Ujima Maternity Network, Inc. is changing the narrative of birth for
​Black families one pregnancy, one birth and one family at a time. 

About Us

Ujima Maternity Network, Inc. was established in 2018 by a group of Black women birth workers and advocates.  The group of women below launched Ujima Maternity Network, Inc. on the third day of Kwanzaa.  Ujima (oo-jee-muh) is a Kwanzaa principle that we have adopted to address the maternal health crisis in the state of Arkansas.  Ujima means collective work and responsibility, to build and maintain our community together.  Making our brother's and sister's problems our problems and solving them together.  

In 2020, Ujima Maternity Network, Inc. officially became a 501(c)3 non profit with the state of Arkansas.  Our goal is to build our community with skilled birth workers including Black midwives, doulas and lactation consultants throughout the state of Arkansas.  We believe that expanding our professional network in the state will aid in the reduction of Black maternal and infant mortality in the state of Arkansas. 

Additionally, Ujima Maternity Network, Inc. will continue to provide scholarship funds to assist families in need of birth, postpartum and lactation support. ​ ​

I rise for Black women who have failed, I rise for Black mothers who have felt terrified to bring a child into this world. I rise to create space for Black birth workers who did not see themselves in this profession. I rise for Black mothers to have access to equitable care. I rise for my daughters to have babies and live. I rise so we can RISE!

I am committed to joining forces with likeminded individuals who want to see the Black community thrive and to help save Black mothers and babies. I believe that this starts by sharing and educating our community about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting back to the basics in birth and lactation, seeking balanced mental healthcare, and being a VILLAGE to one another.

I responded to a deep-seeded "tugging" and became a birth doula. I soon realized that the tugging was a passion, as I cherish being part of the sacred, intimate journeys of women to mothers and people to families.

My fight for women’s rights and social injustice is a direct result of my traumatic labor and delivery with my oldest son, having a difficult pregnancy with my middle son, and my concerns being downplayed during my last pregnancy. I understand that I could have easily become a hashtag during each of my pregnancies simply because my voice was not respected. As a founding member of Ujima Maternity Network, Inc., I desire to normalize Black Birth Workers and reduce maternal and infant mortality. I am my Sisters Keeper, I am the Village.

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The Vision

Ujima Maternity Network, Inc. aims to be the go to space for women of color providing them with a full service maternity experience. We seek to decrease the gross amount of maternal deaths in women of color, namely Black mothers.  We strive to heal communities, starting with the disparaged maternal population - the Black mother and child.

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Doula
Training

Apply for a Scholarship

Doula Support
Resources

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we foster space where you are heard, valued, understood, and empowered when it comes to the most vulnerable time in your life... pregnancy, birth, lactating and parenting.