Black History Month Celebrations
February’s designation as Black History Month provides an opportunity to honor and reflect upon the many contributions made by African Americans and Afro-Latinos to our culture and society. It can also serve as a catalyst to examine ongoing challenges and encourage collaboration among all Americans to work toward building a society in which all voices and experiences are heard and appreciated. There are campus specific and systemwide events and activities scheduled to celebrate the month. Click here to view a list of currently scheduled events. We encourage you to be alert to notices about events at your campus. Here are details on a pair of systemwide events:
Apollo Chamber Players Concert
The Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM) hosts a performance by the Apollo Chamber Players and guests on Thursday, February 9 at noon. The concert will feature a new work entitled “Pax” for string quartet, singer and spoken word by Prairie View A&M University composer John Cornelius with Houston Poet Laureate, Outspoken Bean. The concert takes place in the Crain Garden (Dunn Tower) at HMH. You can watch it live on HMH TV channel 3 or 113 or on your personal device at cpam.live. For more information, contact Migallop@houstonmethodist.org.
Virtual Discussion Examines the African Diaspora
The Black Ties For Culture and Hispanic LatinX Alliance ERGs present a virtual discussion focused on the various cultures that make up the African diaspora on Wednesday, February 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m. The discussion will explore the significant accomplishments of African Americans and Afro-Latinos to American culture and society, as well as examine issues of importance to African Americans. The Teams meeting ID is: 227 865 847 484. Password: zK5TRB. For more information, contact Blacktiesforculture@houstonmethodist.org or Hispaniclatinxalliance@houstonmethodist.org.
What Black History Month Means to Me
In recognition of Black History Month, Ekundayo “Dayo” Osho, director of pharmacy, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, and a member of the Black Ties for Culture employee resource group (ERG), provides his thoughts on what the month means to him.
“Each year, Black History Month is a month of deep reflection and profound appreciation for me. I reflect on the great opportunities that I now enjoy because of the selfless sacrifice, the inexplicable suffering endured and the perseverance of the people that came before me.
“It is a month of being intentional in understanding the highs and the lows of the African American experience, which encourages us to not take for granted the progress we have made as a country or be lackadaisical about the advancements that still must be made.
“I do a lot of self-reflection, volunteering and visiting historical sites during the month. I am also deliberate in letting my son and the young men I mentor understand the history of African Americans and the importance of appreciating historical contexts in a bid to navigate future events.
“As a health care administrator, I have a passion to help improve health care access to underserved patient populations.
“While in pharmacy school, I was fortunate to complete a three-month internship at the World Health Organization Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. That experience made it clear that people of color, regardless of where they live, face enormous challenges in accessing basic health care. That exposure guided me on the path I am currently following today.”
Tell Us About Heritage Observances
Is there a heritage month or day you would like for others to learn more about? Please let us know. Contact theofficeofdei@houstonmethodist.org.
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