Recognizing Black History Month as Pharmacy Professionals

Why is it important to celebrate Black History Month?

According to the?U.S. Census Bureau, Black Americans make up approximately 13.6% of the U.S. population. However, Black pharmacists remain underrepresented in the field, with only 4.9% of practicing pharmacists identifying as Black or African American, according to?Data USA?in 2022. This disparity highlights the ongoing need to recognize and support Black professionals in pharmacy and healthcare.

As pharmacy professionals, it is essential to celebrate and uplift Black pharmacists who serve underrepresented and underserved patient populations. By honoring their contributions, we can raise awareness of health disparities affecting Black communities and work toward more equitable healthcare solutions.

Phi Lambda Sigma recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to celebrate, educate, and advocate for the advancement of Black pharmacy professionals.

Why do we celebrate Black History Month in February?

Black History Month is celebrated each February to honor the resilience, culture, and achievements of Black individuals throughout American history. It originated in 1926 as a week-long celebration founded by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the?Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Dr. Woodson selected February because it coincides with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass (February 14) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12)—two figures instrumental in the fight against slavery and for civil rights.

In 1976,?President Gerald Ford?expanded the celebration to a full month, encouraging the nation to recognize the extensive contributions of Black Americans. Today, Black History Month serves as a time for education, empowerment, and reflection on the importance of diversity in all aspects of society, including healthcare and pharmacy.

Why should celebrating this month be important to pharmacy leaders?

Black History Month presents an opportunity for pharmacy leaders to reflect on the unique healthcare needs of Black communities and address the disparities they face. Black Americans?experience disproportionate?rates of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and maternal health complications, often due to systemic barriers to care, implicit bias in healthcare, and social determinants of health.

Pharmacy leaders can take an active role in bridging these?healthcare gaps?by advocating for policies that support health equity, increasing Black representation in pharmacy leadership, and fostering culturally competent care. Encouraging mentorship, leadership development, and pipeline programs for Black students pursuing pharmacy careers is crucial to reducing disparities in both healthcare access and workforce diversity.

By recognizing the importance of Black History Month, pharmacy leaders can contribute to long-term efforts in addressing racial disparities in healthcare and ensuring better patient outcomes for Black communities.

Who are some examples of Black pharmacy leaders?

Throughout history, Black pharmacists have played a pivotal role in advancing healthcare and pharmacy education. Some notable figures include:

• Dr. Anna Louise James?– The first Black woman to become a licensed pharmacist in Connecticut and one of the first Black female pharmacists in the U.S. She owned and operated James Pharmacy, serving her community for decades.
• Dr. Chauncey I. Cooper?– The first president of the National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA), established in 1947 to advocate for Black pharmacists and their role in healthcare. His leadership laid the foundation for greater inclusion in the pharmacy profession.
• Dr. Lakesha Butler?– A strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in pharmacy, she served as the past president of the National Pharmaceutical Association and continues to work toward health equity and improved patient care for minority populations.

In addition to?recognizing these leaders, pharmacy schools across the country are expanding efforts to increase diversity in the field, such as offering cultural competency training and mentorship programs to support Black students pursuing careers in pharmacy.

Phi Lambda Sigma recognizes Black History Month as a time to celebrate the contributions of Black pharmacists, educate future pharmacy leaders, and continue advocating for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. As leaders, let us continue to drive change and close the health disparity gap to promote health equity for all.