A Black Woman’s Story” – Pasadena Now

The public is invited to experience a powerful and thought-provoking film called “Toxic: A Black Woman’s Story” which will be screened Thursday at the Braun Auditorium, located on the main campus of Huntington Hospital. Hosted by Huntington Health’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the screening and a following forum aim to shed light on the racial inequities that are impacting Black women’s health and birth outcomes.

“Toxic” is a 26-minute short film that explores the intersection of racism, toxic stress, and birth outcomes. It tells the story of Nina, an elite lawyer, loyal wife, and loving mother of a teen boy who is navigating life and an unexpected pregnancy to the best of her ability. Through Nina’s eyes, the viewer is invited on a journey of perspective transformation, where they will witness firsthand the struggles and obstacles faced by many Black women in society today.

The film is described as “moving and emotional,” evoking strong and sensitive emotions.

“Toxic” stars Crystle Paynther as Nina, alongside Mike Head as Don and Re’Shawn Reese as Michael. It was produced by Chris Benninger of YOUR STORY ON FILM and directed by Devon Collins of STIMULI FILM.

Following the screening of “Toxic,” there will be a Q&A session with a selected panel of experts in the field of women’s health and maternal care. 

The panel will include:

• Katrina Johnson, MSN/Ed., RNC-OB, C-EFM (she/her)
• Stella Clingmon Simon, MPH, CLES, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Director for Pasadena Public Health Department
• Dena Sherrod, MPH, Director, Birth Equity and Racial Justice Initiatives, Public Health Alliance of Southern California
• Rebecca Licha, RNC-OB, BSN, Regional DEI Coordinator, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
• Michelle M. Cabrera, MD, FACOG, obstetrics and gynecology, UCLA Health

The event is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This event is not open to children. There are a total of only 75 seats available. 

 To reserve your spot, please email diversityequityandinclusion@huntingtonhospital.com. The film discusses sensitive topics such as infant mortality, toxic stress, and racism, and it may be difficult for some viewers to watch. 

The screening will be held in the Braun Auditorium, located on Huntington Hospital’s main campus at 100 West California Blvd. in Pasadena. Click here for a campus map.