Black History Month is a time to celebrate the vibrant heritage, contributions, and accomplishments of Black Americans throughout history. Every year since 1928, the Association for the Study of African American Life & History has assigned a theme to the yearly observances. This year's national theme is "Black Resistance."

Instead of another corporate check-the-box, all organizations should use this time thoughtfully and intentionally to reflect on and celebrate the history of Black Americans and their contributions, implementing a safe and nurturing culture where Black life and experiences are honored, uplifted, and sustained.

ChenMed proudly celebrates the diversity of not only our teams but the patients and the communities we serve, actively creating safe spaces for thoughtful dialogue and honoring notable individuals, movements, and accomplishments of Black history. Here are a few ways we are kicking off the 2023 celebration.

Celebrating Black History Month Within Our Teams

Creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels authentically seen, heard, and respected requires action from all team members, with a focus on continuous education, open-mindedness, and a willingness to understand the experiences and perspectives of others.

Here are a few ways ChenMed is celebrating Black History within our teams:

Inviting team members to reflect on what Black History Month means to them and to share personal/professional stories and experiences.
Encouraging team members to share their favorite quotes from Black authors, poets, politicians, entrepreneurs, activists, and more, that shaped their points of view or perspectives.
Hosting a Cultural Show-and-Tell: Have team members bring in items (books, photos, trophies, clothing, jewelry, etc.) that represent their unique Black experience.
Making space and asking thoughtful questions as conversation starters, such as:
- What would you want others to know about Black History?
- What are your favorite books/shows/movies that are centered on Black experiences?
- How do you like to celebrate Black History Month?
- Why is it important to have nationally recognized celebrations of heritage?
- How does Black History Month contribute to cultural awareness and pride?
- How can we center the points of view of Black team members at ChenMed?
Hosting a Black History Book Club. A few title suggestions:
- The Loudest Duck. This book offers a set of practical tools to help managers and colleagues understand and respect different viewpoints. The author challenges readers to notice subtle inequities and overturn ingrained ways of thinking.
- Becoming. For a more modern focus, consider this personal memoir from Michelle Obama. Obama reflects on her childhood, her role as a mother, her public health campaign, and her experience as the first Black First Lady of the United States.
- Be the Bridge. Be the Bridge presents a vision of what it means for every person to become a bridge-builder committed to pursuing justice and racial unity.
Supporting Black-owned businesses (not just in February, but all year long).

Celebrating Black History Month with Our Patients

Systemic racism has played an irrefutable part in many Black patients’ experiences and distrust of the healthcare system. ChenMed acknowledges and condemns the persisting healthcare disparities in Black and disenfranchised communities and works diligently to bridge the gap, delivering first-class VIP care to seniors in some of the most underserved populations.

Showing up and earning back the trust of our most disadvantaged patients is our top priority at ChenMed, and making space for our patients’ unique stories and perspectives is where building exceptional doctor-patient relationships begin. These are just a few ways we are celebrating our patients and amplifying their experiences:

Inviting patients to reflect on what Black History Month means to them and to share their stories in a safe, nurturing space. Some patients may have been directly involved in the civil rights movement, making their stories that much more personal and valuable to the present conversation.
Learning about and discussing historical events and asking your patients thought-provoking questions such as, “Where were you when this occurred?” or “What impact did this have on your life?” Some events to reference include the Martin Luther King, Jr. assassination, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Brown v. Board of Education, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Honoring Black History through service: We embrace servant leadership, an integral part of Black History Month, by team members volunteering with organizations that support the Black community or civil rights movement such as a local social justice organization, historical society, or library.

ChenMed Supports Racial Equality

ChenMed values every person’s unique background and perspective. Regardless of your race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion, we’re here to help connect you to a purpose-driven career in cutting-edge healthcare. Saving lives and transforming healthcare is at the core of what we do, but our one-of-a-kind culture is what makes us a great place to work—and that starts with our people.

Visit careers.chenmed.com to learn more.

If you’re interested in exploring open positions at ChenMed, click below: