Pregnancy & Prejudice

Premieres Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 8 p.m. on Kansas City PBS

DocuCourse's Pregnancy & Prejudice is a powerful and eye-opening documentary that chronicles the extraordinary life of Sherry “Mama Hakima” Payne, an inspiring nurse and doula advocate for Black infant and maternal health. In a healthcare system riddled with prejudice and systemic biases, Mama Hakima has dedicated her life to combating the alarming disparities that afflict Black mothers and infants.

The film delves deep into the historical roots of negative birth outcomes for Black families, exposing the systemic issues that perpetuate this cycle of inequity. Through compelling personal stories and expert interviews, viewers gain a profound understanding of how racial bias and discrimination within the healthcare system contribute to the alarming disparities in health outcomes. As Mama Hakima navigates the healthcare landscape, the documentary also serves as a guide for empowering patients to advocate for themselves as for others within the system.

Central to the film’s narrative is Mama Hakima’s pivotal role in co-founding and developing Uzazi Village, a sanctuary of love, support, and healing for Black mothers and infants. Viewers witness the incredible journey of Mama Hahima as she transforms her vision into a reality, providing a safe space for Black families to receive culturally competent education and resources.

Pregnancy & Prejudice is a poignant exploration of resilience, highlighting the unwavering determination of Mama Hakima and the collective power of communities to dismantle the deeply entrenched barriers within the healthcare system and pave the way towards a more just and equitable future for Black maternal and infant health.