RESOLUTION NO. 220336

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Recognizing April 11th as the day of the Black Doula and April 15th as Uzazi Village Day in Kansas City in honor of Black Maternal Health Week.

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WHEREAS, the Missouri Kansas BIPOC Reproductive Justice Coalition (MO KAN BIPOC RJC), founded by Reale Justice Network, is a collective of sovereign birth advocates, doulas, healers, and organizers united to honor and preserve the spirit and integrity of the Black reproductive justice movement, and is accountable to national, state, and local BIPOC maternal health organizations and individuals that have paved the way for the celebration of Black birth; and

WHEREAS, Uzazi Village, meaning birth in Swahili, is a Black led 501c3 dedicated to eliminating racial disparities in perinatal health. Since May of 2012 Uzazi Village has pioneered work to improve perinatal health in the community and around the country; and

WHEREAS, ensuring the next generation of birth workers of color reflects the values of the community and population being served, Uzazi mentors Black lactation specialists, trains perinatal doulas, and nurtures birth equity advocates across the nation; and

WHEREAS, Uzazi Village’s Ida Mae Patterson Center for Maternal and Infant Wellness, founded in August of 2021 has served more than 25 families, and supported the births of 13 healthy babies and counting. The center offers Community-Embedded Group Prenatal Care, free of charge to the African-American childbearing community; and

WHEREAS, we also remember to pause and reflect on the many accomplishments made by Black birth workers in our region, daily. Also honoring the dedication & commitment of Black doulas who’ve paved the way to increase accessibility and affordability of doula care, increasing positive birthing experiences and safer outcomes for Black families; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby recognize every April 11th as the day of the Black Doula, created by Okunsola M. Amadou, founder and CEO of Jamaa Birth Village, and every April 15th as Uzazi Village Day in Kansas City, Missouri; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Uzazi Village and the Missouri Kansas BIPOC Reproductive Justice Coalition with the appreciation of the Mayor, Council, and all citizens of Kansas City to recognize Black Maternal/Perinatal Health Week and Day of the Black Doula.

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