Dallas Lamar Project Launched to Support Grieving Parents
A Brooklyn-based non-profit now offers community support for families navigating the loss of a pregnancy or infant.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Babies
The Dallas Lamar Project has launched to provide a supportive space for families navigating child loss. The non-profit aims to bridge gaps in culturally responsive care for West Indian families while connecting parents with essential medical and therapeutic resources.
Why it matters
The project addresses a significant scarcity of culturally tailored resources for Caribbean families dealing with infant loss. By fostering community, the initiative seeks to dismantle the stigma and silence often surrounding child death in these populations.
Nationwide data indicates 3,400 infants died suddenly in 2024, while stillbirth affects roughly 1 in 175 births. In 2021, CDC figures showed stillbirth rates for Black women were twice as high as those for white women.
The players
Chester
She is the founder of the Dallas Lamar Project and established the non-profit to provide support for Caribbean families.
The details
Founded in Brooklyn, the organization connects parents with midwives, doulas, and psychiatric providers to supplement their monthly peer-support meetings. While the group does not provide direct therapy, it serves as a critical referral network for those grieving in the West Indian community.
Timeline
The founder lost her son, Dallas, in 2011.
CDC data recorded stillbirth disparities in 2021.
The United States saw 3,400 sudden infant deaths in 2024.
The organization held its first monthly meeting in October 2026.
A candle lighting event took place on October 15, 2026.
Culture Shift
The Dallas Lamar Project aligns its community outreach efforts with the goals of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. This shift reflects a broader movement toward acknowledging child loss and breaking cultural stigmas that have historically silenced grieving families.
Families in Brooklyn can attend support meetings held on the last Wednesday of every month to share experiences with others. The project also serves as a central point for connecting residents with local doulas, midwives, and psychiatric providers.
The takeaway
Grieving parents are encouraged to seek out community networks that specifically address their cultural needs to help navigate the recovery process. Connecting with specialized resources like doulas or mental health professionals can provide essential support during bereavement.
Further reading
Learn more about local parenting resources and support services on our Babies page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Caribbean Life.
