Celebrating Black History Month with Providence
In this article:
- February is Black History Month.
- Learn about some notable contributions of Black individuals in health care.
- Find ways to learn and celebrate.
Celebrating Black History Month
Every year in February, we celebrate Black History Month and pay tribute to the significant achievements of Black individuals throughout history.
Black History Month 2025 will center on "African Americans and Labor," celebrating the immense contributions made by Black Americans throughout history and in contemporary times. This focus will illuminate the crucial role that labor has played in shaping the identity, culture and economic standing of communities across the United States. May this period of reflection and celebration inspire us toward a prosperous future as we continue to walk and work in our purpose.
A small sample of the noteworthy accomplishments made by Black Americans in health care include:
- William A. Hinton, M.D.: Created a blood test for diagnosing syphilis and became the first African American to be promoted to the rank of professor at Harvard in 1949.
- Jane Cooke Wright: The first woman president of the New York Cancer Society and a founding member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
- William G. Anderson, DO: Founded and led the Albany Civil Rights Movement and became the first Black surgical resident in Detroit’s history in 1964 and the first Black president of the American Osteopathic Association in 1994.
- Marilyn Hughes Gaston, M.D.: The first Black female physician to become director of the Bureau of Primary Health Care in the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.
Alongside celebrating the contributions of Black Americans in medicine, it's important to recognize historically Black college and university (HBCU) medical schools:
- Howard University College of Medicine: Founded in 1868 in Washington, D.C., Howard offers dual degree programs for Bachelor of Science/M.D. and M.D./Ph.D. The school also focuses on training its students to better serve the medical needs of those from underrepresented communities.
- Morehouse School of Medicine: Located in Atlanta, Ga., Morehouse was founded in 1975 with a mission to improve the health of communities and increase diversity in the medical field, with a focus on primary care.
- Meharry Medical College: Founded in 1876 in Nashville, Tenn., Meharry offers a wide array of medical degree programs, such as a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master of Public Health, among others.
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science: Founded in the wake of the 1965 Watts Riots in Los Angeles, Calif., the school’s mission is to educate a diverse body of students to go out into the world and provide health equity for underserved populations. The university is also a leader in health disparities research.
- Xavier University and Morgan State University are both working to open medical schools in the near future.
Join us in celebrating by exploring the following resources:
- Visit the Association for the Study of African American Life and History website.
- Learn about the many additional contributions of Black Americans in health care and other industries.
This month and every day, we invite you to learn and stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues, patients and communities. Happy Black History Month to everyone!
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