“Recognizing the accomplishments of Black Americans aligns with NEOMED's diversity and inclusion commitment to embrace our unique experiences, as well as shared experiences. Diversity is about appreciating and valuing what we all bring to our society to make our world better. Black Americans have made an indelible mark on the fields of inventions, science, art, politics, military, education, health and many more,” says Andre Burton, J.D., vice president for Human Resources and Diversity.
He contributed the following comments:
“National Black History Month began as a weeklong celebration in 1926, when Carter G. Woodson, Ph.D., moved to honor and recognize the accomplishments of African Americans in ways that would extend beyond a week. Dr. Woodson chose February because of the pre-existing national festivals celebrating the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14). There is some debate as to when the week morphed into a month of recognition and celebration. Some cite the first monthlong celebrations that existed in West Virginia during the 1940s; others the 1960s in Chicago; still others the 1970s at Kent State University, under the auspices of the Black United Students organization.
“The first official national recognition occurred in 1976, coinciding with the U.S. bicentennial. Today, monthlong observations focus on Black contributions to the United States and the world in all areas, subjects and fields. Throughout February, you can find facts about Black History Month and the many achievements of Black Americans throughout history on the NEOMED campus monitors and in The Pulse.”
“Thank you to the Black Student Association, the Student National Medical Association and the Student National Pharmacy Association for their help with these initiatives!”
Everyone in the NEOMED community is invited to participate in NEOMED’s annual observation of Black History Month through the following campus-wide events. Watch The Pulse for updates and additional event listings.
Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Anti-Racism Workshop Series: The Physician-Patient Perspective
Friday, Feb. 5, at noon
This workshop will explore several topics in the realm of the health provider's duty to provide culturally sensitive care to patients. The topic of intersectionality (gender, race, sexuality) will be discussed, gathering insight from a transgender patient, Ms. Soloné Allen, and a Cleveland Clinic physician, Dr. Kendalle Cobb. Please join this important discussion and Q&A to learn more about how you can advocate for and exercise respect towards to your fellow peers, coworkers, students, patients, and more! No sign-up necessary. Students, staff, and faculty are invited to join.
Meeting ID:731 002 184
Password:761751
neomed.zoom.us/j/731002184?pwd=M1NOOGRhaXlwRHQxMG1PbTM1eG5tZz09
SNMA Black History Month Jeopardy!
Monday, Feb. 15, at noon
Once again in recognition of Black History Month, SNMA will be hosting a game in the style of Jeopardy! The categories will focus on the contributions of Black individuals in medicine, science and American culture. Join us for a time of learning, entertainment and prizes!
All contestants will receive a $10 Chipotle gift card. Winners will receive a $25 Amazon gift card! No sign-up necessary. Students, staff, and faculty are invited to join.
Meeting ID:731 002 184
Password:761751
https://neomed.zoom.us/j/731002184?pwd=M1NOOGRhaXlwRHQxMG1PbTM1eG5tZz09
How to be a Social Justice Advocate Post-Election Panel
Friday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m.
Four-person panel will be moderated by Mary Massie-Story, M.D.
Hosted by SNMA and the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA).
Watch The Pulse for a Zoom registration to come.
Black Men in White Coats: Documentary and Panel Discussion
At the end of February, NEOMED students, faculty and staff are invited to join the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for this two-part event.
Part I. Those who register will receive a link to stream a brand-new film by the organization Black Men in White Coats. This documentary dissects the systemic barriers preventing Black men from becoming doctors. View the official trailer.
Part 2. After registrants have had an opportunity to view the film on their own over a three-day streaming window, a panel discussion featuring African American male physicians will commence. Discussion topics will include: What challenges do Black boys face? What if we had a medical workforce that actually reflected our patient population? And who is at fault for this crisis?
Registration will open on Eventbrite soon. More details and a link to register forthcoming in The Pulse and on the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s Black History Month webpage.