January 31, 2025
“We are going back to that beautiful history and it is going to inspire us to greater achievements.”
In 1924, Historian Carter G. Woodson shared those words to a group of students at Virginia’s Hampton Institute calling for the need to amplify the stories of African Americans. Two years later, his organization, Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), created the first Negro History Week, which was celebrated in February to honor the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.
Decades later, the name and length of the celebration evolved. The week was expanded to a month in 1976 through a proclamation by President Gerald Ford. Congress followed suit a decade later by converting the proclamation into law. Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States ever since to recognize the achievement and history of African Americans. (Source: ASNLH, Library of Congress)
TRIBE, TriHealth’s employee resource group for those who identify as Black, African, African American, or Caribbean, shared their thoughts on what this month means to them and the beauty of their culture.
Stacy Kelly
Sr. Patient Safety Consultant, Good Samaritan
It is a time set aside to commemorate the many Black men and women who helped to shape American history. It is also a time for personal reflection to ask ourselves what imprint we are leaving to help shape America and our culture.
What is most beautiful about my culture is the natural beauty and differences within each of us. Yet there is a shared unwritten bond that links us as one despite the variations of color, hair texture, and vernacular. I admire the inner strength, resilience, and perseverance the most because I see these attributes displayed often, especially in times of adversity and challenge
Ace Ware
Front Office Specialist | Xavier University
Black History Month is special to me because it observes centuries of contributions that inspire the world to date. It’s a time for supporting each other, empowering, uplifting and inspiring. Black History Month is special to me because it is a month of boldness!
What's most beautiful about my culture is that it celebrates Black excellence year-round. My culture is beautiful because it brings cheer in the most creative ways seen by some.
Latrice Behanan
Director of Nursing at Good Samaritan Hospital
Black History Month is special to me because often times, the richest and most prominent part of Black history is unfortunately excluded in the history of America or across the world. It important to narrate our story so it does not get told incorrectly or lost over time.
What's most beautiful about my culture is the rich traditions and customs derived from our lived experiences that has allowed us to flourish and thrive as a collective community. The way we influence and make impact while connecting and uniting with others will always be a powerful force and contribution to the world in which we live.
Erica Scarborough
Clinical Quality Consultant
It celebrates resilience, innovation and contributions in the face of adversity. It tells a story of people who have overcome systemic racism. For me as a Black woman, it’s about honoring the legacy of my ancestors, acknowledging the struggles they endured, and carrying forward their hope for progress and equity.
What's most beautiful about my culture is its ability to thrive and create joy despite adversity, showcasing unmatched resilience and strength. It's a celebration of identity, vibrant traditions and music to the embrace of natural beauty and self- expression. Rooted in community, love and hop, it inspires the world with its creativity and depth.
Mikaela Peavy
Nurse Manager, Good Samaritan Hospital
Black History Month is special to me because it is a time we can pause, reflect and celebrate the contributions and excellence of African Americans throughout our history. During this month we get to boldly embrace our history and honor the lives of those who paved the way for us.
What is most beautiful about my culture is our ability to be creative, unique, transformative and innovative by just simply being our authentic selves.
Arielle Coleman
Cardiology Southern Region Lead Medical Assistant
Black History Month is special to me because reminds me of where I come from, my history, and propels me to never give up. My ancestors endured pain and trauma so I could stand in the rooms they couldn't.
The most unique part of my culture is how resilient we are. We find a way to prevail.
Ashley Gault
Social Worker Bethesda North Care Management
It is a time to celebrate the history, achievements and contributions of Black people. It is also a time to recognize the struggles Black people have faced and to celebrate our resilience, strength and perseverance.
Our resilience, perseverance and influence in society. Our many shades of melanin makes us beautiful. Lastly our culture emphasizes community, solidarity and social justice, it encompasses our values, traditions and social structures that promote unity mutual support and resilience in the face of adversity.
Cara Harris
Registered Nurse - Finneytown
It brings out a celebration of culture and unity that did not always exist in this country! I also love the spotlight on Black businesses.
What is most beautiful about my culture is our creativity, our pride and our ability to adapt!
Crystal Croley
Associate Practice Administrator - QCP Western Hills IM
Black History Month is special to me because it is a reminder of how hard we had to fight for equal rights. That of which we still do not fully have today.
It is a reminder of how hard we had to fight for equal rights. That of which we still do not fully have today.
Victoria Abunaw
Human Resource Coordinator - Norwood
Black History Month is special to me because it connects me to the legends before me that were able to walk in their truth and understand their purpose. If these daring, courageous, and audacious individuals did not pave the way with grit, grace, and gratitude we would not have the capacity to be true to ourselves and know exactly who we are supposed to be. Their destiny is tied to our foreseeable future and that is definitely something to celebrate.
What is most beautiful about my culture is we create spaces that uplift and inspire everyone who enters. Through the universal languages of food and music, we weave together moments of joy and celebration that nourish both body and soul. The deep solidarity and mutual support within our community reflects our understanding that when one of us rises, we all rise.
Lauren Miller
ACT II, Same Day Surgery
Black History Month is special to me because it's an opportunity to learn more about my culture.
What is most beautiful about my culture is our style.
Shiquita Martin
Administrative Fellow- Baldwin
It's a continuation of highlighting the essence and greatness of who we are.
What is most beautiful about my culture is our ability to adapt. We have a uniqueness that allows us to have a good time, even when folks think we should be down. We are going to have a good time.
Love these perspectives!
Posted by: Micaiah Yhisrael on February 13, 2025
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It's so wonderful reading these words and comments! Stay tuned for more BHM stories which include supporting local Black owned businesses, more team member profiles, and local Black historical figures in medicine!
Posted by: Kitalena Mason on February 11, 2025
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Thank you all for sharing.
Posted by: Nyota Stoker on February 11, 2025
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These are awesome reflections and words of inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Tonya Horton on February 11, 2025
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please continue to share african american history and staff and patient stories
Posted by: Lisa Larson on February 11, 2025
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I love that TRIHEALTH embrace the culture, Black history month, and high light our African Americans contribution to society as well with the medical industry!
Posted by: Kelly Jackson on February 11, 2025
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I love that TRIHEALTH embrace the culture, Black history month, and high light our African Americans contribution to society as well with the medical industry!
Posted by: Kelly Jackson on February 11, 2025
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I love reading stories from our team members! I love all the responses and how it connects all of us. Thank you!
Posted by: Robin Flinchum on February 10, 2025
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This was inspiring and wonderful to read!
Posted by: Alina Baez on February 06, 2025
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Wonderful reflections and insights.
Posted by: Robert Wanat on February 06, 2025
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Love this reading for Black History Month! I appreciate how inclusive TriHealth Inc is with sharing our stories. It is important to the history America and empowering knowledge to everyone. Unity is key as divided we all fall! Thank you ALL for sharing.
Posted by: Tasha Cheatham-Wilson on February 05, 2025
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To be more specific, Black History week was the second week of February to commerate Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. It was expanded to one month in 1976. But there were other key Black History moments in the month of February. WEB Dubois, co founder of the NAACP was born in February. The 15th Amendment allowing Blacks to vote was in February, as well as the Urban League. So the entire month was special for Black History.
Posted by: Brian Moragne on February 05, 2025
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Well said everyone
Posted by: Debra Hunt on February 05, 2025
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