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Dr. Antonia Novello is a healthcare professional who for many decades focused on improving the health of women, children and those most vulnerable in modern society. 

She was born in Puerto Rico on August 23, 1944 and is the oldest of three children. During her childhood, Dr. Novello suffered from congenital megacolon which impacted her large intestine. Treatment options were available, but due to her family’s financial situation, Dr. Novella was unable to receive surgery to cure the condition until she was eighteen years old. This experience had a lasting impact on her and was one factor that inspired her to pursue a career in health sciences. Dr. Novello earned a multitude of degrees and certificates including a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Puerto Rico in 1965 and 1970 respectively and a master degree in Public Health from John Hopkins University in 1982.  

After marrying Joseph R. Novello and moving to Michigan, Dr. Antonia Novello completed an internship and residency in pediatrics and a fellowship in pediatrics nephrology. She took an interest in nephrology after a beloved family member died due to complications with their kidneys. Dr. Novello practiced medicine in a private office for two years, but eventually transitioned to work for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1978. Novello focused on health issues related to women, children and marginalized communities during her time at NIH. She was instrumental in the legislation that led to the creation of the national organ transplant registry and she also played a significant role in requiring all cigarette containers be labeled with a health warning. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush selected her as the new United States Surgeon General making her both the first woman and the first Hispanic American to fill the role. 

Novello served as the U.S. Surgeon General from 1990 until 1994 when the Clinton Administration began. During her tenure, Novello continued to advocate for women and children. “In March 1992, she and James S. Todd, executive vice-president of the American Medical Association (AMA), held a news conference at which they denounced the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s advertisements featuring the cartoon character Joe Camel, because research showed that it appealed to young children.” (Meier et al., 1997, p. 272) Novello was also vocal about the alcohol industry’s marketing practices, particularly the industry’s use of advertisements which showed people skiing, surfing or mountain climbing with alcoholic beverages close by as it suggested people could perform these activities while consuming alcohol. Novello also raised awareness on domestic violence and its impact on women. (Meier et al. 1997)

After 1994, when a new Surgeon General was appointed, Novello continued to work within the healthcare industry until her retirement in the 2010s. Novello currently spends her time between Puerto Rico and Florida and is still an active advocate for the health needs of others. Most recently during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Novello spoke with parents and other community members of the importance of vaccination and even participated in local vaccination clinics and programs. And in August of 2021, she and other living former surgeon generals participated in a White House event where they discussed “getting information and access to vaccines to communities of color, who have been the hardest hit during the pandemic.” (Sesin, 2021)

Novello has received recognition for her work as a healthcare provider and public health advocate. Some of the awards she has received over the course of her career include “the Public Health Service Commendation Medal (1983); Congressional Hispanic Caucus Medal (1991); Order of Military Medical Merit Award (1992); and the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal (2002).” (Brandman, 2021) Dr. Antonia Novello’s lengthy career is inspirational for people committed to serving their communities and her legacy of speaking up for women and children will have profound effects for years to come. 

References:

Photo by Tom Fisk via Pexels.com

The Hispanic community is one of the fastest growing populations in the United States. According to census data, people who identified as Hispanic accounted for approximately half of the total population growth in the country between 2010 and 2020 and around 18.7% or 62.1 million Americans self-identify as Hispanic or Latino. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021) Despite a significant presence in the country, less than 10% of all healthcare workers are Hispanic. Recent statistics and personal anecdotes suggest that having visible representation of Hispanic American healthcare workers will encourage more Hispanic individuals to pursue a career in the health sciences and allow Hispanic American patients to better connect with their healthcare provider.

On June 14, 2022, the Pew Research Center released a report entitled ‘Hispanic Americans’ Trust in and Engagement with Science.’ The report was based on survey data from nearly 15,000 U.S. adults and examined Hispanic Americans’ perceptions of both health sciences and the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field. The authors note that overall “Hispanic adults hold largely trusting views of both medical scientists and scientists to act in the public’s interests. Hispanic adults’ encounters with the health and medical care system are varied, reflecting the diverse nature of the U.S. Hispanic population across characteristics such as nativity, language proficiency, gender, age and education.” (Funk & Lopez, 2022) Many Hispanic Americans have poor or no access to the healthcare field and for those able to regularly visit a healthcare provider, there are barriers to care, such as communication problems, that are present during these visits. The Pew Center report noted “Hispanic adults are less likely than other Americans to have health insurance and to receive preventative medical care.” (Funk & Lopez, 2022) Survey respondents shared many different opinions on the cause of health disparities within the Hispanic American population including working jobs with high health risks, language barriers, poverty and preexisting health conditions. When asked about solutions to address these health disparities many people responded that they believed increasing the visible representation of Hispanic healthcare workers would address these disparities. This sentiment is echoed by current Hispanic healthcare professionals:

Professional organizations such as the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and National Hispanic Medical Association connect Hispanic healthcare workers and develop meaningful communities. On the George Washington University campus, there is a local chapter Latino Medical Student Association. This organization will hold its 50th annual conference on January 27-28 in 2023 at John Hopkins University and the theme for the conference is “Un Futuro Para Todos: Highlighting Latino Innovation, Service, and Leadership in Medicine.” Registration for the conference is currently open and early bird prices are available until November 11th. To learn more about GWU’s Latino Medical Student Association, click here to view their website or email the organization at lmsa.gwsmhs@gmail.com.

Wandy D. Hernandez-Gordon writes in their personal narrative for AMA Journal of Ethics “Health professionals with cultural and language proficiency are critical to successful interventions, including health education, preventative medicine, and treatment. But these interventions are only the start in addressing the higher burdens and challenges that Latinos face in accessing quality health care. It is also critical to dissect and understand the systems and structures that both lead to and exacerbate health inequities.” (Hernandez-Gordon, 2022, p. 335) The Hispanic population in the United States continues to grow and it is important that they are able to access the full benefits of the healthcare system. In order to meet the needs of this diverse population, it’s important that more Hispanic healthcare professionals enter the field, share their experiences with their colleagues and collaborate with one another to offer long-lasting solutions.

References: 

Funk, C., & Lopez M.H. “Hispanic Americans’ Trust in and Engagement with Science.” Pew Research Center, Washington D.C. (June 14, 2022) https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2022/06/14/hispanic-americans-trust-in-and-engagement-with-science/

Hernandez-Gordon, W.D. (2022). Why Community Health Workers’ Roles in Latinx Communities Are Essential. AMA Journal of Ethics, 24(2), E333-339. https://doi.org/10.1001/amajethics.2022.333


United States Census Bureau. (2021). 2020 Census Illuminates Racial and Ethnic Composition of the Country. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/08/improved-race-ethnicity-measures-reveal-united-states-population-much-more-multiracial.html

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law which provided legal protections for disabled people. To commemorate the signing of this key piece of legislation, July 26th is known as National Disability Independence Day. 

According to ADA.gov, “The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities...The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs.” (U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, 2022) The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who:

  • Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
  • Has a history or record of such an impairment (such as cancer that is in remission), or
  • Is perceived by others as having such an impairment (such as a person who has scars from a severe burn). (U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, 2022)

The ADA is split into five subsections which details the protections disabled people are given. While the ADA prevents discrimination against disabled people due to their disabilities, many disability activists remain vocal about the inequalities disabled people continue to face. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many disability rights activists spoke up on how COVID safety measures were key to keeping disabled and severely ill people safe. When these measures were lifted  many disabled people were unable to fully participate in society:

“Disability rights and inclusion activist Imani Barbarin started the #MyDisabledLifeIsWorthy hashtag…in response to [CDC Director Dr. Rochelle] Walensky’s Jan. 7 appearance on Good Morning America, in which the presence of underlying conditions in those who have died from COVID-19 was framed as ‘encouraging news’...That Walensky’s remarks angered so many in the disability community–who took to Twitter to speak out about feeling unprotected and unvalued at a time when opposition to mask-wearing and vaccine mandates remains considerable, and accessibility is compromised–is emblematic of nearly two years of ongoing frustration with a society that is rushing to return to business as usual while leaving high-risk individuals isolated and vulnerable.”

(Pagano, 2022)

Disability rights activists point out that accessibility features allow disabled people to engage with society and also benefits able bodied people. As disability rights activist Kings Floyd notes in their TEDx talk Lessons in Making Aging Accessible, From a Millenial: “If we cannot support the community in which we live everyday, to be able to connect, to be able to socialize, to be able to be accessible, we are not planning for our future and we are not planning for our success.” (Floyd, 2019)

The movement for equal rights for disabled people has a long history and is still active today. A Disability History of the United States (available through the ConsortiumLoan Service) provides a detailed account of the disability rights movement and key figures. Other important books that cover this topic include Twenty-Two Cents an Hour: Disability Rights and the Fight to End Subminimum Wages, Accessible America: A History of Disability and Design and Disability Rights, Benefits, and Support Services Sourcebook. NPR’s Independence Day For Americans with Disabilities focuses on the fight for the Americans with Disabilities Act. Judith Heumann’s TED talk Our Fight for Disability Rights–and Why We’re Not Done Yet is a personal narrative about the fight for accessible facilities and job opportunities. Lastly there is the Disability Visibility Project which is an online storytelling website that publishes work by disabled creators.

References:

Floyd, K. (2019, December 13). Lessons in Making Aging Accessible, From a Millenial. YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsWPbi-XTK4&t=1s

Pagano, J. (2022, January 23). #MyDisabledLifeIsWorthy highlights disability community’s pandemic frustrations: ‘We are seen as collateral damage’. Yahoo!News. 

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. (2022). Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act. https://beta.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/

Photo by Markus Spiske

In the United States, June is designated as Pride Month where LGBTQIA+ individuals, families, organizations and their allies commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots, recognize the struggle for marriage equality, bring awareness to discriminatory legislation and celebrate the range of gender identities and sexualities. Washington D.C. hosts a large Pride parade and festival every year and this year’s event, which occurred June 11th and 12th, was projected to have over half a million people in attendance. If you missed the parade and festival, there are still organizations, resources and events, including another local Pride festival, that will allow you to connect with members of D.C.’s LGBTQIA+ community. 

  • 2022 Arlington Pride Festival- June 25, 2022 marks the first year that Arlington, Virginia will host its own Pride celebration. The event will be held at Gateway Park in the Rosslyn neighborhood, which is metro-accessible. The festival starts at noon and will end at 7 pm. There will be performances, vendors, food and other entertainment and it is free to attend. Make the trip across the Potomac on the 25th and come celebrate this year’s Pride month! 
  • The DC Center- Located on 14th Street NW, the DC Center for the LGBT Community is a local community center who “educates, empowers, celebrates, and connects the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.” The DC Center hosts many social and community events including Reel Affirmations, an international LGBTQ film festival, and OutWrite, a literary festival. On June 23rd-26th, the DC Center will have the DC Pride Film Festival 2022. In-person film screenings will take place on the 23rd at 7pm and 9pm at the E Street Cinema and virtual screenings will begin on the 24th. The DC Center hosts other community building events and social and peer support groups to help people connect. Be sure to check out their website to learn more about their work! 
  • The Library of Congress- The Library of Congress has several resources to help you learn more about Pride celebrations and the LGBTQIA+ community. Their ‘History of Pride’ is an interactive webpage that goes into detail about the Stonewall Riots and how that historical event eventually became Pride Month. They also have several online resources and archives including the ‘LGBTQIA+ Studies: A Resource Guide’ and the ‘LGBTQ+ Studies Web Archive’ which “collects and preserves online content which documents LGBTQ+ history, scholarship, and culture in the United States and around the world.” If you’re interested in accessing primary and/or secondary sources related to the LGBTQIA+ community, be sure to explore the Library of Congress’ collections. 
  • Himmelfarb Library- Himmelfarb Library has an assortment of books, journals, articles, blog posts and other resources that focus on LGBTQ+ healthcare. Last year, we published several blog posts for Pride month including a profile of Dr. Rachel Levine, the first openly trans woman to be confirmed to a federal position by Congress, a 2021 Pride resources list that featured titles in our collection, such as the Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health and Transgender Mental Health,  and most recently we published a post on trans healthcare and how transphobic bias severely impacts trans patients. The staff at Himmelfarb Library are committed to providing resources that not only meet the needs of our patrons, but also encourage them to think critically about social and cultural issues that have an impact on healthcare. 

Washington D.C. and the surrounding Northern Virginia and Maryland area is home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community and there are other organizations that provide support for people. This list curated by Arlington County has additional organizations that were not featured in this blog post. And if you have an organization that you’d like to highlight, please leave their information in the comments section. May you all have a safe and joyous Pride! 

Three Black and disabled folx smile and hold mini flags. On the left, a non-binary person holds both a rainbow pride flag and a transgender pride flag, while a cane rests behind her. In the middle, a non-binary person waves the rainbow flag while in their power wheelchair. On the right, a femme waves both a rainbow and transgender pride flag. (via Disabled and Here image collection)

Photo Credit: Chona Kasinger. Part of the Disabled and Here image collection.

(Photo Credit: Photo by Darya Sannikova)

Saturday, May 21, 2022 is recognized as World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. This awareness day was first established by the United Nations in 2002 and is a day that recognizes the importance of cultural diversity as a way to overcome long-standing divisions, cultivate global peace and sustainable economic growth. 

“Three-quarters of the world’s major conflicts have a cultural dimension. Bridging the gap between culture is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development. Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only with respect to economic growth, but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life.” (United Nations, n.d.)

 If you’d like to honor World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, here are some resources, organizations and events that can assist you:

  • Passport DC- Organized by Cultural Tourism DC, Passport DC occurs in May and is a month-long event filled with concerts, festivals, panel discussions and much more that highlights the rich culture of different countries and ethic groups. The Around the World Embassy Tour is likely Passport DC’s most well-known event, where many embassies open their doors to the general public and showcase their country’s cuisine, art, music or other cultural staple. 2022’s Around the World Embassy Tour occurred earlier this month, but Passport DC has a plethora of upcoming events including ‘Matcha Teabowls special exhibition at TOKIYA’, ‘The Washington Jewish Film and Music Festival’, ‘Argentine Festival’, and ‘Taiwan Night Concert 2022’. Visit Passport DC’s website to learn more. 
  • GW’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement- GW’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement offers events, educational resources and much more in an effort to establish an inclusive atmosphere and encourage productive dialogue about diversity, equity and inclusion on campus. Currently, they are disseminating a Spring 2022 Climate Survey to “gather information about the current university climate related to diversity, equity, and inclusion for students, faculty, and staff.” (Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement, n.d.) May 20th is the last day to submit the survey. The office also offers resources on allyship, decolonization, gender and sexuality and so much more. 
  • Himmelfarb’s Cultural Competency Guide- This guide provides educational materials to help researchers and students navigate cultural awareness in the medical and health sciences field. The guide has several tabs for specific resources such as books, articles, clinical resources and more. This is a living guide with new resources added as they are made available. If you have questions or would like to offer additional resources, please contact Stacy Brody at sbrody98@gwu.edu

By interacting with different cultures we not only better understand ourselves, but we also connect with others on a deeper and meaningful level. World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is the perfect opportunity to engage with a worldview that’s outside of your own! 

Reference:

United Nations. (n.d.). World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, 21 May. Retrieved May 19, 2022, from https://www.un.org/en/observances/cultural-diversity-day

Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement. (n.d.). Retrieved May 19, 2022 from https://diversity.gwu.edu/

Photo of sign that reads 'Fight Today for a Better Tomorrow' at a demonstration
(Picture provided via Markus Spikse on Pexels)

The United Nations first celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, 1975 and two years later, the international organization designated March 8 as an annual day of observation for International Women’s Day. This awareness day is celebrated in a variety of ways depending on the country. Many people use the day to honor the successes of women and various gender equality movements, while also raising awareness on the issues that continue to impact women such as pay inequality and the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and children. 

Though the UN didn’t designate March 8 as International Women’s Day until 1977, the day originated in the early 1900s during labor rights protests and the suffrage movement. “The impetus for establishing an International Women’s Day can be traced back to New York City in February 1908, when thousands of women who were garment workers went on strike and marched through the city to protest against their working conditions.” (Haynes, 2018). To honor the anniversary of these labor strikes, the first National Women’s Day was celebrated in the United States on February 28, 1909. The celebration was led by Clara Zetkin, a German organizer and socialist, who was instrumental in spreading the awareness day in Europe. Russia celebrated its first International Women’s Day in 1913, but in 1917, after suffering from poor economic and social conditions, many used the day to protest and express their outrage over the mistreatment they faced. Their strikes and protests led to Russian women gaining the right to vote that same year. Suffragists in other nations learned from the experience of the women in Russia and used similar tactics to eventually gain the ability to vote. The collaboration and solidarity of women across the world continued throughout the 1900s and their activism paved the way for International Women’s Day to become a globally recognized holiday. 

The International Women’s Day website offers resources and events to help you learn more about the day and connect with others who are invested in advocating for women’s equality. On March 8 at 2:00 pm, the National Cancer Institute will hold an event titled ‘Breaking Bias: Women in Healthcare and Science Leadership.’  On March 11 the ‘Reimagined in America: Advance Gender Equity’ event will discuss building gender equity policies and gender inclusive communities in the United States. The United Nations will also hold a virtual event on March 8 from 10:00 am- 11:30 am in celebration of International Women’s Day. The event will focus on climate change and its impact on women and children and will feature appearances from prominent international leaders and figures such as Jane Goodall and UN Leaders. Click here to register for this UN event! If you're interested in attending a local event, GWU's American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) will be holding a potluck to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, 2022 from 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm in the Ross Hall Courtyard. Dean Bass will be a guest speaker! If you'd like to sign up to bring a dish to the potluck, use this Google Sheet.

There are many ways to observe International Women’s Day. It’s a time to reflect on the significant achievements of women around the world and the perfect time to commit to and work towards a more gender inclusive world. We hope you’ll learn more about the history of International Women’s Day or attend one of the many events that honor this holiday!

Work Cited:

Haynes, Suyin. (2018, March 8). The Radical Reason Why March 8 Is International Women’s Day. TIME Magazine. https://time.com/5187268/international-womens-day-history/

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African-Americans have always been a significant portion of Washington D.C.’s population. Since the cultivation of the land and eventual creation of the capital city, African-Americans, both enslaved and free, steadily flowed into the city and planted roots in certain neighborhoods such as U Street, Georgetown and Barry’s Farm. They formed communities that often bridged class divisions to support each other through adversity and advocated for the expansion of their rights, from equitable access to the voting booth to safe and affordable housing, issues that are still relevant today. Scattered throughout the city are monuments and memorials dedicated to some of the figures, social-political movements and institutions that were pivotal in supporting the African-American community. As this year’s Black History Month comes to a close, we’d like to highlight some of the people, locations, landmark court cases and other historical moments that created the foundation that many Black Washingtonians stand on today.

Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806)- A native Marylander, Benjamin Banneker was a mathematician and amateur astronomer who helped survey the land and establish boundaries for the newly commissioned capital of the United States. Banneker received little formal education and taught himself many of the skills he frequently used. When Andrew Ellicott, a cousin of Banneker’s neighbor George Ellicott, was tapped to survey the land that eventually became Washington D.C., Andrew brought along Banneker to assist with the project. In the 1600s and 1700s the land around the future capital was primarily farm land, specifically tobacco plantations that heavily relied on slave labor. When the survey team arrived, they had to navigate a landscape that looked vastly different from the city of our time. Because of his age and the demands of the physical labor that the project required “Banneker…concentrated on the intellectual tasks of calibrating instruments, making mathematical projections, and calculating distances accurately.” (Asch & Musgrove, 2017, p. 27) Banneker also advocated for emancipation for enslaved Africans. In a letter to Thomas Jefferson, he expressed his desire to see enslaved people freed and argued that African-Americans could contribute to society if they were given the opportunities to govern themselves. Benjamin Banneker died in 1806 in Maryland and was buried in his family’s burial grounds. Overlooking L’Enfant Plaza in the southwest sector of D.C. is a park dedicated to Benjamin Banneker. This park is one of many sites in the country that pays tribute to Banneker’s work and legacy. 

Queen v. Hepburn (1813)- Slavery was a dominant function of Washington D.C’s society, much like other parts of the country. While enslaved people in Washington experienced some small forms of freedom and independence, unlike those who labored on Southern plantations, they still sought ways to experience full freedom. Freed African-Americans would often ‘purchase’ their enslaved relatives. But some enslaved individuals used the courts to gain their freedom. Mina Queen, an enslaved woman in Maryland, pursued this route in the 1810s when she argued for her freedom by insisting that her great-grandmother was a free woman and this freedom passed down to Mina. She hired Francis Scott Key to represent her and her case circulated through the legal system before eventually reaching the Supreme Court. Unfortunately the Supreme Court ruled against Mina and her eventual fate is unknown. Chief Justice John Marshall “dismissed the use of hearsay testimony to establish one’s legal status, ruling that in legal terms enslaved people were considered property. If the Court allowed such hearsay evidence, Marshall argued ‘no man could feel safe in any property.’” (Asch & Musgrove, 2017, pp.42-43) While the Queen v. Hepburn case was a setback for enslaved people seeking their freedom, it also points to the ways in which they resisted the institution of slavery. This decision did not deter enslaved people from using the courts to gain their freedom and shows the many avenues African-Americans pursued before the Emancipation Proclamation.

Barry Farms (established. 1867)- Located in Southeast Washington, Barry Farms was created by the Freedmen’s Bureau after the end of the Civil War. While the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved people in the South, enslaved Washingtonians were actually freed a year earlier in 1862 with the passage of “An Act for the Release of Certain Persons Held to Service or Labor in the District of Columbia” that President Lincoln signed into law on April 16, 1862. (This date is remembered as Emancipation Day in D.C.) African-Americans flocked to the capital, putting further strain on the already limited housing market. The Freedmen’s Bureau was tasked with assisting the freed men and women adjust to their new lives. To help resettle African-Americans, the bureau purchased 375 acres of land, divided the land into one-acre plots and sold them for $125-$300 per acre. The purchase also included lumber to construct homes and residents had two years to pay off the costs. Over the years, Barry Farms developed into a thriving community which included hundreds of homesteads, a church, a school and other community institutions. The Barry Farms community exists today, though many residents are actively working to keep the neighborhood listed as an affordable housing option. Barry Farms did not completely end the housing crisis many Washingtonians experienced, but with time it developed into a well-established neighborhood for African-Americans.

Photo of books on a shelf
(Photo by Element5 Digital from Pexels)

African-American Education in the District- Black Washingtonians saw access to education as a key feature that would benefit everyone. As more and more African-Americans migrated to the capital, individuals and charitable organizations worked to build public and private schools to teach reading, arithmetic and other subjects. Howard University, located near the popular U Street Corridor, was founded in 1867 and named after the Union general Oliver O. Howard. It was originally an integrated university, but primarily focused on educating black students. The Preparatory School for Colored Youth (later known as M Street High School and eventually Dunbar High School) was one of the first public high schools for African-American students. The high school was a well-respected and beloved institution for Black Washingtonians and it eventually became one of the top high schools in the country. Many of the schools wrestled with segregation and intense scrutiny from school board members or congressional leaders, but this didn’t dissuade individuals from seeking to educate themselves. Many African-Americans saw a formal education as their ticket to a better life.

Mary Church Terrell (1863-1954)- Born in Tennessee, Mary Church Terrell was an educator, activist and one of the first Black women to earn a college degree. She was an influential figure in the community. She taught Latin at M Street High School and was eventually appointed to the Board of Education, making her the first Black woman to ever sit on a school board in the country. In 1896, she helped found the National Association of Colored Women. Terrell believed in “uplifting” the Black community and worked tirelessly with other organizations to fight against racial discrimination. When African-American women secured the right to vote with the passage of the 19th amendment, Terrell focused on other forms of discrimination such as inequitable access to education and racial discrimination by businesses. Her home, located in the LeDroit Park neighborhood, is considered a National Historic Landmark and in 2020 she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

“Black Broadway”/ U Street Corridor- With it’s close proximity to Howard University, the blocks of U Street are filled with restaurants, bars and clubs where many Washingtonians unwind after the work week. But from the early to mid 1900s, U Street was a hub of entertainment and commerce for African-Americans who were denied access to many theaters, businesses and other venues because of Jim Crow laws. Before the Harlem Renaissance, U Street was filled with nightclubs, theaters and restaurants that catered to middle-class and affluent African-Americans and was seen as a place of cultural significance. U Street “boasted more than three hundred black-owned businesses and organizations, including the Whitelaw Hotel and the Industrial Savings Bank, both established by a remarkable, unschooled black entrepreneur named John Whitelaw Lewis.” (Asch & Musgrove, 2017, p. 239) Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, one of the most well-known composers and jazz musicians, grew up near the historic U Street Corridor and performed some of his earliest shows in the neighborhood’s theaters. Though the area experienced hardships in the 1960s to the 1990s, it has once again become a popular section of the District and is remembered for providing entertainment to African-Americans after the Great Depression.

It is difficult capturing every historical event that holds meaning to the African-American community in Washington D.C. While the capital was not immune to the racial tensions and divisions that impacted the rest of the country, many African-Americans believed Washington D.C. was a haven and people moved to the city in search of a better life. There are ongoing changes to the capital’s population, but it’s important to remember the history and experiences of the individuals and organizations that helped shape Washington D.C.

Work Cited:

  Asch, & Musgrove, G. D. (2017). Chocolate City : a history of race and democracy in the nation’s capital. The University of North Carolina Press.

McQuirter, M. A. (n.d.) A Brief History of African Americans in Washington, DC. Cultural Tourism DC. https://www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/a-brief-history-of-african-americans-in-washington-dc

Biography.com Editors. (2014, April 2) Benjamin Banneker Biography. The Biography.com website. https://www.biography.com/scientist/benjamin-banneker

Black Broadway on U: A Transmedia Project. (n.d.) Blackbroadway on U. https://blackbroadwayonu.com/

Further Readings:

 Black Georgetown Remembered: A History of Its Black Community from the Founding of “The Town of George” in 1751 to the Present Day by Kathleen Menzie Lesko, Valerie Babb & Carroll R. Gibbs

Leading the Race: The Transformation of the Black elite in the nation’s capital, 1880-1920 by Jacqueline M. Moore (available through a CLS request)

The Black History of the White House by Clarence Lusane (available through a CSL request)

African-American authors have contributed to the body of American literature for centuries. From memoir to poetry and contemporary literature, African-American writers captured the history of the time from the Black perspective, commented on the current political and social conflicts and created fictional narratives that readers could escape to when the world was too daunting. The following list of recommendations scratches the surface of novels, memoirs, non-fiction books and other works penned by African-American authors:

  1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: Debuting at number one on the New York Times bestsellers list, where it remained for fifty weeks, The Hate U Give is Angie Thomas’ debut young adult novel that deals with the Black Lives Matter movement. The novel follows Starr who witnesses the death of her friend, Khalil, during a traffic stop. For the rest of the story, Starr mourns Khalil’s death while building the courage to use her voice for good as the fragile social ties in her school and community shatter after the incident. 
  2. Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick: Stories from the Harlem Renaissance by Zora Neale Hurston: A writer, anthropologist and folklorist, Hurston is most often remembered for her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God published in 1937. In recent years there has been a renewed interest in Hurston’s work and some of her writing has been published posthumously, including this story collection published in 2020. This is a perfect collection for anyone interested in the Harlem Renaissance and the artists who still influence their respective creative fields to this day. 
  3. Just As I Am: A Memoir by Cicely Tyson: Actress, activist, and national icon, Cicely Tyson’s career lasted for seven decades and included films such as The Trip to Bountiful , Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and tv shows How to Get Away With Murder, Roots and King. Her 2021 memoir, published just two days before her death, is a stunning recollection of her childhood, her time as a stage and screen actress and the relationships that shaped her identity. Cicely Tyson’s memoir not only shares the life and legacy of a prolific actress, but also offers advice on how to live a meaningful life. 
  4. All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson: According to the author, this collection of personal essays was inspired by Toni Morrison’s quote “If there’s a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” Petra Mayer from NPR says about the book “Johnson draws readers into his own experiences with clear, confiding essays–from childhood encounters with bullies to sexual experiences good and bad, to finding unexpected brotherhood in a college fraternity, all of it grounded in the love and support of his family.” If you’re interested in reading this title, it will soon be available for checkout from Himmelfarb Library. 
  5. Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain: This history of Black America starts in 1619 and ends in the present day. This historical collection includes essays, poems, short stories and other texts from different writers who all reflect on the formation of the African-American community and how their presence influenced American society. This title gives a different perspective of American history and introduces readers to a number of Black historians, essayists and authors. 
  6. Black Man in a White Coat by Damon Tweedy: This memoir provides insight into how race impacts African-Americans’ access to quality healthcare in America. “In this powerful, moving, and deeply empathetic book, Tweedy explores the challenges confronting black doctors, and the disproportionate health burdens faced by black patients, ultimately seeking a way forward to better treatment and more compassionate care.” (Macmillian.com) While the subject matter may be difficult to read, it sparks a necessary conversation about how race and other factors profoundly impact people’s connection to our healthcare system. 
  7. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler:  Octavia E. Butler was a science-fiction and fantasy author whose novels and short stories influenced many aspiring writers, particularly African-American speculative fiction authors. Parable of the Sower is the first novel in a planned series that unfortunately remains unfinished. The novel is set in the 2020s and deals with climate change, social inequality and political unrest. Parable of the Sower is an excellent novel for readers who want to begin to explore Butler’s body of work. 
  8. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson: Winner of the 2014 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, Brown Girl Dreaming is a blend of poetry and memoir as it follows Woodson’s childhood years in rural South Carolina and New York. Speaking to NPR after the book’s publication, Loriene Roy the former head of the American Library Association, said “Once you dip into the pages you realize it’s a story for more than the brown girls…It’s for people who want to celebrate with them or anyone who wants to find that voice for themselves.” 

Many of these titles are available for checkout through Himmelfarb’s Consortium Loan Service. If you need assistance requesting a title through the Consortium Loan Service, please watch this tutorial

We hope this list will inspire you to search for other African-American writers and works that impacted both the African-American community and the wider American literary landscape. If you have a favorite author or book written by a Black author, share them with others in the comments.

Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail (Women's History Matters)

In an effort to remain accountable to communities who have been negatively impacted by past and present medical injustices, the staff at Himmelfarb Library is committed to the work of maintaining an anti-discriminatory practice. We will uplift and highlight diverse stories throughout the year, and not shy away from difficult conversations necessary for health sciences education. To help fulfill this mission, today's blog post examines the life and activism of Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail.

Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail was a Native American nurse who consistently advocated for better access to quality, culturally sensitive healthcare and during her decades long medical career, she documented and recounted stories of medical abuse that Native Americans frequently experienced when visiting hospitals or non-Native doctors. Yellowtail was one of the first Native American registered nurses and the first registered nurse from the Crow people. Her work as an activist paved the way for other medical professionals who sought to end harmful practices that frequently impacted lower-class families and people of color.

Yellowtail was born on January 27, 1903 on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana. She was orphaned at a young age, but lived with an aunt who took care of Yellowtail and her sister. Like many young Native children, Susie Yellowtail attended an Indian boarding school until she met the Baptist missionary, Frances Shaw. Yellowtail traveled with Shaw to a Baptist convention in Denver, before moving to Oklahoma to complete her education at the Bacone Indian School. When Frances Shaw married and became Mrs. Clifford Fields, Yellowtail once again moved to the East where she lived with the Fields family. During this time, Susie Yellowtail enrolled in Northfield Seminary. Mrs. Fields paid for the tuition fees, but to afford her room and board, Yellowtail worked as a nanny and maid for the Fields family. Eventually she left the seminary and instead enrolled in a nursing program at Franklin County Memorial Hospital and completed her training at the Boston City Hospital School of Nursing. She received her degree in 1927 and worked in several different positions before returning to the reservation where she was born.

Working as a nurse for the Indian Health Service’s run hospital, Yellowtail witnessed firsthand the mistreatment many Crow people experienced during their appointments. She “documented instances of Indian children dying from lack of access to medical care, Indian women being sterilized without consent, and tribal elders unable to communicate their health concerns to doctors.” (Women's History Matters) Yellowtail sought to provide better treatment for her community and was vocal with her criticisms of the non-Native doctors, nurses and medical professionals who worked in the hospital. She blended her Crow culture and traditions with her medical education to care for Native patients who were nervous around the hospital staff or unable to access the hospital and its services. In 1929, Susie Walking Bear married Thomas Yellowtail and the two became major leaders on the reservation.

Thomas and Susie Yellowtail (Women's History Matters)

Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail served as a member of several reservation advisory committees and this eventually led to President John F. Kennedy appointing her to the Surgeon General’s Advisory Committee on Indian Health. She was reappointed to this position by both the Johnson and Nixon administrations. In this role, Yellowtail traveled to other Native American reservations and documented Native Americans’ experiences with visiting their hospitals. Almost immediately, she noticed a similarity in stories and used this information to create recommendations that would improve not only the relationship between Native Americans and health professionals, but also address years of harm that went unchecked. Susie Yellowtail continued her work for decades and died on December 25, 1981.

Yellowtail received recognition for her work both during her lifetime and after her passing. She was awarded the President’s Award for Outstanding Nursing by President Kennedy in 1962 and she was inducted into the Montana Hall of Fame in 1987. In 2002, she was also inducted into the American Nurses Association Hall of Fame.

While Susie Walking Bear Yellowtails’ career and advocacy efforts positively impacted the Crow people and other Native American tribes in her lifetime, her work served as an example on how health rights activists could monitor and document patient mistreatment by the medical field. Yellowtail used her Crow identity and nursing education to provide culturally sensitive care to the Native Americans who requested her services. As one of the first registered nurses of Native American descent, Susie Yellowtail embedded herself in the medical field and brought about long-lasting changes that can still be felt to this day.

Sources

“Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail: ‘Our Bright Morning Star.’” Women’s History Matters, 6 May 2014, montanawomenshistory.org/susie-walking-bear-yellowtail-our-bright-morning-star.

Theobald, Brianna. “Nurse, Mother, Midwife-Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail and the Struggle for Crow Women’s Reproductive Autonomy.” Montana The Magazine of Western History, vol. 66, no. 3, 2016. National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, www.niwrc.org/resources/journal-article/nurse-mother-midwife-susie-walking-bear-yellowtail-and-struggle-crow.

In an effort to remain accountable to communities who have been negatively impacted by past and present medical injustices, the staff at Himmelfarb Library is committed to the work of maintaining an anti-discriminatory practice. We will uplift and highlight diverse stories throughout the year, and not shy away from difficult conversations necessary for health sciences education. To help fulfill this mission,  today's post will highlight the Native Health Database.

The Native Health Database is an online collection that organizes and shares information related to the health and health care of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Canadian First Nations. The Native Health Database  “...provides information for the benefit, use, and education of organizations and individuals with an interest in health-related issues, programs and initiatives regarding North American Indigenous peoples.” 

Created in the 1990s, the Native Health Database is the final result of the merging of two different Native American health care collections, the Native Health History Database and the Native Health Research Database. When Dr. William W. Schottstaedt donated over 3,000 documents to the University of New Mexico’s Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center, the resources were compiled into the Native Health History Database. The historical documents  dated from 1672 to 1966 and were collected into a single database that focused on the history of health and healthcare of Native American people. 

The Native Health Research Database began in 1997 when the United States Indian Health Service contracted with The Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center to create a resource that covered the current landscape of Native American health. These two databases merged into the Native Health Database in 2007,  and recently transitioned to the Mukurtu CMS platform with the goal of giving Native American groups and individuals better control and access to the content that’s available for viewing and sharing. 

The Native Health Database does not require users to create an account to browse or access items in the collection, but registered users can save items to their personal collection for later review and registration is free. 

When searching for a resource, you can refine your search by the date, tribal or group affiliation, subject, resource type or by other parameters. Resource types include, but are not limited to, journal articles, editorials, guidelines and monographs. While the full resource  is not stored on the database,  the individual database records provide  information to guide you to the manuscript or document elsewhere.

 You may use the item’s identifier to search for the resource through an external link such as PubMed Central. If you’re interested in the physical copy of the resource, you can contact the Native Health Database administrator at hsc-nhd@salud.unm.edu to request access to the resource. Please note these requests are granted on a case-by-case basis. 

The Native Health Database is an excellent resource for  learning about the historical and current needs of Native American communities. With documents ranging from the late 1600s to now, the database covers a broad spectrum of topics and time periods. The content available through the Native Health Database is meant to serve as a springboard for individuals as they explore the specific topics and needs that directly impact Native American groups. By increasing their level of understanding of Native American health, medical professionals and researchers will have the ability to better address the needs of their patients or undertake research opportunities that are respectful of Native American people and communities.