CDU Kicks Off Black History Month with Reparations Discussion Featuring Hon. Steven Bradford
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) launched Black History Month with a thought-provoking discussion on reparations, featuring the Honorable Steven Bradford. The event underscored CDU’s deep-rooted commitment to social justice and equity, aligning with its mission to serve historically marginalized communities.
CDU President and CEO Dr. David M. Carlisle opened the event by highlighting the University’s indelible impact on Black history.
“At Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, we are Black history,” Dr. Carlisle affirmed. “We are the only Historically Black Graduate Institution west of the Mississippi River, the second most diverse university in terms of faculty and student diversity, and have twice the African American enrollment of any other university in California. Additionally, we are the only historically Black medical institution named after an African American.”
Bradford, a former California State Senator (SD-35), Chair of the Senate Energy Committee, and a member of the California Reparations Task Force, has long been a champion of equity and economic justice. He expressed the significance of holding this discussion at CDU.
“I can’t think of a better place to be than on this historic campus, named after a history maker in and of itself,” remarked Bradford. “I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate Black history.”
During the discussion, Bradford addressed the historical and present-day implications of reparations, shedding light on legislative efforts to rectify long-standing injustices. He emphasized the importance of policy-driven solutions in advancing economic equity for Black communities.
The conversation reinforced CDU’s ongoing role in advocating for social justice, equity, and health access—ensuring that Black history is not only honored but actively shaped for future generations.