Though President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History month in 1976, Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week in 1926. Dr. Woodson believed it important to provide a theme to focus public attention that merited emphasis during the week, while President Ford challenged the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Thus, each year American presidents have recognized a particular theme to highlight during Black History month. This year’s theme is “Black Resistance,” which describes the ways African Americans have challenged past and ongoing repression including the racial violence of lynchings, racial persecution and police killings that have existed since the inception of this nation.

Black institutions of faith were gathering places for many resistance efforts throughout the years. Faith leaders inspired participation in resistance movements and these spaces provided sanctuary during times of crisis. Historically, media outlets in the form of newspapers published content relevant to the issues of the day, but in today’s world, optimal outlets have changed to podcasts, radio shows and blogs.

Black medical professionals established nursing schools, hospitals and clinics to train and provide care to the community that was often unavailable at mainstream medical institutions. Historically Black Colleges and Universities were founded by white Northern philanthropists. In addition to their obvious role in providing opportunities for higher education to the African American population, students at HBCUs had pivotal roles to play in the Civil Rights, Black Power and social justice movements. These movements have led to improvements in quality of life and improved access to political power. John Lewis provided perspective when he said “Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”

Black people, through their resistance, have seen the end of slavery, racial segregation, and increases in political representation in government. The resistance strategies used in the Civil Rights struggle have been a model for other social justice movements, highlighting their importance. President Obama remarked in the 2016 celebration of Black History month, “As we mark the 40th year of National African American History Month, let us reflect on the sacrifices and contributions made by generations of African Americans, and let us resolve to continue our march toward a day when every person knows the unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Dr. Edward Cornwell described the journey of surgeon scientist Dr. Charles Drew at the Southern Surgical Association History of Medicine Scholarship Presentation. This illuminating presentation was published in the Annals of Surgery (Ann Surg 2006;243: 612–618) and is available through this link.