Healthcare Disparities: A Black History Month Special with Kundlas MD"

Primary Care Voice

Celebrating Black History Month: A Journey Through Time and Achievement Every February, we come together to celebrate Black History Month. It's a special time to honor the rich culture, struggles, and incredible achievements of African Americans throughout history. This month is not just about looking back; it's about learning, understanding, and taking inspiration to build a better future for everyone. What is Black History Month? Black History Month started as a week-long celebration in 1926. It was created by Carter G. Woodson, a famous African American historian. He believed that knowing the true history of Black Americans is important for everyone. Over time, this week turned into a month-long celebration every February in the United States. Why We Celebrate To Remember Heroes: Many African Americans have done amazing things for our country. From brave leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. to brilliant inventors like Garrett Morgan, who made traffic lights. To Learn from the Past: History teaches us important lessons. By looking at the past, we can understand how to make the future better. To Share Rich Cultures: African American culture is a big part of American culture. Music, food, art, and more have shaped what we enjoy today. Important Moments in Black History The Fight for Freedom: Long ago, African Americans were not free. They fought hard for their rights. In 1865, slavery was finally ended in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement: In the 1950s and 1960s, many people, both Black and White, came together to fight for equality. They wanted everyone to be treated the same, no matter their skin color. Barack Obama's Presidency: In 2008, Barack Obama became the first African American President of the United States. It was a big moment that showed how far the country had come. Amazing Contributions African Americans have contributed a lot to science, art, sports, and more. Did you know that Mae Jemison was the first African American woman to go into space? Or that jazz, a music loved by many, started in African American communities? But there are many more trailblazers in the field of medicine and healthcare who have made significant contributions: Dr. James McCune Smith: The first Black American to receive a medical degree. He graduated from the University of Glasgow and became a leading physician and abolitionist. Dr. Daniel Hale Williams: Known for performing the first successful open-heart surgery and founding the first black-owned hospital in America, Provident Hospital. Dr. Alfred Day Hershey: A geneticist who was the first Black American to earn a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking work in genetics. Dr. Charles Drew: Developed large-scale blood banks and improved techniques for blood storage, significantly impacting World War II efforts and beyond. Dr. Patricia Bath: The first African American to complete a residency in ophthalmology and the inventor of the Laserphaco Probe, revolutionizing cataract surgery. Dr. Alexa Canady: The first African American woman to become a neurosurgeon, making significant contributions to pediatric neurosurgery. Dr. Mae Jemison: The first African American woman astronaut, holding degrees in chemical engineering and medicine, and serving as the Science Mission Specialist on the STS-47 Spacelab-J mission. Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler: The first African American woman to earn an M.D. degree, dedicating her career to treating women and children.