African American/black history month
African American/Black History Month is an annual celebration taking place each February to celebrate the achievements of African Americans throughout history in the fields of science, art, politics, education, health, and more. It is also a time to pay tribute to the many generations of African Americans – past and present – who have and continue to struggle with adversity.
NEOMED is proud to continue its annual observation of African American History Month with the following campus-wide events.
2023 Schedule of events
Vitals: Dr. Yoleetah Ilodi, Internist & Geriatrician at Summa Health
February 2 at noon via Zoom
Yoleetah Ilodi, M.D., FACP, associate professor of internal medicine in the NEOMED College of Medicine, is the next VITALS speaker.
Dr. Ilodi was named the first assistant dean of diversity in the College of Medicine in January 2021. In that role she has provided leadership, oversight and strategic vision for policies and initiatives to promote inclusive and equitable learning and working environment for students, faculty and staff in the College. She is a graduate of the Fellowship in Academic Medicine and serves on the College’s admissions committee. She currently practices internal medicine and geriatrics for Summa Health, where she also leads diversity efforts.
Every month, health care thought leaders are given 17 minutes – the average duration of a physician-patient visit – to engage medical professionals and students on any of the VITALS topics: Value-based, Innovation, Technology, Advocacy, Leadership, Service.
Health Disparities in Ohio
February 6 from 12:15-1:00pm in the Watanakunakorn Auditorium
Join Angela Dawson, Executive Director from the Ohio Commission on Minority Heath for this presentation planned by the Student National Medical Association. Students can register on Campus Groups to be included in the lunch count. Faculty and staff do not need to register and should bring their own lunch.
Diversity Training Series: Creating an Inclusive Institutional Culture
POSTPONED
Many organizations are working towards fostering a workplace culture that is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion so that every voice is heard. We have discussed individual awareness of ones’ culture and how our national environment is changing demographically. Today we examine the elements of institutional culture and everyone’s contribution to it. Equity, diversity, and inclusion creates a culture where every individual is acknowledged and supported, regardless of their differing background. It helps us to recognize the value in diverse voices, as well as other differences that enrich the workplace. Ultimately, the commitment to demonstrate inclusive behaviors and practices allows everyone to evolve both personally and professionally.
Join us as we explore this topic with Dr. Jeannette E. South-Paul. Dr. South-Paul is a sought after speaker by academic, clinical and community organizations as well as health industry groups who are seeking perspectives on health disparities, workforce diversity, leadership and racial and social justice.
The Anti-Racist OB/GYN
February 13 from 12:15pm-1:00pm in the Watanakunakorn Auditorium
The Student National Medical Association presents Dr. Kamilah Dixon, Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ohio State University for a presentation on anti-racism. Students can register on Campus Groups to be included in the lunch count. Faculty and staff do not need to register and should bring their own lunch.
Student Paint Night!
February 15 from 6:00pm to 9:30pm in Meshel Hall
Students, please register to reserve your spot at the Paint Night with Jerome White, mixed media artist. No experience is necessary! Space is very limited. Food will be provided.
Black History Month Jeopardy: Hosted by Roy James II, M2
February 17 from 12:15pm to 1:00pm in Meshel Hall
You will not want to miss this lunch hour of fun and learning! Contestants will go head-to-head in Black History themed categories for their chance to win the grand prize! Whether a contestant or audience member, you will leave more knowledgeable than you came in! Students, please register on Campus Groups to be counted in for lunch! Faculty and staff do not need to register and should bring their own lunch.
Archive
2022 events included:
Support the SNMA Fundraiser
Rock your values with these pins! Proceeds will go toward future SNMA programming and more monthly initiatives that support the SNMA mission.
Make Space, Take Space Mural
Find our BHM mural representing the diversity WITHIN the Black community at NEOMED.
Wear Red, Black and Green Apparel Day!
We invite students, staff, and faculty to recognize the start of Black History Month by wearing red, black, and/or green. These colors represent the Pan-African flag, a flag adopted to symbolically unite individuals of the Black diaspora. In fact, it has been suggested that the Pan-African flag has been used as a template for African countries as they gained independence e.g. Ghana, Libya, Malawi, and more. As quoted by the UNIA, “Red is the color of the blood which men must shed for their redemption and liberty; black is the color of the noble and distinguished race to which we belong; green is the color of the luxuriant vegetation of our Motherland.”
Black History Month Speaker: Avery Ware
Avery (He/They) is a writer and educator from Lorain, Ohio. He is an adjunct professor of American History. Avery’s research, writing, and teaching interests include a Black-queering of history by interrogating social inequalities and systemic injustices throughout U.S. history, Black queer feminism, the socio-political foundations and application of the politics of desire, and popular & visual culture.
Avery is also the cohost of the podcast Drag From The Left.
Through his teaching, writing, and podcasting, Avery is dedicated to a liberatory pedagogy that centers on the voices and experiences of marginalized groups that have historically been silenced.
He holds a M.A. in American Studies from Youngstown State University and a BA in Sociology from the University of Akron.
Navigating Racial Bias in Medicine
Our very own NEOMED physicians Dr. Sonja Harris-Haywood (University Hospitals) and Dr. Yoleetah Ilodi (Summa Health System, Akron) will lead a crucial conversation about racial bias in medicine. They will provide steps that students can take to become clinically excellent, culturally competent, and socially conscious medical providers. This format will seek to highlight common racial biases in medicine, personal experiences, and the responsibilities that current students have as future providers.
Black History Jeopardy
You will not want to miss this lunch hour of food, fun, and learning. Contestants will go head-to-head in Black history themed categories for their chance to win the grand prize! Whether a contestant or audience member, you will leave more knowledgeable than you came in!
Black History Paint Night
Take a night off from studying and join your colleagues in a journey into Black art history. Participants will receive a canvas with paints, food, and instruction. Whether you are a budding Jean-Michel Basquiat or a finger-painter, this will be a wonderful cultural experience.
Drumming and Line Dance Pop-up
Follow the sound of the drums to watch a performance of African drumming. You will be able to grab a drum and join right in with our guest instructor! If you’re still feeling the beat, fall in line as we learn the Cleveland Shuffle with the SNMA board!
Contact
Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Phone: 330.325.6736
Email: diversity@neomed.edu
TITLE IX IS LAW
Employment and academic discrimination against any individual on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status is prohibited.
