“Black history is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America — our faults, our struggles, our progress, and our aspirations. Shining a light on Black history today is as important to understanding ourselves and growing stronger as a Nation as it has ever been. That is why it is essential that we take time to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans, honor the legacies and achievements of generations past, reckon with centuries of injustice, and confront those injustices that still fester today.”
– President Joseph Biden, Jr.
Taking time to recognize and value the significance of Black History Month every February is important to Pearl, our leadership, our culture, and our mission.
Black History Month is meant to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, triumphs, and adversities that are an indelible part of our country’s history. In that celebration, every year the ASLAH designates a new theme for the month. The month of February was chosen primarily because the second week of the month coincides with the birthdays of both President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, a former slave who was a prominent leader in the abolitionist movement.
This theme for this year’s Black History Month, is Black Health and Wellness. The intention is to acknowledge the legacy of Black scholars, medical practitioners, mental health professionals, and health paraprofessionals. The 2022 theme considers rituals, activities and initiatives that Black communities have done to support wellness. Sister Audre Lorde’s teaching was part of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s (ASALH) inspiration behind the theme this year. Lorde says, “We are doing more to move forward holistically for the betterment of ourselves, our bodies, our relationships, our communities, and our planet.” She adds that, “We are determined to create a platform that shines a light on the multiple facets of Black health and wellness through education and activism. There is much to uncover, amplify, question, and correct.”
To learn more about Black pioneers in medicine, click here.
To learn more about Black pioneers in mental health, click here.