Black History Month 2024: Educate. Elevate. Empower

As part of our diversity efforts, we are asking our campus community to honor Black History Month through our theme: Educate. Elevate. Empower.

Share your thoughts and experiences on social media using the hashtag #KUMC_BlackHistoryMonth.

Ongoing Opportunities

• Explore directories of Black-owned local businesses in our campus communities:
  • Black-owned Restaurants in Kansas City (PDF)
  • KC Black Owned Business Directory
  • Visit KC | Black-Owned Businesses in Kansas City
  • Wichita by E.B. | Wichita Black-owned restaurants
  • Wichita Life | Black-owned Local Wichita Businesses
     
• PREP-KC serves Kansas and Missouri by creating and implementing strategies that help students attending Kansas City’s urban school districts succeed in college and their careers. In-person and virtual opportunities are available and needed! Support our theme, Educate, and learn more or volunteer.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS

Honoring Black and African American historical figures at KU Medical Center

Feb. 1-29, 2024
Location: Murphy Lobby (Kansas City campus) and the Lawrence, Salina and Wichita campus lobbies or online

As part of our theme Educate, immerse yourself in the rich history of KU Medical Center by visiting our special exhibits across all three campuses showcasing the extraordinary lives and contributions of Black and African American historical figures at KU Medical Center.

View additional interactive exhibits about the desegregation of KU School of Medicine in 1938 and Black and African American historical figures at KU Medical Center online.

Dividing Lines: A History of Segregation in Kansas City Tour

Feb. 13, 2024, 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Location: Shuttle pick up location in front of Olathe garage across from Kirmayer Fitness Center on Olathe Blvd.

Journey with us through the history of segregation in the Kansas City metro area on this 90-minute shuttle drive as we Elevate our understanding. Nathaniel Bozarth, ethnographer, and host of the Wide Ruled podcast, narrates with interviews from several area students.  Notable city figures include Sid Willens, Bill Tammeus, Mamie Hughes and Margaret May.

Two shuttle times will be offered, and space is limited. Registration is required so be sure to sign up today! Parking will be available for those traveling from other campuses.

Self-directed tours are also available if you are unable to join us on the shuttle. Dividing Lines: A History of Segregation in Kansas City

Community Conversation: From Redlining to Repair

Feb. 21, 2024, 12-1:15 p.m.
Virtual

Join us for our Black History Month Community Conversation as we host a panel discussion, including local experts who support our Educate theme as they delve into the history and impact of redlining. Specifically, we will explore how redlining began, the importance of urban development and how we can eradicate the effects of redlining in our local communities. 

Panelists: Ajia Morris, co-founder and CEO of The Greenline Initiative; Kimberly Weaver, community strategist and co-founder of WyCo Mutual Aid; Dr. Toya Like, associate dean and professor in the UMKC School of Humanities and Social Sciences; Marvin Lyman, housing development finance professional at Equitable Development Partners; and Dr. Jason Glenn, associate professor in the Department of History and Philosophy of Medicine at KU School of Medicine.

Smoky Hill Museum Driving Tour

Feb. 22, 2024. 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Meet in the Jayhawk Lobby on the Salina campus

Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate Black History Month and deepen your understanding of Salina's cultural heritage. Join us on a driving tour of Salina as we visit locations that highlight the struggle, leadership, and resilience of Salina’s Black community. The tour will be led by Nona Miller, Curator of Education at Smoky Hill Museum. Snacks and water will be provided. Registration is required.

Self-guided tour are also available if you are unable to join us on the bus.

Kansas African American Museum Tour and Presentation

Feb. 27, 2024, 6-7:30 p.m.
Location: 601 N. Water St, Wichita, KS 67203

The Kansas African American Museum was once the cornerstone of Wichita’s vibrant black community and stands as a monument to human endurance as well as to dignity. Join us for a group presentation, Q&A and tour of the museum. We'll have a small celebration following with appetizers so be sure to register!

Cultural Celebration and Recognition

Feb. 29, 2024, 4-6:30 p.m.
Location: Beller Conference Center (Hemenway)

Join us to Empower our community as we recognize some of our local health care heroes and celebrate Black History Month with music, dance, trivia and food. Registration is required so be sure to sign up today!

Black History Month 2023: Thrive. Achieve. Affirm.

Six-Part Educational Series – Life as an African American Student at the University of Kansas throughout the Decades

February 2, 12 p.m.-1:15 p.m.

Join us on Thursday, Feb. 2, at noon for Part Six, Season Two of the Six-Part Educational Series. The root cause of health inequity in the United States is structural racism. Stark inequities in morbidity and mortality among minoritized populations have persisted for generations. This series will contextualize the historical and systemic nature of racism in America and how systemic racism impacts our health. As a concept that first emerged with European colonial expansion in the 16th century, race is woven into the fabric of American consciousness. It is insufficient and harmful to view racism as an isolated event; doing so invalidates the experiences of those afflicted by racism while perpetuating the structures and systems that uphold racism. Continuing education credit is available.

Envisioning Racism and REPAIR Project

February 7, 6-8 p.m.

In honor of Black History Month and Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Tuesday, Feb. 7, BlaqOut hosts a listening session for the REPAIR Project, an oral history research project at KU Medical Center in partnership with the Black Archives of Mid-America. This event includes dinner and discussion and will center the voices of the Black and queer community. Learn more about the REPAIR Project and register to participate. 

Jayhawk Coffee Break

February 8, 12-1 p.m.

As we kick off Black History Month, join us during a special Jayhawk Coffee Break for the opportunity to connect with your colleagues. During the coffee break, we’ll also get a first preview of our First-Generation Initiative spotlights on Margaret Smith, M.D., and Danielle Binion.

Six-Part Educational Series – Life as an African American Student at the University of Kansas throughout the Decades Fireside Chat

February 16, 12-1:15 p.m.

Join us on Thursday, Feb. 16, at noon for the Fireside Chat led by Carrie Frances, M.D., with Sharla Smith, Ph.D., Jill Peltzer, Ph.D., and Shawn Alexander, Ph.D., discussing Parts Five and Six, Season Two of the Six-Part Educational Series. 

Black History Month Research & Discovery Day

February 22, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Learn about the research, advocacy and anti-racism initiatives led by KU Medical Center faculty and staff. The Dr. Patricia A. Thomas Keynote Address will be delivered by Dr. Phillip Atiba Goff, chair and Carl I. Hovland Professor of African American Studies and professor of psychology at Yale University and co-founder of the Center for Policing Equity.

Racial Equity in Healthcare

February 23, 8-9 a.m.

This Grand Rounds program, featuring Uché Blackstock, M.D., is offered in collaboration with the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and KU Medical Center. Children’s Mercy Hospital designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRS Category 1 Credit(s) TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Target Audience: Physician, Medical Student, Nurse, Physician Assistant, Psychologist, Allied Health

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Week of Service

January 17 – January 24

Honor Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dedication to racial equality during our weeklong event. As part of our diversity efforts, we are asking our campus community to learn more and to give back to our communities. Share your thoughts and experiences on social media using the hashtag #KUMC_honors_MLK.

Beyond Vietnam - A Time to Break Silence against Structural Violence

In honor of the 55th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “A Time to Break Silence” speech, we are hosting a panel discussion. This landmark speech was the first time Dr. King publicly spoke out against the Vietnam War. The speech attempted to connect domestic racial injustice to American imperial injustice all over the world; it is one of his most intellectually and morally uncompromising speeches. Our panel discussion will highlight the importance of this address and highlight the areas we need to break the silence against today. Panelists include Shawn Alexander, Ph.D., Jason Glenn, Ph.D., Randal Jelks, Ph.D., Nicole Hodges Persley, Ph.D., Sharla Smith, Ph.D., MPH, and Lynette Sparkman-Barnes, Psy.D.

Jayhawk Coffee Break

As we kick off Black History Month, join us during a special Jayhawk Coffee Break for the opportunity to connect with your colleagues. Our coffee break will highlight the faculty, staff and learners featured in the Black History Month biographical spotlights.

Community Conversation – Turning the Page

February 8, noon - 12:50 p.m., 2022

Join us on Tuesday, February 8th at noon for a Community Conversation - Turning the Page event. Community Conversation- Turning the Page is a book discussion lead by Dr. Kristina Bridges. For this series, we will be focusing on the book "The Sum of Us" by Heather McGhee. Reading the book is encouraged but not required to attend. Continuing education credit is available.

Clinical Culture and Diversity Series

February 15, noon – 1:00 p.m., 2022

The Clinical Culture and Diversity Series explores issues related to inter-cultural communication in the clinical setting. Professor Joan Lewis-Wambi will be presenting on the “Complexity of Triple Negative Breast Cancer in African American Women.”

Black History Month Research Day

February 22, 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., 2022

Learn about the research conducted by KU’s Black and African American faculty, staff and learners. The Dr. Patricia A. Thomas Keynote Address by Dr. Wayne Frederick, President of Howard University.

Black History Month: Alvin Ailey Event

February 23, 2022

In honor of Black History Month, KU Medical Center partnered with the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey. During this event, attendees learned about how narrative medicine promotes healing while enjoying a beautiful performance.

The Color of Medicine Panel Discussion

February 24, 2022

In honor of Black History Month, the Student National Medical Association hosted a panel discussion on the film “The Color of Medicine: Homer G. Phillips Hospital.” The panel was moderated by KU School of Medicine students; panelists include Jason Glenn, Ph.D., Lynette Sparkman-Barnes, Psy.D., Executive Producer and Co-Director Joyce Fitzpatrick, and Co-Director Brian Shackleford. 

2021 Event Recordings

View all videos on YouTube, or view the playlist below.

February 3: Jayhawk Coffee Break

As we kick-off Black History Month, join us during a special Jayhawk Coffee Break for the opportunity to connect with your colleagues. Our coffee break will highlight the faculty, staff, and students featured on the Black History Month biographical posters.

February 9: Community Conversation

Turning the Page: "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?" by Beverly Daniel Tatum
Systemic racism has a major impact on health disparities in America. Join us for discussion on the Introduction, Chapter 1, and Chapter 2 on the book, "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?", by Beverly Daniel Tatum. The discussions are led by Kristina Bridges, Ph.D., senior research associate in family medicine and community health research division.

February 12: Student National Medical Association -Student of Color Panel: Sharing our Stories

KU Medical Center students of color share their educational journeys to entering the School of Health Professions, School of Medicine, and School of Nursing. Participants will have the ability to engage in a meaningful discussion on how to navigate admittance into a professional school.

February 16: History of Desegregation at KU Medical Center Panel

Dr. Jason Glenn, Associate Professor in History and Philosophy of Medicine, will moderate a panel who will be discussing, "The History of Black and African American Students at KU Medical Center." Our panel members will be invited to share with us their experiences in those early years and perspectives that will help our audience appreciate our history and the work ahead.

February 17: KU Health System - Black History Month Virtual Prayer Breakfast

February 18: Healing and Unity Event

Dr. Rodney Smith and Stephenie Smith will deliver a keynote address addressing how the Black and African American community can heal from the harm caused by society, harm caused among one another within the Black and African American community, and how we can unite as a community to heal. Participants will engage in a healing and unifying community activity.

February 19: Clinical Culture and Diversity Series

Legacies of ‘The Venus Hottentot": Black Women's Bodies in Culture & Medicine
The Clinical Culture and Diversity Series explores issues related to inter-cultural communication in the clinical setting. University of Kansas Professor and President of the Association of Caribbean Women Writers and Scholars, Dr. Anatol will be our featured presenter.

February 23: Faculty of Color Panel: Sharing our Stories

KU Medical Center faculty of color will share their educational journey, professional, and personal experiences that relate to their development as faculty. Participants will have the ability to engage in a meaningful discussion on how to navigate as future leaders in the healthcare industry and broaden their mentor network.

February 23: Black History Month Research Day

Learn about the research conducted by KU's Black and African American Faculty, Staff, Residents, and Students. Digital Posters and Presentations followed by a luncheon and The Dr. Patricia A. Thomas Keynote Address by Dr. Consuelo Wilkins, Professor of Medicine, Vice President for Health Equity, and Associate Dean for Health Equity at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

February 24: Student National Medical Association - Behind COVID panel: Medical Distrust in the Black Community

Join the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) as they host a panelist of experts who will address COVID-19 and the medical distrust in the Black Community.

February 25: Student National Medical Association and Socially Responsible Surgeons - MAPS Panel: A Day in the Life of a Surgeon

Join the Socially Responsible Surgeons (SRS) and Student National Medical Association (SNMA) will host a panel of surgeons who will provide insight into their everyday lives.

February 26: Student National Medical Association and Socially Responsible Surgeons

Dr. Jason Glenn Presentation on the Utilization of Enslaved Bodies in Medicine.

January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service

Join friends and colleagues for a day of Join service honoring the life and achievements of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

February 4: Jayhawk Coffee Break

The Black History Month Advisory Group is an extension of the Vice Chancellor’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Cabinet Programming Committee. Members will be on hand to share information about their current activities and events. 

February 6: Black Archives of Mid‐America

(1722 E. 17th Terrace, KCMO 64106)
Dr. Jason Glenn, Associate Professor in History and Philosophy of Medicine, will present “Policing as a Source of Health Inequity: The Racial Foundations of Criminal Justice in America.” A reception and tour of the Archives museum (located in the 18th and Vine Jazz
District) will follow.

Clendening History of Medicine Exhibit

Murphy Lobby and School of Nursing Atrium
See stories of the first African American students to graduate from KU Schools of Health Professions, Medicine and Nursing.

February 12: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Cabinet Meeting

The quarterly meeting of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Cabinet will include reports and information on their strategic action items.

Student National Medical Association Events

SNMA plans events throughout the week of February 17‐21. Special Presentation given by
Dr. Akinlolu Ojo, Executive Dean of KU School of Medicine, Feb. 18, Noon.

February 25: Black History Month Research Day

Learn about the research conducted by KU’s Faculty and Students of Color. Digital Posters and Presentations followed by a luncheon and The Dr. Patricia A. Thomas Keynote Address: 2019 State of Black Kansas City by Ms. Gwen Grant of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City.

Additional Opportunities

Check out other events organized by the Black Archives of Mid‐America in Kansas City.