On behalf of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion we hope you all are doing well and finding ways to take care of yourselves during consistently challenging times.
In the work for transformation to more equitable ways of doing and being we often talk about enhancing our ability to develop a “both/and” approach or lens. This helps us to hold multiple truths that can sometimes seems incongruent. Learning about Black History Month provides opportunities for us to practice this. Black History in America is filled with brilliance, excellence and unmatched contributions of Black People to our country, our culture. It also demands that we sit in discomfort as we continue to uncover and reckon with both the historical and current day oppression of our fellow Black citizens.
We offer the following programs to help the WUSM community honor Black History Month, the rich cultural history and how it shapes our present.
As I write this post, the news of bomb threats today at HBCU’s around the country came through, including Harris-Stowe State University right here in St. Louis. We stand in solidarity will students, staff and faculty across the country who are fearful for their safety on these campuses, and all BIPOC who navigate fear and feeling unsafe…still… in so many place in our city, country, world. The work continues and we hope to see you soon.
2022 Black History Month schedule
Please join the WUSM community in honoring Black History Month (BHM) by registering for events below and checking out the Black History in Medicine Newsletter by WUSM’s Students National Medical Association (PDF)! It includes information about BHM events they are hosting as well.
Colorism Thrives as Society Diversifies – Presentation and Discussion with Dr. Kimberly Norwood
Wednesday, February 16 | 11:30a – 1:00p | Virtual Event
Register HERE
Dr. Norwood’s powerful presentation will look at the origins and implications of bias around skin color and hair texture followed by a discussion with WUSM community members about the ways it shows up in the diverse cultures of Black, Indigenous and People of Color. In our commitment to anti-racism, we must understand the concept of Colorism and its implications for our work toward racial justice and equity! ** We encourage participants to take the Skin Implicit Association Tests (IAT)before our session on 2/16**
HeLa 100 – Race and Eugenics
Wednesday, February 23 | 11:00a – 12:30p | Virtual Event
Register HERE
Join School of Medicine’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Division of Biology and Biomedical Science’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Student and Alumni Affairs for a discussion regarding race and eugenics in relation to Henrietta Lacks. This program seeks to be a critical space for participants to recognize how science has perpetuated harmful and racist narratives that deeply affect marginalized communities. Participants will read a short selection of pre-work to prepare for the discussion.
Black Excellence: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Friday, February 25 | 11:30a – 1:00p | Virtual Event
Register HERE
Join the School of Medicine’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and BJC HealthCare Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a discussion of Black Excellence: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)! This session will begin with a presentation about the history of HBCUs, busting myths/biases, and their significant contributions to our society, and specifically, health care. A panel discussion including our own HBCU graduates, moderated by Sherree A. Wilson, PhD, WUSM Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The program will end with a brief Q&A.