Black History Month Is a Celebration for All Students and Citizens

By Richard Salas, PhD, chief diversity officer, Des Moines University

At Des Moines University (DMU), which offers 10 graduate medical and health sciences degree programs, celebrating Black History Month is part of our commitment to developing the cultural competency and humility of all our students, all of whom are aspiring health professionals. At a time when diversity among Americans – in terms of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and many other factors – has never been greater, it’s imperative the university prepare students to serve patients, communities and populations according to their unique cultural needs, beliefs, customs, values and risk factors.

The month also is important to our students.

“Black History Month is the month we celebrate the many untold stories of African Americans and our often-overlooked achievements,” says Bryce Daniel, MAEd, a student in DMU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. “This is especially important for aspiring medical professionals because it opens the door for cultural sensitivity. Learning more about African American history and being exposed to the culture cultivates a sense of relatability that is essential for quality patient care.”

That “relatability” includes demonstrating respect, developing truly honest communication and building trust, critical factors that lead to better patient outcomes. Acknowledging the contributions and accomplishments of diverse people inspires students, too.

“As a medical student, I believe that it is important to celebrate Black History Month because it focuses on honoring the achievements of Black medical and healthcare professionals who paved the way in their fields,” says Jaquine Egbon, a student in DMU’s Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. “When we celebrate their achievements, it inspires students like me to achieve more.”

DMU is excited to celebrate Black History Month with several activities, events and some fun, open to all students, faculty and staff. We kicked off the month by taking students to the Black History Night game of the Iowa Wolves, our local professional basketball team. Kayla Bell-Consolver, MS, LMHC, was our “Empowered Minds, Empower Minds” guest speaker who hosted a conversation with our students about the systemic issue of burnout and ways students and health professionals can empower one another.

As part of our DMU Implicit Bias series, we hosted author/consultant Blane Harding for his lecture, “Bias, Misconceptions and Contributions of African Americans in the Medical Profession.” As he noted, the contributions of Henrietta Lacks and the tragedy of the Tuskegee Experiment are known among most medical professionals, but “our biases and educational experience fail to highlight the many other contributions” to medicine by countless African Americans.

The highlight of our Black History Month celebration at DMU will be a high-energy, highly engaging program, “Reflections of Ebony: An Evening of Celebration and Community.” It will feature food catered by local Black-owned businesses, live music, spoken word performances, a high school dance/step team and trivia games. Daniel “DJ” Johnson, EdD, an African American high school principal and dedicated mentor, will share his thoughts and reflections on the importance of culture and representation in education and health care.

Amid all that our students have on their plates and the high level of rigor and discipline required to be successful in medical school, it is important to provide all our students with Black History Month events, programs and activities that allow them to take a break, increase their awareness of Black history and the many contributions of African Americans to American history. In addition, our students deserve to have fun and enjoy fellowship with other students, faculty and staff.

“In the overwhelming and demanding life of medical school, February holds a special place in the hearts of Black medical students,” says Oluwaseyi Adeoshun, a student in DMU’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program and the diversity liaison for the Student Government Association, College of Osteopathic Medicine. “This month reminds us to take time out to recharge and celebrate how far we have come and how much we have overcome. It allows us to reflect, teach, learn from and highlight the many achievements, innovations and breakthroughs of Black healthcare professionals who have played significant roles in improving healthcare outcomes. February becomes a canvas to honor the past and enrich our present while also paving the way for an empowered future in the healthcare sciences.”