A Message from the Strategist
Each February, the nation honors Black History Month. I invite you to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation as NIH celebrates “Black Excellence in Health and Science.” We will spotlight the remarkable contributions of Black Americans in health care and science and aim to inspire future generations of medical professionals to continue breaking barriers and making a difference in these fields.
American history is replete with Black doctors, nurses, researchers, and health care pioneers who have played pivotal roles in advancing medicine and science by dismantling barriers, fostering creative discoveries, and expanding the knowledge base in medical and associated sciences. Their dedication and innovation have saved lives, transformed the industry, and paved the way for a brighter, more equitable future.
Join us as we pay tribute to their legacies, recognize present-day champions across health care, and give hope to generations to come. Throughout the month, you will have the chance to participate in a series of events, share inspiring stories, and engage in discussions that celebrate the remarkable achievements of Black Americans in health care and science.
Kiana Atkins
Principal Strategist
Black Employment Portfolio
- Messages from our Leadership
- Blogs
- Events
- About the Artwork
A Message from Leadership
Dear Colleagues,
This month, we invite you to join the NIH community as we honor Black History Month by acknowledging the community’s contributions, achievements, and inspiring stories. NIH’s theme “Black Excellence in Health and Science” is derived from this year’s national theme, which celebrates the incredible accomplishments of Black American scientists, researchers, doctors, nurses, and medical professionals. Their work has been instrumental in advancing the medical field and enriching our perspectives on health and science.
On February 7, the NIH Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) will host an enlightening webinar that features Cheryl Walker-McGill, M.D., the Executive Producer of the acclaimed documentary “Someone Else’s Shoes.” Attendees can expect an engaging experience that aims to highlight the experiences and contributions of Black American medical professionals.
On February 13, discover invaluable tools for early career professionals during a fireside chat Resolute Paths: Strategies for Navigating Scientific Careers. This event will feature Lola Olufemi, Ph.D., Senior Portfolio Manager, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke’s Office of Technology Transfer, and Beverly Watkins, Ph.D., Scientific Diversity Officer, Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives. The Principal Strategist for the Black Employment Portfolio, Kiana Atkins, will moderate this informative fireside chat.
Let us recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans in science and medicine as their achievements have contributed to our collective advancement to improve health, revolutionize science, and serve society.
Please visit EDI’s website, subscribe to our blog, follow EDI on LinkedIn and X, and watch EDI’s YouTube channel to stay informed on the exciting things that are happening this month and throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Monica M. Bertagnolli, M.D.
Director, National Institutes of Health
Kevin D. Williams, Esq.
Director, EDI
What were you surprised to learn during our BHM 2024 observance?
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Featured Blogs
Black Voices in Shaping Health Care Narratives
Navigating Challenges in STEM: A Personal Reflection
Events
"Someone Else’s Shoes," Featuring Dr. Cheryl Walker-McGill
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 | 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm EST
Learn More
Resolute Paths: Strategies for Navigating Scientific Careers
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 | 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm EST
Learn More
60 Years Later: Honoring Black Trailblazers in Health and Science at NIH
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm EST
Learn More
“
Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.
— George Washington Carver
”
About the Artwork
Our 2024 Black History Month campaign artwork celebrates the legacy of Black trailblazers in health and science. We pay homage to leaders of the past, present, and future, such as Dr. Louis Wade Sullivan, Dr. Leonidas H. Berry, Dr. Patricia E. Bath, Dr. Alexa Canady, and Dr. Kristy Carter. This month’s artwork features portraits of these iconic history-makers in a textured mural style to symbolize their significance and lasting impact on the fields of health and science.
Commonly used to express historical and cultural identity, murals also seek to inspire onlookers who may hope to someday etch their names in history like the white writing found on our campaign wall. The colors used throughout our graphic are the traditional colors of Black History Month, which are black, red, green, and yellow.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in the field of Black History Month and the contributions of Black Americans in health care and science, I would like to share some information related to the concepts mentioned in this article.
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual observance in February that celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. It is a time to recognize the significant impact that Black individuals have had in various fields, including health care and science. The month provides an opportunity to honor the legacies of Black pioneers and inspire future generations to continue breaking barriers and making a difference in these fields.
Black Excellence in Health and Science
The theme of "Black Excellence in Health and Science" highlights the remarkable contributions of Black Americans in the fields of health care and science. It aims to showcase the achievements of Black doctors, nurses, researchers, and health care pioneers who have played pivotal roles in advancing medicine and expanding the knowledge base in medical and associated sciences. Their dedication and innovation have saved lives, transformed the industry, and paved the way for a brighter, more equitable future.
Events and Activities
During Black History Month, various events and activities are organized to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans in health care and science. These events provide opportunities for participation, sharing inspiring stories, and engaging in discussions that highlight the remarkable achievements of Black individuals in these fields.
Some specific events mentioned in the article include:
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"Someone Else’s Shoes," Featuring Dr. Cheryl Walker-McGill - This webinar features Dr. Cheryl Walker-McGill, the Executive Producer of the acclaimed documentary "Someone Else’s Shoes." The webinar aims to highlight the experiences and contributions of Black American medical professionals.
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Resolute Paths: Strategies for Navigating Scientific Careers - This fireside chat provides invaluable tools for early career professionals. It features Lola Olufemi, Ph.D., Senior Portfolio Manager at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke’s Office of Technology Transfer, and Beverly Watkins, Ph.D., Scientific Diversity Officer at the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives. The chat is moderated by Kiana Atkins, the Principal Strategist for the Black Employment Portfolio.
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60 Years Later: Honoring Black Trailblazers in Health and Science at NIH - This event pays tribute to Black trailblazers in health and science who have made significant contributions over the past 60 years.
These events, along with others that may be organized, provide opportunities to learn, celebrate, and recognize the accomplishments of Black Americans in science and medicine.
Artwork and Symbolism
The artwork used for the 2024 Black History Month campaign celebrates the legacy of Black trailblazers in health and science. The artwork features portraits of iconic history-makers such as Dr. Louis Wade Sullivan, Dr. Leonidas H. Berry, Dr. Patricia E. Bath, Dr. Alexa Canady, and Dr. Kristy Carter. The textured mural style symbolizes their significance and lasting impact on the fields of health and science.
The colors used in the artwork, black, red, green, and yellow, are the traditional colors of Black History Month. These colors represent the rich history, culture, and achievements of Black Americans.
The mural style and colors aim to inspire onlookers and future generations, encouraging them to aspire to make their own contributions in the fields of health and science.
I hope this information provides you with a better understanding of the concepts mentioned in the article. If you have any further questions or if there's anything else you'd like to know, please feel free to ask!
