On Identity, Health Care and Impact: Black History Month
This Black History Month, we’re celebrating members like Tomiwa, whose work in health care reminds us that representation, compassion, and advocacy matters for patients, colleagues, and communities.
At HSAA, we recognize and celebrate Black members whose knowledge, care, advocacy, and leadership strengthen our workplaces and improve patient care every day. We also take this time to reflect on the ongoing impact of systemic racism and reaffirm our commitment to equity, inclusion, and creating spaces where all members feel safe, respected, and heard.
As we mark Black History Month, we honour Black brilliance past, present, and future and the work still needed to build a more just and inclusive health-care system for all.
Q: How has your experience influenced your journey as a Black health-care professional?
"My identity as a Black professional, and obviously as a psychologist, influenced my journey in health care, both in empowering and in challenging ways.
"At times, it is challenging to navigate spaces that weren't necessarily created for people like me in mind — but also, it can be empowering, because I'm in a position where I'm able to recognize stigma in health care, call it out, and create some change and advocate for my patients."
Q: What impact do black health-care professionals have that often go unnoticed?
"I would say, Black health-care professionals do a lot of emotional labor that often isn't formally recognized or noticed.
"Things like connecting with marginalized patients... and fostering a sense of trust.
"You know... I know patients that have talked to me and said that they felt more comfortable because they saw that I was in the room, and I'm sure it's the same with a lot of Black professionals in health care.
"And these things aren't necessarily recognized, but I think we are doing quite a lot to slowly but surely dismantle that distrust in the health-care system."
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
"Black History Month, to me personally... is a time for reflection.
"It's a time to reflect on all of the Black professionals that have paved the way for us.
"They've sacrificed.
"They've had to deal with such systemic oppression.
"And so, it's a time to reflect on that, but also recognize that the work isn't done yet.
"February is a month that reminds us to not be complacent with the status quo because there is still so much work to be done.
"Yes, we've come a long way from the way things were many years ago.... However, Black people still face injustices overall.
"Black people are amongst the least likely to access therapy due to many reasons.
"And it's just a reminder that not just in February, but every month, we should continue to look for ways to make health care, more fair and inclusive for everyone."