HAKIMA TAFUNZI
PAYNE, MSN, RN
Hakima Tafunzi Payne MSN RN (she/her) is a remarkable individual known for her unwavering
commitment to childbearing liberation, reproductive justice, and community empowerment.
She self- identifies as a Queer, Black, Fem and philosophically, Womanist. Born and raised in
Kansas City, MO, Hakima's passion for creating positive change was ignited at an early age. She
witnessed firsthand the inequities and challenges faced by the disenfranchised and divested
community she grew up in on Kansas City’s Eastside.
From an early age, Hakima demonstrated a keen sense of justice, fairness and a deep sense of
life mission. Her love of reading and journaling have been mainstays throughout her life. She
channeled these qualities into her academic pursuits, earning a Bachelor's degree in Nursing in
1999 and a Master’s degree in Nursing Education in 2011. During her time as a student, she was
impacted by inequities and systemic racism embedded in the academic ecosystem.
Hakima has been a trailblazer and way-maker on a journey dedicated to improving the lives and
health outcomes of those who are on the childbearing journey. She began her professional
career as a labor and delivery nurse, later becoming a nurse educator. She later co-founded a
non-profit organization, Uzazi Village, focused on Black and Brown maternal and infant health.
She led her organization to national recognition and prominence. She used innovative and
ancestral approaches to tackling complex healthcare inequities through an integrative antiracist
lens.
Recognizing the power of the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom in breaking the cycle of
ignorance, injustice and oppression, Hakima is currently pursuing a PhD in Nursing Education.
Her academic pursuits are further honing her skills in evidence-based research, policy analysis
and legislative engagement in order to create community-based solutions to racially-based
health disparities. She continues to build community-embedded, Black liberatory, antiracist
healthcare models for Black and Brown bodies grounded in Black body liberation and
transcendence while giving homage to ancestral knowing and traditions.
Hakima's passion and expertise have made her a highly sought-after speaker and teacher. She
has delivered compelling keynote addresses at national and international conferences, inspiring
audiences with her deep understanding of social and reproductive justice issues and her
unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable world.
In addition to her advocacy work, Hakima has taken on a leadership role in fostering social
change. Her strategic vision, coupled with her ability to mobilize diverse stakeholders, and lead
her team in transformative creation has resulted in the successful implementation of several
initiatives and models of care aimed at addressing systemic inequities.
Hakima's impact extends beyond her professional endeavors. She actively mentors and
supports emerging leaders, guiding them on their own paths towards making a positive impact
through her Emerging Black Leadership Institute. Her compassion, combined with her ability to
empower others, has earned her widespread admiration and respect within her community and
beyond.
Today, Hakima Tafunzi Payne continues to dedicate her life to advocating for reproductive
justice and healthcare equity. She and her works are the subject of two documentaries- “Sister
Doula” directed by Emmett Williams and “Docucourse: Pregnancy and Prejudice” directed by
Avrell Stokes. Through her tireless efforts, she strives to build a society where every individual
has an equal opportunity to thrive and fulfill their human potential. Her unwavering belief in
the power of collective action and her relentless pursuit of healthcare transformation makes her
a true champion for a better world. She is a lifelong resident of Kansas City, MO.
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Hakima Tafunzi Payne’s groundbreaking models of Afro-centric Antiracist care:
• Village Doula Program (a community-based home visiting program for pregnancy)
• Chocolate Milk Café, (a peer-to-peer breastfeeding support group for Black families)
• The Village Circle Approach™, an Afro-centric group prenatal care model
• The Lactation Mentorship Program (IBCLC internship for Black candidates)
• Perinatal Doula Training (full spectrum community-based doula training)
• Culturally Congruent Care in a Community Setting (antiracism healthcare curriculum)
• Community Expert Review Board (community-based advocacy for research and policy)
