Latch & Stroll 2026

Latch & Stroll is Chicago South Side Birth Center's largest community event of the year and our annual celebration of Black Breastfeeding Week.

This free community wellness fair brings together families, birth workers, healthcare providers, community organizations, and local businesses for a day of connection, education, and joy.

Together, we're creating space to celebrate Black families, increase awareness of breastfeeding and chestfeeding support, and connect parents with the resources they need to thrive.

Join us for an afternoon featuring:

• Community resources and family support organizations
• Lactation and postpartum education
• Local vendors and makers
• Family-friendly activities
• Food, music, and giveaways
• Workshops and wellness experiences

Whether you're expecting, parenting, supporting a loved one, or simply passionate about birth justice and family wellness, there's a place for you at Latch & Stroll.

Please let us know if you plan to join us by registering for this event. If you plan to bring children, please include their information in your registration so we can best prepare to provide childcare.

Become a Vendor or Community Partner!

Partnership is at the heart of everything we do. Each year, Latch and Stroll brings together dozens of organizations, small businesses, healthcare providers, artists, and community leaders who are committed to supporting families across Chicago.

We're currently accepting applications from:

• Community-based organizations
• Healthcare and wellness providers
• Birth workers and family support professionals
• Black-owned businesses and makers
• Educational and advocacy organizations

Community Partners help connect families to valuable resources, while vendors bring creativity, healing, and local entrepreneurship to the celebration.

Apply as a Vendor or Community Partner here!

Volunteer With Us

Latch & Stroll wouldn't be possible without our volunteers. We're looking for individuals and groups to help with:

• Event setup and breakdown
• Registration and welcome table
• Activity support
• Vendor assistance
• Wayfinding and guest support
• General event logistics

Whether you're a longtime supporter or joining us for the first time, we'd love to have you as part of the team.

Sign up to be a Volunteer here.

Become an Event Sponsor

Help keep Latch & Stroll free, accessible, and community-centered.

Sponsorship directly supports:

• Family programming
• Food and refreshments
• Children's activities
• Community resources
• Event logistics
• Breast and chestfeeding education

Sponsors receive recognition across event materials, digital communications, and day of signage while helping strengthen support systems for Black birthing families on the South Side. We welcome partnerships from healthcare organizations, foundations, local businesses, and community-minded companies that share our commitment to birth justice and maternal health equity.

Click here to learn more about Sponsorship opportunities. To become a sponsor, please reach out to Anyea Taylor, Director of Development, at give@chicagosouthsidebirthcenter.org

Why We Celebrate Black Breastfeeding Week

Black Breastfeeding Week was created to raise awareness about the unique challenges and strengths within Black breast and chest feeding communities while celebrating the families, advocates, providers, and organizations working toward healthier outcomes for Black parents and babies. Latch & Stroll is our invitation to gather in community, honor this legacy, and build a future where every family has access to the support they deserve.