HI THERE, KRIS HERE
mARCH 2025
Beloved Community,
The current presidential administration has made it clear that addressing Black maternal health in connection to any of its holdings, comes at a significant cost—one that many organizations are unwilling, or believe themselves unable to pay. Federal funding restrictions have pressured many to dilute language, redistribute focus, and, in some instances, limit or end their life-changing support.
The maternal mortality rate in the United States remains strikingly high, with Black women and families overwhelmingly affected. Nationally, according to the CDC , Black women face a maternal mortality rate of 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is 2.6 times higher than that of white women. In North Carolina, according to the UNC School of Law , Black women suffer 43% of pregnancy-related deaths, despite comprising only 22% of the population. These statistics are not just numbers - they represent real people, human beings, women, mothers, daughters, lovers, sisters, aunties, cousins, friends. Do you know that over 80% of maternal deaths are preventable?
Mother of Ease is a Black Maternal and Family Health company whose primary focus is the birthing experiences of Black folk. She will forever live this way. No administration or organization, will bind her voice or her work. I want you to know that it is not only necessary, but it is entirely possible for Black mothers and families to live and thrive with the lives that God breathed for them. It is with His voice, that we were spoken to be here. This country is not the voice of God, and America, is not our God. It is time for every one of us, beloveds, to nourish our own everything,
and join one other in our lovingly and thoughtfully crafted dwellings, where we say Black .

Join me as I voice alongside my esteemed colleagues at Care Ring's 2025 Maternal Health Conference - in-person or virtual - at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church during Black Maternal Health Week on
Thursday, April 17
at 2:15p - 3:15p EDT
in a powerful and purposeful panel discussion on the essential work
and necessary support of
Black Community Doulas.
Panelists:
Kris Elle, Racquel Washington,
Venus Standard, Shonvá Millien, Iris Jones
Moderator:
Dr. Yhenneko Taylor
Motherhood is for ever, and babies don't keep.
It stretches and carries and grows you in ways you could not have possibly imagined before it was yours. Some days feel so long, and others pass in the blink of an eye. Whether we're in the thick of sleepless nights with a baby, trying to keep up with the most curious elementary schooler, or navigating the ever-changing seasons of raising young adults,
every moment—bitter and sweet—is remarkable.
Our motherhood is remarkable.
Our children are remarkable.
Our lives are remarkable.
My motherhood began with this glorious girl, Ever.
And my journey to and through birth with her—every layer of it—helped guide me to the work of my life.
She recently interviewed for and accepted her first job with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation , and we're so proud of her, and excited with her. She’s walking into a new season of her young life—and navigating in ways that remind the mother of me, just how remarkable it is to stretch, to carry, to grow.
If you remember your first job with a pay stub, or the day she was born, I’d love for you to take a moment to send her a note. Share a story, a good lesson learned, or some words to encourage her in the precipice of her work, of her remarkable life.
Are you or someone you love in need of educated and empathetic doula support—without the commitment of a birth contract?
Book a private, virtual Q&A session anytime on Mondays–Thursdays
from 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM ET .
Whether navigating TTC, or prenatal and postnatal life—this knowing guidance is designed to support you through both common and complex journeys. Intimate partners are always welcome to attend.
14311 Reese Blvd STE A2 #353
Thank you for being a subscriber to the
MOE letter . I am humbled that you offer your time to read and support my work.
Please share what you find of value here with your circles of influence and personal network.
