Black History is American History

Black History Month 2023 Theme: Black Resistance

For communities to be healthy, it is necessary everyone has access to quality healthcare. Those communities can then effectively and efficiently address racial health disparities and increase diversity in medicine. Healthy communities resist anything but Liberty and Justice for All. Black History is American History.

Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD endured various forms of disrespect and discrimination, but she did not let that stop her. She began her career as a nurse and later became the first black women in the United States to receive an MD degree in 1864 from Boston Massachusetts’s New England Female Medical College.

She wrote a book that dealt with children’s and women’s issues, A Book of Medical Discourses: In Two Parts, in 1883. It was for “mothers, nurses, and all who may desire to mitigate the afflictions of the human race.”

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams wouldn’t take “no” or settle for “less then.” Through his persistent drive, community partnerships and support, he founded Provident Hospital and Training Schoo, the first black-owned hospital in America in 1891.

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a black man, performed the world’s first successful heart surgery in 1893. How fitting that February is American Heart Month and also Black History Month.

“We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” – James Baldwin

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

• evidenced-based best practices to assist schools in developing a comprehensive approach that engages school staff, students, and families.

• important role assignments for key personnel in developing a comprehensive school safety approach including