In the rich tapestry of African tradition, there's a powerful story of Obatala, a deity assigned by God to be the guardian of those considered 'different.' This ancient tale of compassion and sacred duty would later become the inspiration for a movement that began with one mother's love and determination.
K'La Jackson's journey began in Washington, DC, where life took an unexpected turn when her son Kweli was born 26 weeks premature. After spending his first two months in the NICU, Kweli faced another challenge at just 4 months old – a traumatic brain injury that doctors predicted he wouldn't survive. But they hadn't counted on the fierce determination of a mother's love and a family's unshakeable spirit.
With her children, Zuri and Kweli, K'La made the bold decision to seek a different life in New Orleans. What seemed like a fresh start became a profound awakening to the disparities in healthcare for families with medically complex children. The stark contrast was immediate – from 16 hours of nursing care in DC to none in Louisiana for over a year.
But in this challenge, K'La found her calling. "I do not need to be a medical provider to care for my child, I'm a mother," she declared, words that would later inspire others and become emblazoned on t-shirts worn by countless parents walking similar paths.
At the heart of this story is not just Kweli's incredible resilience, but the beautiful bond between siblings. Zuri, his sister, became an integral part of their journey – sharing his story, participating in his care, and ensuring that her brother was included in every aspect of life. Even now, she continues to honor his presence and speak his name, carrying his legacy forward.
Obatala's Children was born from this lived experience – a recognition that if one family needed support, countless others did too. The organization began making immediate impact, connecting families to resources, building community support networks, and providing a platform for storytelling that comes with financial compensation – acknowledging the value of these shared experiences.
Today, Obatala's Children stands as a beacon of hope in the DC metropolitan area, working tirelessly toward a future where no family faces gaps in care for their children with special needs. Our vision extends beyond individual support to creating systemic change, influencing insurance policies, and reshaping how society supports families with medically complex children.
Like the deity who inspired our name, we watch over, support, and advocate for all children – ensuring that every family's journey, though challenging, is never walked alone."