Your Journey to Well

Honoring Legacy. Elevating Excellence. Inspiring the Future

Written by Wanda J. Harris, CMPE, MPA, BA | Feb 27 2026

Black History Month is more than a reflection of the past – it is a powerful reminder of resilience, innovation, leadership, and excellence that continues to shape our communities and our future.

This month, we honor the pioneers who paved the way – leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose courage advanced justice and equality, and Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, whose groundbreaking work opened doors in medicine. Their legacy lives on in every barrier broken, every patient served, and every community strengthened.

Why Black History Month matters in healthcare

In healthcare, Black history is deeply connected to advocacy, access, equity, and innovation. From expanding primary care access to advancing value-based care models that improve outcomes for underserved communities, the spirit of perseverance and progress continues to drive transformation.

As leaders and caregivers, we recognize:

    • The importance of health equity
    • The need to close gaps in chronic disease outcomes
    • The power of representation in leadership and clinical care
    • The responsibility to create environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued

Celebrating excellence in our community

Black History Month is also a time to celebrate the leaders, clinicians, and team members among us who:

    • Champion patient advocacy
    • Mentor the next generation
    • Drive operational excellence
    • Build cultures of belonging and accountability

Every achievement – whether in the exam room, the boardroom, or the community – contributes to a stronger, more inclusive future.

Moving forward with purpose

Let this month and beyond inspire us to:

    • Continue addressing disparities with intentional strategy
    • Invest in leadership development and mentorship
    • Support community partnerships that advance social determinants of health
    • Lead with courage, compassion, and accountability

Black history is American history. It is healthcare history. And it is being written every day – through service, leadership, and commitment to excellence.

Together, we honor the past and boldly shape the future.