RESOLUTION NO. 240359

title
Sponsor: Mayor Quinton Lucas

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

body
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(tm), 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 signifi...

Click here for full text