ROCKVILLE, Md.— A new, free virtual series offered by Kaiser Permanente and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African-American History & Culture in Baltimore, Md. will explore the depths of racism and inequity in our society through a series of virtual discussions taking place from August through October. The first event, on August 26, at 6:00 p.m. ET, titled “The Power of Motherhood” will highlight the strength of mothers, and will show their resilience in the wake of police brutality, racism and gun violence in a move from grief to activism.
The event will feature a keynote address from Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin who died at age 17 during a racially motivated confrontation in Florida in February 2012. Ms. Fulton, who is currently running for Miami-Dade County Commissioner, has turned her grief into advocacy and will discuss her experience pushing for safer communities for Black and Brown families.
Ms. Fulton will be accompanied by a panel featuring:
- Ruth Williams-Brinkley, Regional President, Kaiser Permanente, introduction to keynote and panelist
- Karsonya Wise Whitehead, WEAA Radio Show Host and professor of African American studies at Loyola University, moderator
- Ada Emarievbe, MD, OB-GYN with the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group and Chief of Maternal and Fetal Medicine for Kaiser Permanente in Baltimore, panelist
- Annette R. March-Grier, Co-Founder, President, Roberta’s House, Inc., panelist
The group will discuss the impact of racism and equity on women of color and mothers. Additionally, they will discuss health disparities, particularly as women of color navigate health care and biases that may exist in the system. Finally, as the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest related to systemic racism come to a head for communities of color, the panel will share strategies to leverage personal power and strength.
“We know moms are strong, but so many must rise above challenges that adversely affect their health and well-being,” said Ms. Williams-Brinkley. “At Kaiser Permanente, we have a deep commitment within our organization and in our communities to help address these issues and health inequities that prevent total health. We are proud to partner with the Reginald F. Lewis Museum to create a forum for these vital discussions. We also thank Ms. Fulton for sharing her experience and wisdom.”
The next two events in the Still We Rise series in September and October will discuss the topics – “How are the children?” on September 30, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Lisa Delpit, Author, Educator and MacArthur Genius Fellow; and “Endangered Black Males in America” on October 8 featuring keynote speaker Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. Registration for the Still We Rise series is free and is available on the Reginald F. Lewis website at https://lewismuseum.org/
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. https://about.kaiserpermanente.org/
About the Reginald F. Lewis Museum
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum is Maryland’s largest museum dedicated to the State’s African American experience. A Smithsonian affiliate, the museum engages visitors through its permanent and special exhibitions, community events and family programming. The museum is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2020.
