Charles R. Drew University Celebrates Black History Month
This year’s commemoration of Black History Month carried added significance as Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science celebrates six decades of impact.
Born from a call to address systemic inequities in health care access, the University has stood as a historic institution rooted in social justice and community empowerment since its founding in 1966.
The month-long observance began with a presentation on the history of civil rights by CDU’s General Counsel, John W. Patton, Esq., who traced key legal milestones and the courage of those who fought to dismantle systemic barriers. His remarks reminded attendees that the rights and opportunities many experience today were made possible through sustained advocacy, sacrifice, and collective action.
This message of advocacy echoed throughout the month’s programming as students, faculty, and staff gathered for additional lectures and discussions exploring Black excellence across health care, science, public service, and the arts. Conversations examined the historical barriers faced by the Black community, the transformative power of representation, and the responsibility of institutions like CDU to remain deeply engaged in advancing justice and health equity.
During a special campus conversation, Sylvia Drew Ivie, civil rights attorney, health equity advocate, and daughter of CDU’s namesake, Charles R. Drew, spoke candidly about the relationship between professional ambition and community obligation.
“There will always be a tension between what you need to do in terms of career and what you need to do as a member of your community,” said Drew Ivie. “There is always too much to do in the former. But my goodness, there’s so much that’s undone in the latter.”
She encouraged students, faculty, and staff to not only to excel in their chosen professions, but to remain connected to the lived experiences of the communities they aim to serve.
“Find a way to connect to and learn from community because what you need to know is there, as well as in a university, law firm, or medical school,” she added. “The real people who are living the difficulties are the ones that teach you the best.”
Her words reflected a central theme that carried throughout the University’s Black History Month observance: that the pursuit of professional excellence must remain grounded in service to community.
The month’s events culminated with the University’s 11th Annual President’s Breakfast. Under the theme “Civil Rights in the 21st Century?”, the gathering brought together nationally recognized advocates and leaders for an urgent and forward-looking conversation.
As CDU reflects on 60 years of preparing health professionals dedicated to advancing health equity, this year’s celebration served as both a tribute to the past and a reminder that the work of uplifting communities continues.
Download a copy of John W. Patton’s presentation