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Dr. Aisha Mays Fights for Young Black Mothers with Dream Youth Clinic — Melanin News | Melanin
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Dr. Aisha Mays Fights for Young Black Mothers with Dream Youth ClinicCulture

Dr. Aisha Mays Fights for Young Black Mothers with Dream Youth Clinic

1w ago

Oakland, California, is home to a groundbreaking initiative led by Dr. Aisha Mays, who, in 2017, founded Dream Youth Clinic to fill critical healthcare gaps for young people. What began as a local effort has blossomed into a national conversation, especially concerning the needs and deservedness of young Black mothers across the country.

The Dream Youth Clinic, a non-profit organization, initially opened its doors to provide no-cost medical services, anchored in principles of reproductive justice and youth agency. Its core mission was to serve vulnerable youth aged 12-24 in the Bay Area, particularly those often overlooked by conventional healthcare systems. By May 2026, the clinic had significantly expanded, operating four brick-and-mortar locations across Oakland, including sites in downtown, East Oakland, and West Oakland. These centers offer free medical and mental health services to young people aged 13 to 25, specifically focusing on those experiencing homelessness, community violence, foster care, and sex trafficking. The clinic’s offerings extend beyond medical treatment, providing essential support such as meals, showers, and assistance with finding employment, obtaining identification cards, or re-enrolling in school. Among the dedicated providers are Dr. Manel Silva, Alicia Swartz NP, and Susana Quezada FNP.

Aisha Tyler
Aisha Tyler Source

Dr. Mays, a Bay Area native, is a recognized adolescent physician leader, author, professor, and researcher. Her inspiration to found Dream Youth Clinic stemmed from a clear observation: a distinct lack of health services designed and led by youth, coupled with persistent inequities faced by Black and Brown youth in accessing care. Her career has consistently championed vulnerable youth, including Black girls, young Black mothers, youth affected by sex trafficking, and gender-expansive youth. Before establishing Dream Youth Clinic, Dr. Mays held significant roles, including Medical Director of the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center health clinic and a physician within the Oakland Unified School District School Based Health Centers. She also served as academic faculty at Mt. Sinai and University of California San Francisco Schools of Medicine. Her educational background includes a B.S. in Biology from Clark Atlanta University, an MD from Case Western Reserve, and Family Medicine training at Montefiore Medical Center.

The clinic’s dedication to Black mothers has been a central pillar since its inception. The "Young Mothers group" was one of its inaugural programs in 2017, now known as Young Mothers Rising. This vital program is coordinated by Erica McBride, who brings a unique perspective as a young mother herself, serving as a health advocate and coordinator. This focus culminated in a major national initiative, "Young Black Moms to the FRONT!", launched by Dr. Mays in April 2026. This campaign coincided with the 10th anniversary of Black Maternal Health Week, aiming to profoundly shift the narrative surrounding young Black motherhood.

Dr. Mays has openly spoken about the challenges and the vision behind her work. Reports indicate she stated, "There are so many health centers in the Bay Area and throughout California, and we know that young people are still experiencing so many barriers to receiving healthcare. Those are the most vulnerable." She further noted her deep connection to her community, saying, "I really love working with youth in Oakland, and I really felt like it was so important to work with youth who are so vulnerable young people in our society in Oakland, so it was a perfect fit." Addressing the specific mission for young Black mothers, Mays emphasized the campaign's goal: "We wanted to take Black Maternal Health Week this year to uplift our young Black mothers around the country. To change the face and the story of young Black motherhood from one that is this negative punishment to one that is celebration and joy." She further explained the unique difficulties faced by this demographic, stating, "We also know that it is even more difficult for young mothers, teen mothers, early young adult mothers because of the stigma that is placed on young mothers and teen mothers during that time, it's not the pregnancy alone." This highlights the pervasive societal misconceptions that often compound the challenges of young motherhood.

Penny Hardaway
Penny Hardaway Source

The "Young Black Moms to the FRONT!" initiative seeks to reframe public perception, moving away from narratives of shame and towards those of celebration and robust support for young Black mothers. This effort is crucial in a broader cultural context where Black maternal health outcomes continue to be a significant concern. By centering the voices and experiences of young Black mothers, Dr. Mays and Dream Youth Clinic are not just providing medical care, but actively working to dismantle harmful stigmas and foster a community of empowerment and understanding.

The expansion of Dream Youth Clinic and the launch of a national campaign underscore the persistent need for inclusive, youth-focused healthcare. Dr. Mays' commitment to addressing systemic inequities, particularly for Black and Brown youth and young mothers, sets a powerful example. Her work continues to resonate, pushing for a future where all young people, especially the most vulnerable, have equitable access to the support and care they deserve.