These Black visionaries are keeping hope alive and building a future the next generation deserves.

A shared belief in freedom and justice for all runs as a powerful undercurrent throughout this country, uniting us as Americans. But as flags and banners decked out in red, white, and blue go up around the country ahead of America’s 250th anniversary many of us feel conflicted. These ideals seem out of reach right now as we face the most intense authoritarian takeover most of us have witnessed in our lifetimes.

During this time of unrest, I’ve been returning to a quote from legendary American writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin who said, “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” I interpret “criticize” to mean fighting for the vision of America we deserve until we have it, one where health is not a privilege, but a right for all. Everyone shares the same basic needs: the dignity of living in peace and safety, with the reassurance that their government is honoring the standard of democracy required to make that happen.

To better understand how we can collectively pave the way to this future, I sat down to talk with several incredible Black leaders. They provided insight into historic struggles for health equity and shared how we can collectively build a prosperous future of health, justice, and belonging.

The healthcare workforce must reflect the communities it serves.

Joel Bervell, a doctor and health advocate known as the “Medical Mythbuster,” has been confronting a troubling American reality: hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices don’t yet represent the people they serve.

Dr. Bervell was one of only two Black medical students in his class. His experience reflects the data – only about 6% of physicians in the United States are Black, even though about 14% of America self-identifies as Black. He explained how having a provider who looks like you and understands your experiences lowers stress and increases trust in the medical system. It also makes it more likely that you’ll follow medical advice.

Read the full article about Black leaders in the medical field by Avenel Joseph at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.