What Juneteenth Means To Me

I am going to celebrate Juneteenth by reading the Emancipation Proclamation. Those 719 words changed the course of history for all African Americans. Lincoln recognized the immorality, inhumane and unethical nature of enslaving humans; despite knowing he was choosing an unpopular position, it took the courage of his convictions to challenge the establishment.

As a leader at Abbott, I recognize how Lincoln’s words remain relevant today, especially in health care; everyone should have the freedom to choose the health care they need—whether that’s going for your annual physical, or getting medication for diabetes, or even visiting urgent care to set a broken bone. No one should have to think twice about seeing a doctor.

156 years ago today and two years after Lincoln’s proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger read aloud General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, freeing all remaining enslaved people in the state. That day is now known as Juneteenth, which then spread far beyond the borders of Texas. While the Senate just passed a bill making it a Federal holiday, its significance and meaning have evolved since it was first recognized and celebrated by African Americans.

The principles of the emancipation remain with us today; speaking out against discrimination and inequality, advocating from a position of privilege for those less fortunate, and holding those in power to account for their actions. We all have a responsibility, in our own lives to uphold these values by taking action through whatever means we can.

As a leader in health care, I have the opportunity and a responsibility, to improve health equity for all people, especially communities of color. Research shows that African Americans have been disproportionately afflicted by cardiovascular disease; they are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and 30% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease in the United States[i] . The author of the NIH article concludes, “Although additional research is needed to fully understand the differences in CVD risk, prevention, and treatment to improve outcomes throughout our increasingly diversified population, greater awareness on the parts of practicing physicians is essential.” At Abbott we are doing our part to increase awareness about the risks of cardiovascular disease. At the same time, we believe that everyone, regardless of their age, sex, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status should have access to our life-saving technologies so that they may live their best lives.

Juneteenth is not only one day on the calendar for me—it’s every day. Freedom comes in many forms, including the freedom to choose. I have chosen not to take my freedom for granted, but rather I have chosen to fight for communities of color in order to expand access to health care for all people. I know this is something I can’t do alone, but in leading by example, I hope others will join me. I will not be happy until everyone has access to health care.

[i] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4558355/