ABWP Sets the Standard for Virtual Charitable Events with its 41st Gala( continued)
Tammi Mack, Dr. Cozzette Lyons-Jones, Dr. Jessie Sherrod, Dr. Renee M. Poole
Emmanuel Boateng
ABWP 2022 Scholars Smiling has collaborated with the Transamerica Institute to promote The Soul Food Cookbook, which offers healthy food options while educating people about being selective in what they eat. Nineteen southern style recipes full of healthy ingredients are the core focus of the book.
ABWP offers four signature programs. A Sister-to-Sister program mentors aspiring medical students such as the recipients of the 2022 scholarships. A speakers’ bureau connects communitybased organizations with ABWP members and colleagues representing various medical specializations. The evening’ s scholarship gala was cited as another outreach mechanism; and the ABWP community advocacy committee provides advice and consultation to tackle issues such as COVID-19.
Maxine Waters was introduced by ABWP member Dr. Anastasia L. Williams as a longtime organization supporter. She was noted as the keynote speaker at the first ABWP banquet. Ms. Waters acknowledged the good work accomplished, particularly with the student scholarships. Dr. Valerie Williams introduced State Senator Sydney Kamlager, who thanked the organization for its great work and asked everyone to keep praying for good things to happen in the community.
Current President Dr. Cozzette Lyons acknowledged ABWP’ s longtime work and indicated that one important reason is the ability to adapt to current needs. She cited members such as astronaut-inventor Dr. Mae Jemison who opened doors of opportunity, as well as ABWP’ s wading into such fights as COVID-19, Alzheimer’ s and dementia, ensuring prolonged Black infant and maternal health, sickle cell disease treatment, and the ongoing campaign now raging against health disparities.“ There’ s so much work to be done,” she noted.
Through ABWP initiatives, Black participation in medical research has increased. The organization has influenced action on tobacco usage and gun violence reform, as well as reproductive justice after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
SCANS Vice President of Business Excellence and Diversity Strategies Timshel Harbet spoke of the company’ s work to engage in the fight to assure that senior citizens also secure health equity. As a mother of two Black boys, she decried the 5 % of physicians figure, and cited an increase in life expectancy for Black men as one of the key ways to expand the numbers of Black physicians.
Dr. Jessie Sherrod, ABWP’ s Founding President / Director, invoked legendary legislator the Hon. Shirley Chisolm as a source of inspiration to ABWP at its inception. She paid tribute to Dr. Rhoda Marguerite Lewie and Dr. Lettie Marie Burgett as deceased pioneers who enjoyed distinguished careers that pushed history forward and inspired so many people with dreams of being a medical professional.“ We have a light to shine. In liberating yourself, you liberate others,” Dr. Sherrod noted.
Past President Dr. Sylvia Gates Carlisle introduced this year’ s Humanitarian Award winner, Dr. Jerry Abraham, now President of the LA County Medical Association. She acknowledged him as a superhero.“ He has used and grit and innovation to save people’ s lives,” said Dr. Gates Carlisle. She noted that Dr. Abraham went to the LA County for help at a time when Kedren Health, where he works, was receiving a very scant amount of COVID-19 vaccines. She noted his fearlessness, and his tenacity.“ He created a system that would let no one expire.” Dr. Abraham, she said, democratized vaccine distribution in the process. With 400 volunteers and Kedren staff, 5,000 shots were put in peoples’ arms each day at the height of the pandemic.
ABWP Historian and Past President Dr. Nanotchka M. Chumley introduced Lifetime Achievement Awardee Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee as a life filled with accomplishments. Dr. Lee is trailblazer in the field of osteopathic medicine, the first African American female dean of a medical school, and the and recipient of nine honorary degrees. In thanking the organization, Dr. Lee noted her 5 B’ s to success: Be good; there are no shortcuts. Be wise. Be kind. Be visionary; and, Be proud of who I am.
CDU College of Medicine | PG. 32