Black History Month 2024
Black History Month was established to celebrate the rich history and countless contributions of Black Americans from the past and recognize the struggles that Black Americans have faced throughout history. But it is also an opportunity to highlight the achievements of Black Americans today.
In celebration of Black History Month, Lawyers Mutual shares the stories of Alena Analeigh Wicker and Hemen Bekele, as well as their predecessors who paved the road for these two amazing Black youth.
Alena Analeigh Wicker is a living testament to the power of determination. At the age of 13, she has achieved the remarkable feat of gaining acceptance into medical school. Reflecting on this significant milestone during an interview on "Good Morning America," Alena shared her elation, stating, "After I received the acceptance, it was an incredibly surreal moment. Just realizing that I've accomplished the goal of entering medical school at such a young age was truly remarkable for me."
Her educational journey is set to continue at the Heersink School of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Alena aspires to contribute to communities by becoming a viral immunologist. Simultaneously enrolled in two undergraduate programs at Arizona State University and Oakwood University, she has her sights set on commencing medical school in 2024. In addition to her academic prowess, Alena received the prestigious President's Volunteer Service Award's lifetime achievement accolade. She attributes much of her success to her family's unwavering support, emphasizing, "I had a strong support system. They stood by me when I needed them and provided the encouragement to pursue my dream.” Alena is also the visionary behind Brown Stem Girl, an organization she established to offer a platform for girls of color in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
Alena stands on the shoulders of Dr. James McCune Smith. Smith, who was born a slave, was the first person from the United States to earn a medical degree. After completing his medical degree at the University of Glasgow, Smith returned to New York City to open a medical practice. Smith later worked as a physician at the Colored Orphan Asylum, caring for 200 children. Smith walked 7 miles daily to the Asylum because the transportation company refused him passage. Smith was the first Black physician in the United States to be published in formal medical journals. He was also an activist and advocate for social justice. He helped refugees who were travelling the Underground Railroad and established the National Council for Colored People with Frederick Douglass.
Hemen Bekele is not a typical 14-year old. His goal is to create an affordable soap to treat skin cancer. Bekele's acclaimed soap, which garnered awards, draws inspiration from his early years in Ethiopia before relocating to the United States at the age of 4. This innovative soap is designed to administer cancer-fighting drugs that activate the body's immune cells to combat cancer. In an interview with NPR, Bekele delved into the development of his cancer-fighting soap, his triumph in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, and his aspirations for the future. He won $25,000 in the challenge and is going to use the money to continue research within the field of STEM, as well as save some for college.
Hemen may draw inspiration from Dr. Daniel Hale Williams. In 1893, Dr. Williams performed the first successful open-heart surgery. He was also an activist for Black patient rights. He founded the Provident Hospital and Training School, which was the first hospital in the United States with a nursing and intern program that hired Black nurses and doctors. He later co-founded the National Medical Association, a professional organization for Black medical practitioners.
We could all learn something from the achievements of Alena, Hemen, Dr. Smith, and Dr. Williams. Their persistence and hard work show what can be accomplished when you put your mind to something. It is also worth noting that they had families and mentors that encouraged and supported them along the way. Nobody gets there on their own. All four of these people offer inspiring stories.
Looking for a way for you or your firm to celebrate Black History Month? Consider these suggestions:
- Spotlight achievements of Black law firm employees.
- Support Black-owned businesses.
- Identify areas for improvement in diversity and inclusion.
- Encourage employees to learn more about inspiring Black historical figures like Smith and Williams.
- Donate to organizations supporting Black communities.
- Find opportunities to mentor Black youth and young lawyers.
- Celebrate by listening to and supporting Black musicians. The theme of 2024 Black History Month is “African Americans and the Arts.”
- Read books and other works written by Black authors. You might consider works by Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Zora Neale Hurston or W.E.B. Du Bois.
