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Southcoast Health Celebrates Black History Month

Southcoast Health is committed to educating and broadening awareness about the history, triumphs and struggles of Black and African Americans throughout U.S. history. Join us throughout February as we celebrate Black History Month and honor the rich history, cultural contributions and enduring resilience of Black communities.

Challenge Yourself

The Southcoast Health Perinatal Equity Council and More Voices of Color ERG encourage you to enhance your insights and gain relevant tools to support your anti-racism efforts by participating in the Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement’s 28 Day Anti-Racism Challenge. Each day during the challenge there is a quote meant for reflection, a learning activity, and a suggested action.

Expand your Knowledge

The More Voices of Color ERG is sharing their must-read list for Black History Month that highlights the insights and experiences of Black authors; themes of justice, reform and civil rights activism; and a children’s book authored by a famous musician:

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

Published in 2010, Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow explores justice, reform and the harms inflicted by the criminal justice system on minorities in the U.S. Michelle Alexander is an author, attorney, civil rights activist and visiting professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York.

The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Author, activist and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates has become one of America’s leading Black voices and thinkers. In his latest work, Coates recounts lessons and experiences gleaned during his travels around the globe.

The Idea in You by Questlove

The Idea in You is a fantastic children’s book by musician, Roots band leader, and bestselling author Questlove. This book teaches very young children about where creativity begins and how it blossoms, and is a joyful expression of the potential that lives in everyone.

Broaden Your Awareness

Southcoast Health’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEI&B) Council and More Voices of Color Employee Resource Group (ERG) is sharing the stories below to highlight the deep connection between our region and many of the pivotal moments and prominent figures of Black history.

Our Region’s Black History

Nathan and Polly Johnson were prominent Black abolitionists and key figures in the Underground Railroad in the mid-19th century. Based in New Bedford, they provided shelter, support and safe passage to many escaped enslaved individuals, including a young Frederick Douglass, who stayed with them after his escape to freedom in 1838.

The Johnson’s home became a haven for freedom seekers, and they actively advocated for abolition and racial equality. Nathan, an escaped slave and successful entrepreneur, and Polly, a free-born citizen known for her kindness and resourcefulness, used their resources to assist others – leaving a lasting legacy in the fight against slavery.

Learn More About the Nathan and Polly Johnson House

The Black History Trail

The New Bedford Black History Trail is a growing collection of historical sites that allows people to learn more about the history of the Underground Railroad and the Black community of New Bedford. The sites that make up the trail are curated by the New Bedford Historical society.

You can join walking tours that visit these sites and explore the abolitionist roots of New Bedford during the warmer months of the year.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum also hosts a variety of programs, tours and exhibits that explore the intersection of Black history with the whaling industry.

Experience the Black History Trail

Reclaiming the Black History Trail

Reclaiming the Diaspora: African Citizenship for the Descendants of Slaves

Recent years have seen a strong push from African countries to reunite members of the African diaspora with their ancestral homelands. Many African nations have begun to openly recognize the role that they played in the Atlantic slave trade and are taking steps to make amends to the families who suffered from the institution of slavery.

Many also view the diaspora as a key part of Africa’s budding, bright future – one that can strengthen Africa by inviting the lost children of the continent to return, bringing with them investment opportunities, education and skills earned abroad. These nations view these efforts as investments in the future of Africa and the multitudes of African people.

 Additional reading: The Top Eight Countries Offering Citizenship to African Americans

More Voices of Color

One of five Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Southcoast Health, the More Voices of Color ERG strives to create a supportive, inclusive community of Southcoast Health Black colleagues and allies whose voices and actions together uplift our Southcoast family and community.

Celebrating Our Colleagues