February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time not only to acknowledge the struggles and adversity of the Black American experience in the United States, but to recognize, appreciate, and honor its central role in U.S. history.

During our Black History Month celebration on February 9^th, Whittier Street Health Center will share our commitment and continued efforts to give voice to health equity, social justice, and economic disparities. While strides have been taken both nationally and locally to correct these inequities, there remains wide gaps of discrimination resulting from racism against black people.

As Black History Month is a time to recognize, realize, and rejoice, we will not only place focus on the biases and injustices that must be overcome, but will also speak to the victories won in the battle against discrimination and honor those whose shoulders our accomplishments rest upon.

And it is with great excitement to share that Imari Paris Jeffries, the Executive Director of Embrace Boston will serve as the Keynote Speaker at our February 9^th event. Embrace Boston recently unveiled a 22-foot tall bronze sculpture on Boston Common inspired by a photograph of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King hugging Coretta Scott King after learning he had won the Nobel peace Prize in 1964. The sculpture depicts just the couple’s arms and hands and is intended to serve as a symbol of Boston, representing love, belonging, and hope.

Our President & CEO, Frederica M. Williams, will also share Whittier’s efforts during the past fiscal year in the “Call To Action: Mobilizing for Health Equity and Social Justice.” Our Call To Action reports highlights strategies to support health equity and social justice. Whittier is a voice for people eager to be heard with dignity and respect. When no one is ignored, all will thrive!