Ujima (oo-JEE-mah) is a Kwanzaa principle that means collective work and responsibility, to build and maintain our community together.
About Us
Ujima Maternity Network, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non profit organization established to address the Black Maternal and Infant health crisis in the state of Arkansas experienced by Black (expectant) mothers. Black birth workers and maternal advocates are dedicated to making positive impacts within the birthing community to help ensure Black mothers survive and thrive during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum experiences with advocacy, support and safety.
UMN was founded in 2018 on the third day of Kwanzaa, Ujima, and adopted the principle of doing collective work to build and maintain a healthy community. In 2020 Ujima Maternity Network, Inc. officially became a 501(c)3 non profit organization in 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.
board of directors 2023
President Dr. Phillip Fletcher
Vice President Victoria Flowers
Treasurer Kayla James
Secretary Fernando Salazar
Co Founder & Visionary Executive Director Nicolle Fletcher
Co Founder Sarita Hendrix
Angela Brooks
Christopher Flowers
Julia Kollmyer
Latoya Young
Vice President Victoria Flowers
Treasurer Kayla James
Secretary Fernando Salazar
Co Founder & Visionary Executive Director Nicolle Fletcher
Co Founder Sarita Hendrix
Angela Brooks
Christopher Flowers
Julia Kollmyer
Latoya Young