What Black History Month Means to Me
In recognition of Black History Month, Latisha Ryans, AOCT registered medical assistant, Academic Office of Clinical Trials, HM Research Institute, provides her thoughts on what the month means to her.
“As a little girl, I always looked forward to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday and Black History Month. Although this history was not taught officially in the schools that I attended, I was privileged to learn this important history from my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and church family. They made it a point to make sure we knew our history and the way others paved for us.
“In the church where my dad pastored for 20 years, he would often showcase different historical activities in February to remind us about the struggles of black people in America. For example, everyone would dress how our ancestors dressed, or we would wear traditional African attire.
“I learned about the positive impacts of African American inventors, poets, musicians, philosophers, writers, etc. I was so amazed by their achievements, although many, like Madame C.J. Walker, recorded as the first self-made African American millionaire thanks to the hair care and cosmetics line she created, were never credited for their achievements. I also loved learning about Jackie Robinson, the first African American Major League Baseball player and my favorite of all time.
“I love to reflect during this month on our history; where we are now; how far we have come and the very important progress that we still must continue to push for. I hold this month very dear to my heart. Black History Month for me is every month, not just February.”
Streaming Platform Offers Black History Month Program
Master Class, a streaming platform that invites experts and thought leaders from a range of backgrounds to address a variety of topics, is offering its “Black History, Freedom & Love” program for free during February as part of its Black History Month programming. Click here to access the 54 video lessons covering over 10 hours of content. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
Exploring Andalusia
Join the Arab Heritage ERG on Thursday, February 23 from noon to 1 p.m. to learn about “Andalusia: The Spanish Land with Arabic Influences.” Learn fascinating facts about the architectural and artistic influences that Arab civilization had on various landmarks in this historic southern region of Spain. Presented by Hisham Gaber, Houston Methodist Sr. project manager, IT Portfolio Management. Click here to join the meeting. Meeting ID: 218 195 510 732. Passcode: duwN2r.
Spanish Language DEI Trainings Available
The DEI Training Team provides Spanish language sessions for three of its current trainings—Managing Unconscious Bias, Navigating Multi-Generational Teams and Recognizing the Impact of Microaggressions. Sign up today in LMS. For more information and to request a group session, email DEItraining@houstonmethodist.org.
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