CHA Celebrates Black History Month with local elected officials
Pictured left to right is Everett City Councillor Gerly Adrien, Cambridge City Councillor Denise Simmon and Claude Jacob, chief public health officer of the Cambridge Public Health Department.
By Avlot Quessa, Senior Director, Multicultural Affairs & Patient Services; Co-Chair, CHA DEI Council.
Cambridge Health Alliance is a mission-driven institution that makes special efforts each year to celebrate Black History Month. Since its formation in 1996, when Cambridge and Somerville Campuss came together to form CHA, we have come together as a community to recognize the strengths and struggles of African Americans in the United States and the work that is still ahead.
This year, we were thrilled to convene a panel presentation with Cambridge City Councillor and former Mayor Denise Simmons and Everett City Councillor Gerly Adrien titled "African Americans and the Vote" on February 28 at CHA Cambridge Hospital. The theme, presented by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, speaks to the ongoing struggle of African Americans across the country for the right to vote. The discussion was moderated by Claude Jacob, chief public health officer of the Cambridge Public Health Department.
Also, as part of the celebration, we were excited to welcome Noche Latina Dance Company to our hospital locations in Everett, Cambridge and Somerville for dance performances. They brought a diverse group of dancers who celebrated the multicultural backgrounds of the countries of South America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
Black History Month programming was sponsored by the CHA DEI Council, a multidisciplinary group of employees who foster equity, inclusion, and excellence at CHA through educational programming, quality initiatives.
Disclaimer
This articles provide general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this article, or through linkages to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider.