Act A Fool (An Open Letter): In Solidarity with Mothers Everywhere

As many of you know, Samantha Fils-Daniels has been an incredible role model and my unwavering rock throughout the journey of establishing Fathers' UpLift, Inc. None of our achievements as an agency would have been possible without the leadership and support of Samantha and the many other?women (and mothers) who understand the profound importance of fatherhood and the solidarity between mothers and fathers.

Samantha has blessed me with two amazing children, Clayton and SaMya. I vividly remember the day Clayton was born. I looked into Samantha’s eyes and saw a mix of excitement and concern. With a determined gaze, she said, “If these doctors don’t listen to me, act a fool.” It was a simple yet powerful statement that captured her fierce spirit. She knew I could stand up and advocate for her, especially in moments of vulnerability.?

“Charles, if these doctors don’t listen to me, act a fool.”

Transitioning into fatherhood presented its own challenges, but I realized early on that caring for Samantha—and, by extension, caring for myself—was paramount. I became hyper-aware of the medical environment around us, mindful of the barriers many Black and Brown women face within our healthcare system. We got through those trials together, and I never stopped “acting a fool” on behalf of Samantha and the countless women who bravely enter the medical system with fear and legitimate concerns for their health as they bring forth tomorrow’s leaders.

This brings me to three critical stances I must advocate for:?

1. There is no space in our movement for those who believe women are inferior or argue that they should not have control over their own bodies.
2. Let’s be clear: women are not just caretakers or nurturers; they are leaders, innovators, and catalysts for change.?
3. I stand firmly against anyone who disrespects women as leaders in the workplace or who fails to provide them with the opportunities they deserve to excel, especially within organizations that are focused on serving men, families and communities.

I want to express my deepest appreciation for mentors and leaders like Dr. Renee Boynton-Jarrett and the state of Massachusetts first Assistant Commissioner for Health Equity, Dr. Hafsatou Fifi Diop. They are champions who lead from behind, selflessly ensuring that fathers like me have a seat at the table. They understand the importance of having our voices heard when it comes to the mothers in our lives and the broader issues of maternal health. Their dedication fosters an environment where fathers can contribute meaningfully to discussions about the well-being of their partners and children.

Together, let us act a fool—sometimes, that means standing up against injustice and fighting for what is right. Let us celebrate and amplify the voices of women everywhere, ensuring they are acknowledged and respected as leaders in every sphere. In this mission, both fathers and mothers must come together, advocating for equity, respect, and the recognition of women as vital pillars of our families and society. This is what is best for fathers, mothers, and children.

Together, let us act a fool—sometimes, that means standing up against injustice and fighting for what is right.

As we move forward, let’s continue to support one another and bridge the gaps in communication and understanding that exist. We can do this by creating spaces for women to lead unapologetically, where their ideas and contributions are celebrated and valued. By coming together, we have the power to build a legacy that celebrates the unwavering strength of mothers and uplifts fathers as supportive allies, paving the way for a brighter future for all families.?

I am so happy that the commission we were on produced recommendations that contributed to the groundbreaking Maternal Health Bill (H.4773 ), which promotes access to midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth options. When the opportunity came to be at the signing of the bill, I was thrilled that one of our amazing leaders and a dynamic mother could represent Fathers’ UpLift.

With that said, here is a list of folks I would like to thank for their contributions:

1. Samantha – For being my unwavering support and fierce advocate.
2. Dr. Renee Boynton-Jarrett – For her tireless efforts in maternal health advocacy and for ensuring that this dad could be a part of this movement.
3. Dr.. Hafsatou Fifi Diop – For her leadership and guidance in creating equitable healthcare solutions, and for continuing to lead the efforts of the Maternal Health Task Form along with other amazing departments within the state of Massachusetts.?
4. Representative Marjorie Decker - I am grateful to you for making it possible for me to serve in this effort. I will forever be thankful for the opportunity and the trust you placed in me.
5. Ashley Palacios - For her leadership and for representing Fathers’ UpLift and the dads that we serve in our community and nation at the bill signing.?
6. The Racial Inequities in Maternal Health Commission – For collaborating on impactful recommendations. It would be remiss of me to not mention each individual on this Commission: Representative Marjorie Decker, Senator Jo Comerford, Senator Liz Miranda, Dr. Hafsatou Fifi Diop, Jasmine Bland, Dr. Allison Bryant, Dr. Charles Anderson, Dr. Teju Adegoke, Susan J. Hernandez, Dr. Audra Meadows, Dr. Leena P. Mittal, Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah, Ginny Miller, Lina Spencer, Stephanie Johnson, Dr. Jo-Anna Rorie, Lilly Marcelin, Nneka Hall, Leah Randolph, Rober Saba, Soraya DosSantos, Glorimar Irizarry, Morgan Taylor, Dr. Craig S. Andrade, Dr. Rene?e Boynton-Jarrett, Donnette McManus, and Angela Middleton. I would also like to thank all the courageous individuals who testified and shared their journeys.
7. Midwives, Nurses, Social Workers, Recovery Coaches, Peer Specialists and Healthcare Workers – For providing compassionate care and expertise.
8. Community Advocates – For their relentless commitment to improving maternal health outcomes.
9. Families and Parents – For sharing their stories, experiences, and insights that inspire change.
10. Former Governor, Charlie Baker - for approving the establishment of a commission to research the racial inequities in maternal health which led to the official Racial Inequities in Maternal Health Report from the special commission listed above.
11. Members of the state of Massachusetts' Maternal Health Task Force: Adriana Jean Louis, Alex Levie, Ann Peralta, Barbara Fain, Beth Buxton, Bushra Taha, Cherise Hamblin, Cheryl Snyder, Chiara Moore, Chloe Zera, Christine Silva, Crista Johnson-Agbakwu, Darline Turner, Disha Patel, Divya Kumar, Dona Rodrigues, Donnette McManus, Dorcas Mukigi, Dorothy Cilenti, Eileen Costello, Elizabeth Murphy, Ella Blackowl, Ellen Seely, Erik Rogalski, Hafsatou Fifi Diop, Jasmine Bland, Jasmine Crafts, Jennifer Law, Jennifer Rogalski, Jocelyn Santos-Luong, Jodi Pinkney, Julia Prentice, Katherine Rushfirth, Katie Barker, Kendra Liburd, Keryden Koeut-Futch, Latisha Goullaud, Laura Federico, Leena Mittal, Lisa Shepard, Lissette Gil-Sanchez, Luu Ireland, Maeva Veillard, Margi Coggins, Mary B. Tibma, Mary Fitzmaurice, Milton Kotelchuck, Morgan Taylor-McFadden, Nashira Baril, Ndidi Amutah-Onukagha, Nicole Lomerson, Nicole Smith, Patricia Noga, Paul Oppedisano, Pratiksha Yalakkishettar, Rachel Colchamiro, Renee Boynton-Jarrett, Roberta Moss, Roxanne Hoke-Chandler, Salma Mohamed, Sandra Wolitzky, Sapna Khatri, Sara Shields, Sarah Krinsky, Sarah L. Stone, Sarah Rae Easter, Sarah Wright, Stephanie Crawford, Stephanie Kang, Sundé Daniels, Susan Hernandez, Susan Manning, Sydney Paul, and Tracey Geary.
12. Co-Sponsors of Bill H.4733 (An Act Promoting Access to Midwifery Care and Out-of-Hospital Births) | The House Committee on Ways and Means & The following Legislators: Kay Khan, Brandy Fluker Oakley, Lindsay N. Sabadosa, Tram T. Nguyen, Russell E.Holmes, Steven Owens, Dylan A. Fernandes, David Henry Argosky, LeBoeuf, Hannah Kane, Vanna Howard, David F. DeCoste, Christopher J. Worrell, Joanne Comerford, Brian W. Murray, Patricia A. Duffy, Tackey Chan, Christine P. Barber, David M. Rogers, Jack Patrick Lewis, Daniel Cahill, David Paul Linsky, Samantha Monta?o, Adrian C. Madaro, Jon Santiago, Carole A. Fiola, Jennifer Balinsky Armini, Patrick M. O’Connor, Adres X. Vargas, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, Sally P. Kerans, William J. Driscoll, Jr., Nick Collins, Rodney M. Elliott, Jacob R. Oliveira, Manny Cruz, Kathleen R. LaNatra, Marcus S. Vaughn, Susan Williams Gifford, Paul J. Donato, Patricia A. Haddad, Estela A. Reyes, Simon Cataldo, John J. Mahoney, Lydia Edwards, Ruth B. Balser,Rebecca L. Rausch, Kristin E. Kassner, Jeffrey N. Roy, Mathew J. Muratore, Danillo A. Sena, Daniel M. Donahue, Kevin G. Honan,Dawne Shand, Bruce E. Tarr, Kimberly N. Ferguson, Tommy Vitolo, Adrianne Pusateri Ramos, William F. MacGregor, Jonathan D. Zlotnik, John Francis Moran, John Barrett, III, James J. O'Day, Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Christopher Richard Flanagan, Patrick Joseph Kearney, Sean Garballey, Natalie M. Higgins, Smitty Pignatelli, Erika Uyterhoeven, Bud L. Williams, Natalie M. Blais, Steven Ultrino,James C. Arena-DeRosa, Margaret R. Scarsdale, James B. Eldridge, Thomas M. Stanley, Carlos González, Rob Consalvo, Jessica Ann Giannino, and Walter F. Timilty.
13. Current Governor, Maura Healey - For her leadership and signing the groundbreaking bill into law on behalf of all birthing people, including fathers. Your leadership inspires us all, Governor Healey.

Together, we are making strides towards a better future in maternal health, and I’m grateful to each of you for your invaluable contributions.

To my wife and outstanding leader, Samantha, thank you for encouraging me to Act A Fool. Your belief in me means more to me than you will ever know.

With love, gratitude and appreciation for each of you,

~ Dr. Charles Daniels, Jr.?

Proud Husband to Samantha and Father to Clayton & SaMya

PS: Please feel free to share our guide to the bill with fathers and caregivers you know, which can be found here .

I’ve also included a copy of this letter in case you want to print it out and share my heartfelt thoughts with individuals in your life. Your support means the world to me. I love you all immensely!

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