Uzazi Village: A Band of KC Women Changing the Narrative of Birth Equity
This post was sponsored by Uzazi Village
In the heart of Kansas City, Uzazi Village is rewriting the story of maternal health — one family, one birth, one community at a time.
“Uzazi Village has been around for 13 years,” says CEO Shalese Clay. “One of our founders, Hakima Payne, started Uzazi Village because she was a nurse and saw the systemic racism happening in hospitals, specifically in labor and delivery, and how it impacted Black families.”
From that vision came a sanctuary. “She and three other founders created a safe space for Black women and their families during their birthing experience,” Clay explains. “From that, Uzazi Village has grown into supporting Black and Brown families through doula services and by creating doula training.”
That training — built on an Afrocentric model designed “specifically for our community” — has certified doulas in nine states. “We are one of the only, Black-led organizations in Kansas City that offers doula education,” Clay says. “We continue to train the next generation of birth workers who serve families with compassion and cultural understanding.”
Uzazi’s home base sits on historic Troost Avenue, long marked by redlining and racial division. Yet the organization thrives. “To still offer free services without any federal funding speaks volumes,” Clay says. “People know the healthcare they’re getting is quality — and it’s designed for our community.”
Purposely Centered Around Families
Uzazi’s services extend far beyond birth support. The Ida Mae Patterson Center offers midwifery, chiropractic care, lactation support, and nurse practitioner visits. “Families don’t have to go back and forth,” Clay says. “They can get everything they need here. In a traditional clinical setting, you might be seen for 15 minutes. This allows the patient to be seen — and heard.”
That “village model” also includes mental health therapy, group counseling, and postpartum support. “It’s not just for the mom — it’s for the family,” Clay says. “We want them to identify signs and support each other.”
Uzazi also runs a community closet and diaper pantry offering free baby supplies and hygiene products — no screening required. “It’s barrier-free,” Clay emphasizes. “If you need support, we just welcome you in.”
Community Care and Personal Passion
Uzazi’s new Community Care Days give uninsured women access to nurse practitioners and midwives. “We just launched it last month,” Clay says. “We want people to know we are here. Don’t wait. Come and get help.”
For Clay, the mission is personal. “I had a traumatic birthing experience. I almost died, and so did my daughter,” she says. “It’s been my passion to make sure families know how to advocate for themselves and prevent infant and maternal mortality.”
That passion fuels her team. “I have an amazing group of women — and even a few men,” she adds. “To look back over this last year and see what we’ve done — it’s powerful.”
Open Doors and Open Hearts (PS. Volunteers Needed!)
“I love when people come for tours!” Clay says. “If you’re lucky, you might witness a clap-out — when moms graduate from our program, we celebrate them with love and encouragement.”
She smiles. “This is a passionate band of women who care deeply about Black and Brown women’s health. To see how far we’ve come in 13 years — I’m really grateful to be a part of it.”
Learn more about Uzazi Villages services and volunteer opportunities here: https://uzazivillage.org
