A special message from Dwayne Richardson, MSN, BSN, RN, Interim Market President, Trinity Health System:

During Black History Month in February, we join with colleagues across our health ministry to honor and acknowledge Black/African Americans. We take time to reflect on and celebrate the rich, invaluable roles Black/African Americans have played in shaping our nation’s history.

Did you know?

Black History Month didn’t begin as a full month. Its roots trace back to 1926 when pioneering historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson established “Negro History Week.” He chose the second week of February to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, seeking to promote the study of Black history and demonstrate its critical importance. Through decades of advocacy, this observance expanded into a full-month celebration in 1976. This year, the National Museum of African American History & Culture’s theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” invites us to reflect on this evolving journey of commemoration.

This month provides an opportunity to reflect not only on the rich history and enduring contributions of Black communities, but also on our sacred responsibility to care for one another. Grounded in our mission, we are called to stand with those most impacted by inequity and to advance health, healing, and wholeness for all. While persistent gaps in outcomes remain across conditions such as asthma, cancer, and maternal health, these realities strengthen our resolve to act with compassion, justice, and humankindness. Together, we can remove barriers to care, honor the dignity of every person, and create the conditions for individuals, families, and communities to flourish.

We know that healing is strengthened when patients are cared for by clinicians who honor their backgrounds and lived experiences. We extend our gratitude to all of our CommonSpirit Health colleagues, with a particular appreciation for our Black/African American colleagues who faithfully make the healing presence of God known through compassionate, culturally responsive care.