Staying true to the group’s vision—to foster, promote, and advocate for Black/African American faculty while inspiring diversity, equity, and inclusion—the Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion Black/African American Faculty Association has sought out ways to establish partnerships at UAB. 

In an alignment of goals, the faculty association began working with the Black Postdoctoral Association (BPDA) to establish an informal mentorship network between the faculty and postdocs. Additionally, a natural partnership began to form with a shared vision for raising awareness, sparking conversations, and uplifting Black scientists.

 Already, the groups have collaborated on a Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday event called "Black Scientists Throughout History." During this panel, featured speakers—Dr. Glenn Rowe, Dr. George Munchus, and Dr. Geoffrey Silvera—participated in a thought-provoking discussion that lends itself to the Black History Month topic for 2022, Black Health & Wellness. 

Watch the full panel below.

To continue this momentum, both organizations hope to partner on future events that highlight UAB faculty and postdocs—at the community and national levels. 

The Black/African American Faculty Association co-chair, Dr. Farah Lubin, explains, "Ultimately, this partnership will become an example of mentoring that ensures success across several career stages."