Juneteenth, a time for celebration, is a combination of June and 19—the date that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

To celebrate, Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Black/African American Faculty Association is hosting its inaugural Juneteenth event on Tuesday, June 13 from 11 AM – 1 PM. Those who are interested in attending can expect camaraderie, good food, music, art, and poetry.

Attendees will enjoy Rodney Scott’s BBQ’s pulled pork, chicken, and delicious sides. Artists Willie Williams, Sr. & Jr. from Studio 2500 will have their artwork on display, and Salaam Green, an artist in residence for UAB Art in Medicine, will provide a poetry reading.

Throughout the program, Live HealthSmart Alabama team members will provide free Wellness Screenings.

As people around the nation prepare to commemorate the holiday, we reached out to team members across the Heersink School of Medicine to learn about the recipes they make for Juneteenth celebrations. Choose one of the recipes below to download the recipe.

Blueberry Compote and Carolyn's Famous Quiche, submitted by Carolyn Maddox
Walnut Pie, submitted by Amanda Messina

In addition to its celebrations, Heersink School ODI recognizes the importance of Juneteenth in American history and its intersection with medicine. As such, Heersink ODI is committed to increasing diversity, promoting health equity, fostering a culturally responsive environment throughout the school, and providing exceptional care to patients.

Efforts to Increase Diversity in the Medical Field

One important way we work toward our goals is through the attracting and retaining of students from underrepresented backgrounds.

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion, Student Affairs Office (ODI-SA) hosts pre-med pathways to ensure that the next generation of physicians reflects the diversity of their community and country. These pathway programs are designed to expose underprivileged and historically underserved students to healthcare professions and include clinical, social, and political issues facing the healthcare industry, academic and test preparation, health-related training, physician shadowing, and research opportunities. Programs are available for high school and undergraduate students. The full list of programs can be found here.

Initiatives with impact across diverse groups

Heersink ODI has established faculty associations to create a supportive institutional climate for professional development. Members are encouraged to communicate, network, mentor, and serve as a voice for each respective community. These faculty associations are responsible for bringing the school events such as the AAPI Heritage Month event, Pride Kick-Off at Parkside, and the upcoming Juneteenth commemoration.

Finally, the Diversity Dashboard is a resource that provides information on the diversity of each department within the Heersink School of Medicine. This information can be used to identify areas where diversity is lacking and inform efforts to increase diversity and promote inclusion.