City of Kansas City and Film Office Host Sister Doula Film Screening 

The brave story of Hakima Payne, a nurse tackling the Black Maternal health crisis

Please join the Kansas City Health Department, Film Office, and Uzazi Village for the “SISTER DOULA” Film Screening and Panel Discussion—a film about Black Maternal Health in Kansas City. According to the Center for Disease Control, “Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women.”

The SISTER DOULA Film Screening and Panel brings together policymakers and community advocates to mobilize capital for Black maternal health and push for policy changes, utilizing film as a tool. "SISTER DOULA" is a story about Hakima Payne, a nurse based in Kansas City who bravely confronts the Black maternal health crisis by providing alternatives to the US healthcare system that disproportionately harms, surveils, and criminalizes Black families. Mama Hakima is a fearless truth-teller and a compassionate mentor whose mission is to save Black babies and promote equal access to healthcare for all. The story also features the birth doulas Mama Hakima has mentored, who advocate for Black birthing people and work toward a future where everyone can thrive during pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

The goals of the film and panel discussion:

1. Convene the Black birthing community and their support systems in conversations about the state of Black birth in America.
2. Raise awareness about the role of Black doulas, Black perinatal health, and healthcare choices.
3. Inspire hope through Black-led solutions to a national crisis.

“As we continue to amplify the voices of Black mothers in Kansas City and support those working on the frontlines to build a healthier and more equitable city, I am proud we are bringing community members, changemakers, and Black maternal health advocates together through film and conversation to enhance support for Kansas City’s Black mothers and caregivers,” said Mayor Lucas. “Together, we can craft solutions to the Black maternal health crisis and build a bright and healthy future for our mothers, children, and families.”

“The Kansas City Health Department is proud to partner with the Kansas City Film Office, Uzazi Village, and Filmmaker Emmett Williams in our goal of bringing the very important issue of Black Maternal Health to the forefront. Hakima’s story is beyond inspirational to see a community leader using her experience and skillsets to advocate for policy, pour into a new generation of doulas, and educate on healthcare options,” says Dr. Marvia Jones, Kansas City Health Department Director.

“Film has long held the power to spark crucial conversations and shed light on urgent issues impacting our society, like black maternal health,” says Rachel Kephart, KC Film Office Director. “Events like this act as an opportunity to allow art to drive awareness and action in our community. We're honored to be able to support the screening of the locally made documentary Sister Doula and are excited to share its message with our city!”

We encourage media representatives to attend this event and learn more about Black Maternal Health during this film screening, which is taking place during Black Breastfeeding Week.

WHAT: A film screening of "SISTER DOULA" about Black Maternal Health in Kansas City tells an inspiring story about Hakima Payne, a nurse who bravely confronts the Black maternal health crisis. She provides alternatives to the US healthcare system that disproportionately harms, surveils, and criminalizes Black families. A panel discussion will follow the film screening.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Gem Theater, 1615 E 18th St., Kansas City, MO. 64108

SCHEDULE:

• 5:00 pm - Meet & Greet + Community Partners and Resources
• 5:30 pm - Welcome
• 5:45 pm - Screening
• 6:45 pm - Intermission
• 7:15 pm - Audience Q & A
• 7:25 pm - Closing

SPEAKERS:

• Mayor Pro-Tem Parks-Shaw
• Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of Health
• Jacqueline A. Dillard, Deputy Director of Kansas City, Missouri Health Department
• Hakima Tafunzi Payne, MSN, RN, “Mama Hakima,” Founder and Executive Director of Uzazi Village
• Emmett Williams, Director of Film, President of Listen.Tell.Media