-Asia should still be here.

Dr. Chaniece Wallace

Dr. Chaniece Wallace was a pediatric chief resident, physician, and compassionate caregiver who dedicated her life to serving children and families. She was known for her kindness, intelligence, and commitment to medicine, having worked tirelessly to care for others throughout her career.

In October 2020, shortly after giving birth to her daughter, Dr. Wallace experienced complications related to preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy condition linked to high blood pressure. Despite her medical knowledge and access to care, her condition worsened, and she tragically passed away just days after childbirth at the age of 30.

Her death reflects a painful reality: even those within the healthcare system, those trained to recognize these complications, are not immune to its failures. Dr. Wallace’s story continues to highlight the urgent need for early intervention, attentive care, and systemic change in maternal health.

Chaniece had a name. Chaniece had a purpose. Chaniece should still be here.