Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Black History Month

UI Health recognizes Black History Month by highlighting the achievements and contributions of African Americans in our community.

As part of highlighting the achievements and contributions of Black Americans and those of African descent, UI Health employees share their ways of honoring the resilience, knowledge, and creativity of those who have contributed so much to our community and nation.

What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is the culmination and celebration of black people's achievements, accomplishments, and history, not only here in America but throughout the world. It is the one month of the year that we recognize Black people and our ability to strive through negative circumstances. I hold Black History Month in the highest regard because my elders always taught me to be proud of and appreciate those who made sacrifices so that we can enjoy the simple freedoms we are privy to today.

What drew you to healthcare/your role?
I have been a patient at UI Health’s MSHC since I was a child and have been a part of this community my entire life. When I visited the clinic when I was younger, I would watch the staff behind the desk and say, "I'm going to do that one day."

Does your culture/identity impact your work? If so, can you share how?
I grew up in the Chicago Housing Authority's Henry Horner Homes, and I am proud to serve my community and personally know most of our patient base. I take personal pride in seeing the smiles on the faces of the people who watched me grow up while helping them navigate their healthcare experiences.

How do you give back to your community?
I contribute to different social service organizations throughout the former Henry Horner community and serve as an inspiration to the youth who've watched me work consistently for UIC since the beginning of my career. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King Jr. I'm black and proud!

What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a national celebration that provides a chance to educate ourselves and others about the history, accomplishments, contributions, talent, and resilient spirit of the African American community. Sharing our stories of Black persistence and success, despite the struggle, motivates future generations to dream and strive for continued equity and representation in all areas.

As a Nigerian, it is also an opportunity for me to honor the connection between the culture and background I was born/raised and the one I have chosen to claim for myself and my children.

What drew you to healthcare/your role?
Nurses have the honor of being the most trusted profession and can serve and educate in different healthcare and community-based settings. I took the long route into nursing but have always known I wanted to help others and make an impact. I love being part of people ‘blooming’ into the best version of themselves. Whether it is meeting and taking care of them at their most vulnerable as patients, teaching them how to support their sick family members, advocating for them while interacting with other healthcare professionals, motivating my colleagues, or answering questions about the profession from aspiring nurses, I am privileged to provide the assistance people need and deserve.

Does your culture/identity impact your work? If so, can you share how?
Every day and in every way. I have had patients/family members excited to have me walk into their rooms and introduce myself as the nurse. They know that I will likely understand them and their authentic concerns without them having to say much. There are some nuances to being Black that only another Black person can truly understand. 

The nuances are present in our communication (verbal and non-verbal), anxiety in being misunderstood, fear of being mislabeled/mistreated/ignored, pride in each other’s unique successes, and an inherent cultural competence and sensitivity needed to talk to, educate and advocate for our Black/minority patients and their caregivers. Hence, the critical need for diversity, inclusion, and representation in spaces where our narratives and experiences need to be highlighted to address healthcare disparities and ensure an equitable distribution of resources.

What drew you to healthcare/your role?
Healthcare sparked my interest at an early age. I remember visiting older relatives, including my great-great-grandparents, in hospitals as a child. The hospital visit that impacted me the most was that of my 12-year-old cousin at the time of her leukemia diagnosis. The impact of that moment when her physicians shared her diagnosis with my family, and her battle with leukemia left an indelible mark that motivated me to pursue medicine.

Does your culture/identity impact your work? If so, can you share how?
My culture and identity have framed my lived experience and influence how I engage with patients and peers. I endeavor to use my experiences to understand my patients' personal and social identities and use them to provide patient-centered care.

How do you give back to your community?
I give back to the community by volunteering at my local food bank, mentoring premedical students (third grade through undergraduate), and serving on my local school board.

You attended a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) as an undergraduate. What made you choose your school, and how has it impacted you and/or your career?
During high school, my science counselor and teacher encouraged me to attend Xavier University of Louisiana because it has a fantastic track record in undergraduate science education, providing a nurturing environment to prepare students for roles in leadership and service. Xavier produces more African American graduates who complete medical school, as well as graduates who achieve PhDs in the life sciences, than any other university in the United States. HBCUs provide a diverse and inclusive educational experience in a supportive environment for under-resourced communities. Attending Xavier University of Louisiana was one of the best decisions of my life.

What drew you to healthcare/your role?
My parents taught me the importance of service to others from an early age. Being a physician is how I decided to live a life of service to others.

Does your culture/identity impact your work? If so, can you share how?
Practicing medicine with cultural humility is important to me. I represent the intersection of many identities and can draw from all my identities and experiences to care for patients.

What has been your biggest accomplishment? (not necessarily at UIH)
One accomplishment that I am quite proud of is being the only African American, tenured, full professor of Medical Toxicology currently in the US. I hope the environment changes so that I will not be the only one for much longer.

You attended a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) as an undergraduate. What made you choose your school, and how has it impacted you and/or your career?
I attended Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. There are many reasons why I chose Xavier. One of the main reasons is Xavier’s incredible track record for training undergraduate students who go on to graduate/professional schools in STEM fields, especially medicine. The Xavier community was nurturing and formative in helping me to develop into a professional.

Black History Month 2024 Event Recap

Continuing the Conversation: As promised, we want to provide you with additional resources stemming from the topics raised during the Black History Month event:

• Community Assessment of Needs (UI-CAN) Report and Implementation Plan
• UI Health Care Coordination Website

Again, we are genuinely grateful for your valuable contributions to the book club discussion. Your continued involvement in these events contributes to the vibrant and engaged cultural community we're building at UI Health. We hope to see you again soon!

We are delighted to share a wonderful snapshot of the event featuring our esteemed panelists.

Archives

Read more about the achievements and contributions of African Americans in our community throughout the years.

• Black History Month 2022