RESOLUTION NO. 240359

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Sponsor:  Mayor Quinton Lucas

RESOLUTION - Recognizing Black Maternal Health Week and the contributions of Local Black Perinatal Health Trailblazers in Kansas City. 

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WHEREAS, the City of Kansas City, recognizes Black Maternal Health Week, founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, annually observed from April 11 - 17, and its vital role in amplifying the voices of Black Mamas and advocating for reproductive and birth justice; and

WHEREAS, the City of Kansas City, endeavors to align its efforts with cities nationwide in recognizing April 11, 2024, as the official global launch of Black Doula Day™, an occasion dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions of Black doulas in our communities, as coined in 2022 by Okunsola M. Amadou; and

                     WHEREAS, our city is home to esteemed leaders and organizations in the Black perinatal health and advocacy field, including Hakima T. Payne, co-founder and CEO of Uzazi Village, Justice Gatson, Founder and CEO of Reale Justice Network and the Missouri Kansas BIPOC Reproductive Justice Coalition, Sandra M. Thornhill, Imije Ninaz, Be’Yond Gatson, and the Kansas Birth Equity Network founded by Dr. Sharla Smith, showcasing our City’s commitment to improving maternal and infant health outcomes; and

WHEREAS, on Friday, December 1, 2023, the City of Kansas City launched its Doula Initiative in partnership with Uzazi Village and spearheaded by the Kansas City Missouri Health Department, allocated $250,000.00 to provide doula services to residents expecting or planning to become pregnant; and

WHEREAS, Kansas City, in partnership with Uzazi Village and city offices including the Mayor's Office, Kansas City Missouri Health Department, and the Kansas City Film Office, will host a free community screening of the Sister Doula film, spotlighting the trailblazing work of Hakima T. Payne, on Monday, April 22nd at the historic Gem Theater. This event signifies a crucial moment for our City's ongoing involvement with the national Black maternal and infant health crisis; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby recognize April 11-17, 2024, as Black Maternal Health Week and every April 11th as Black Doula Day™ in Kansas City.

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 Kansas Birth Equity in token of the Mayor and Council’s thanks for their dedication and hard work in addressing Black maternal health in the Greater Kansas City community.

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