FIERCE Advocates is nurturing the next generation of leaders in Contra Costa County. From mentorship and skill-building to shared decision-making, we’re creating space for Black and Latinx youth to lead with confidence, advocate for change, and shape a brighter future.

Black and Latinx youth in Contra Costa County face unique emotional challenges and strengths. Discover family-centered strategies to build resilience, connection, and healing.

The CELI Spring 2025 graduates embody FIERCE’s legacy of turning lived experience into leadership, championing equitable education and mental health for Black and Brown families.

From its beginnings as Building Blocks for Kids to its evolution into FIERCE Advocates, this 20th anniversary marks a powerful legacy of community-driven change. Discover the milestones, programs, and people behind two decades of healing, advocacy, and empowerment in Richmond and beyond.

Self-advocacy during pregnancy can make all the difference-especially for Black and Latinx mothers navigating a system that doesn’t always listen. Learn how to prepare, speak up, and find culturally rooted support through FIERCE Advocates’ CoCo Doulas program.

Juneteenth is a time to honor Black freedom, resilience, and community power. Learn how Richmond is keeping the tradition alive and why supporting organizations like FIERCE is key to building a more just future.

In collaboration with Urban Tilth, FIERCE Advocates hosted a four-part Climate Friendly Diet workshop series that introduced our community to the 70/30 eating concept, local ingredients, and simple, sustainable changes that start at the dinner table.

Men’s Health Month is more than awareness, it’s a call to action. Discover how Holding Space offers men of color real support for healing, growth, and connection.

Healing isn’t just about healthcare, it’s about reclaiming dignity, honoring culture, and creating spaces where Black and Latinx families can truly thrive. At FIERCE Advocates, healing-centered care means supporting the whole person through compassion, community, and culturally-rooted practices.

As FIERCE Advocates marks 20 years of powerful community-rooted work, Executive Director Sheryl Lane reflects on the journey from BBK to a movement for equity, healing, and multigenerational change.

Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women—and that is unacceptable. At FIERCE Advocates, we are fighting to change the systems that fail Black and Latinx mothers through community-driven advocacy, education, and healing-centered care.

As attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) escalate nationwide, Black, Latinx, immigrant, and other marginalized communities face increasing threats to their rights, resources, and well-being. FIERCE Advocates is responding with a bold strategy—providing mental health support, legal aid, and community healing spaces while mobilizing to protect DEI initiatives. Learn how we are standing strong against systemic oppression and fighting for equity, justice, and inclusion for all.

Mental health in Black and Latinx communities is often shaped by cultural stigma, systemic barriers, and generational trauma. At FIERCE Advocates, we're breaking the silence with healing-centered conversations, culturally relevant resources, and advocacy. Learn how to foster mental wellness and create a future without stigma.

True advocacy is not about making decisions for the community—it’s about ensuring Black and Latinx families have a permanent seat at the table. In Contra Costa County, FIERCE Advocates is equipping parents and caregivers with the tools to lead through initiatives like the Bay Area Coalition for Education Justice (BASEJ) and the Community Education Leadership Institute (CELI).

When diverse voices are centered in leadership, communities thrive, policies become more equitable, and lasting change is possible.

Black and Latinx women have long been at the forefront of the birth justice movement, fighting for equitable maternal healthcare and advocating for culturally competent care. In Contra Costa County, programs like CoCo Doulas are transforming the birth experience—ensuring that every mother receives the respect, support, and resources she deserves.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month 2025, we honor these trailblazers who are not just changing birth outcomes but shaping a future where reproductive justice is a reality for all.

Building healthy habits doesn’t have to break the bank—or your schedule. With thoughtful planning and simple strategies, you can prioritize your family’s wellness while staying within budget. Let’s explore practical nutrition tips to help busy families thrive.

Advocacy is a powerful tool for Black and Latinx families to break down systemic barriers and create lasting change. At FIERCE Advocates, we believe every parent and youth has the power to shape their community by speaking up, sharing their stories, and taking action.

Whether it’s pushing for culturally inclusive curricula, better mental health resources, or leadership opportunities, your voice matters. Start small, build confidence, and join a movement dedicated to justice and equity. Change begins with you—are you ready to lead?

“Unleashing the Power of HER is more than just a collection of stories—it’s a testament to the power of resilience, the value of community, and the importance of lifting up Black women’s voices,” said Sheryl Lane, executive director of FIERCE Advocates and one of the book’s co-authors. “At FIERCE Advocates, we take a holistic approach to supporting parents of color. Our focus on Black women is a central part of that work. Black women are leaders in our communities, and hearing their stories is not only inspiring, it gives us a lens into what the needs of our community are and how we can work to empower Black women, just as they work so hard to empower us.”

For Black mothers like Erica Mack, pregnancy and childbirth can come with challenges rooted in past trauma and systemic inequities.

The CoCo Doula Program by FIERCE Advocates provides culturally responsive support, ensuring that Black families in Contra Costa County experience birth with dignity, respect, and empowerment. Through personalized care, advocacy, and emotional guidance, doulas help transform birthing experiences and improve maternal health outcomes. Read Erica’s inspiring story and discover how CoCo Doulas are making a lasting impact on Black maternal health

Healing-centered care is a transformative approach to mental health that acknowledges systemic injustices, embraces cultural strengths, and fosters community connections. Unlike traditional models, it shifts the focus from individual treatment to collective healing and resilience—especially for Black, Latinx, and other communities of color.

FIERCE Advocates integrates this holistic framework into leadership development, wellness programs, and advocacy efforts, ensuring mental health support is both culturally affirming and empowering. Learn how healing-centered care can create lasting change and how you can be part of this movement.