February is Black History Month

• February 9, 2022
• Diversity & Inclusion

February is Black History Month started in 1926 conceived by historian Carter G Woodson  to honor African Americans and raise awareness of Black history. 

Although many come to mind to honor, we highlight some pioneers to bring recognition. 

Jane C Wright  was a pioneering cancer researcher and  the only woman among seven physicians who helped to found the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 1964.  

Harold Freeman founded and pioneered the concept of patient navigation in 1990 for the purpose of eliminating barriers to timely cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. 

Lori J. Pierce was the first African American woman  who was the 57th president  of American Society of Clinical Oncology. Her presidential theme, “Equity: Every Patient Everyday Everywhere,” set a vision for building on ASCO’s efforts to address disparities in cancer care, treatment, and research.

Karen Winkfield has been a pioneer in community outreach and engagement. In September 2021, she was appointed by president Joe Biden to a six-year term on the National Cancer Advisory Board.  

Black oncologists represent 2-3% of the workforce in oncology while 3-4 % of hematology oncology fellows are black.

Initiatives to increase work force diversity continue. ASCO’s Strategic Plan for Increasing Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Oncology Workforce was published in 2017 with a recent editorial in JCO Oncology Practice 2021 17:5, 224-226. Addressing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion of Black Physicians in the Oncology Workforce.

Black in cancer (https://www.blackincancer.com) is an organization started in 2020 with goal of “Strengthening Networks and Highlighting Black Excellence in Cancer Research and Medicine”.

We celebrate you.