IN HER HONOR
A Commemorative Art Project Honoring Women of Color Lost to Maternal Health Complications
About The Project
In Her Honor is a commemorative art project dedicated to honoring women of color who have passed due to maternal health complications. This initiative aims to shed light on the maternal health crisis, particularly in Black communities, while educating leaders, advocates, and the public toward meaningful, lasting change.
About The Partners
Mothering Justice is a leading grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to empowering mothers, particularly mothers of color, to address the critical issues that impact their families and communities. Through grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, and community engagement, Mothering Justice works tirelessly to ensure that every mother’s voice is heard and valued, advocating for equity in maternal health, paid leave, and childcare access.
The Ariah Foundation is committed to driving systemic change to reduce health disparities in underserved communities. Focused on innovative initiatives that address social determinants of health, The Ariah Foundation partners with organizations, policymakers, and community leaders to create meaningful, sustainable solutions. Central to its mission is the belief that every individual deserves access to quality care and the opportunity to thrive.
Omari "Muz" Maynard is a Brooklyn-based artist, educator, and advocate dedicated to raising awareness about maternal health disparities. Following the tragic loss of his life partner, Shamony Gibson, to complications after childbirth in 2019, Omari channeled his grief into action. He co-founded the ARIAH Foundation, which supports families affected by systemic racism in maternal healthcare, and created the In Her Honor portrait series, featuring Shamony and other mothers lost to maternal mortality, to humanize the statistics and foster healing.
Omari is also featured in the acclaimed documentary Aftershock (2022), which examines the maternal health crisis in the United States, highlighting his advocacy work and the legacy of Shamony. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, earning a Special Jury Award for Impact for Change, and continues to inspire calls for systemic reform.
Through his art, community work, and public advocacy, Omari honors Shamony’s memory while fighting for a more equitable healthcare system.