K'La Jackson, Founder

Our Story

In the rich tapestry of African tradition, there's a powerful story of Obatala, a Orisha 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 premature at 26 weeks. 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.

In the midst of the challenges of being a primary caregiver and advocating for Kweli in medical spaces, 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 older 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, after Kweli’s passing in 2023, 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 plans to help reimagine how our communities and the medical system engages with medically complex families. Our vision extends beyond individual support to creating systemic change and reshaping how society supports families with medically complex children.

Like the Orisha 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. We commit to working tirelessly towards a future where no family faces gaps in care for their children with special needs.