EVERSANA INTOUCH is once again celebrating Black History Month this February! In addition to focused events and hearing from team members in live roundtable discussions, we opened the floor to Black colleagues about what this month means to them personally, Black historical figures they resonate with and more. Their gracious responses are below!
Every February in the United States and Canada, October in some European countries, we pause and look back along the road of history in celebration and remembrance of Black History. At EVERSANA INTOUCH, we are celebrating with group streaming sessions of notable documentaries, holding internal virtual celebrations, and sharing perspectives and facts through discussion.
For colleagues, this month is poignant.
“It’s a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the forefathers who, against great odds, paved the way for us. The conveniences we take for granted wouldn’t be possible without their sacrifice,” says Von Myart, Supervisor, Editorial.
Senior Art Director, O’Brian Shaw shared how Black culture is a continued source of strength.
“I love the rich history, culture and community that comes with being Black. It’s a source of resilience and pride. We have overcome adversity and continue to pave the way for a brighter future.”
Those accomplishments touch every piece of tapestry, including advancements and contributions to the healthcare field. Nicole McCann-Davis, Director, Strategic Planning, points to Mary McLeod Bethune as an influential Black healthcare leader.
“During her lifetime she was an educator, advocate for Black women, and advisor to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Recognizing the health disparities and lack of medical treatment available to African Americans in Daytona Beach, she also founded the Mary McLeod Hospital and Training School for Nurses.”
Investigative journalist and co-founder of NAACP, Ida B. Wells, is a source of inspiration for Eric Terry, Director, Quality Control.
“I am inspired by her energy. Her final written words, ‘Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,’ reminds us to record history accurately and promptly to ensure facts are not distorted. We must encourage everyone to approach Black History in the United States for what it is, American History.”
For Ashley Washington, Associate Director, Strategic Planning, personal historical touchpoints shape her viewing of Black History Month.
“I was born and raised in North Carolina with very rich African American roots. I was blessed to have history around me and grandparents that had participated in local sit-ins at the climax of Civil Rights. While it isn’t easy to hear that your grandmother was spit upon and called names, it is a true reflection of how we have moved forward in the U.S. I am overjoyed that she was able, during her granddaughter’s lifetime, to go and sit in the very same ice cream parlor she fought to get into at one point.”
As an AOR specializing in the pharma industry, our work always strives towards our mission to improve patient outcomes. Especially when considering how identity impacts patient access, education medical communications, and more. For example, see our most recent reports about our award-winning “Erase the Line” campaign, in collaboration with the Chrysalis Initiative.
McCann-Davis says it best. “Whether one is trying to lower one’s blood-pressure while living in a food desert or serving as a leader who empowers others professional, Black Excellence is reflected.”
As we look towards an ever-brighter future in the human timeline, we remember those who paved the way and set the wheel turning and join forces with those who keep it moving.
If you are interested in joining the EVERSANA INTOUCH team, visit our careers page today to see what we have to offer and view our open positions.