Almost 100 years ago, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as the “father of Black history,” created the first week-long celebration of African American achievement and accomplishment in 1926. The February week he chose purposefully included the birthdays of both Fredrick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. Since then, the celebration has grown to be a month-long recognition of the indelible contributions and influence of the Black Community.
This year, as a health sciences university, it is particularly appropriate that the Black History Month theme for 2022, as determined by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, is Black Health and Wellness. Health equity will be a theme that drives our academic, research and service missions in the months and years to come here at KCU.
I firmly believe that we are all stronger together and diversity is a true force multiplier. Black History Month should remind us of that fact and help us all to support one another and our KCU mission of improving the well-being of the communities we serve.
Yours truly,