Leadership Message: Celebrating Black History Month

Dear Colleagues,

This month, we celebrate the many contributions made by Black Americans throughout history. In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, the father of black history, invited America to celebrate the accomplishments of Black people for one week in February, which would later become a month-long celebration after his death. Black History Month was federally observed for the first time in February 1976. In 1986, President Ronald Regan signed a proclamation issued by the U.S. Congress to designate February every year as National Black History Month.

Black Americans can be credited with many advancements in American culture, politics, art, literature, and scientific innovations during the most oppressive times for minorities in America. Learning about those achievements inspires and reminds us of the resilience and passion that drove Black leaders to keep working to create a better tomorrow for all Americans. For example, Dr. Charles Drew revolutionized blood banking, advancing medical science for all humanity despite facing systemic barriers like segregation in education and healthcare.

Observing Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate, educate, and engage in community outreach that inspires future generations to pursue their dreams with selflessness and determination. A powerful example of such selflessness is Fannie Lou Hamer, who dedicated her life to fighting for voter and civil rights, despite facing arrest simply for trying to vote. As a trailblazer for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she continuously challenged the exclusion of Black voices in politics. Her legacy was recognized with the long-overdue Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded posthumously by President Joe Biden on Jan. 7, 2025.

Learning Black history as a child shaped me into an assertive leader and inspired my commitment to societal change. My deep respect for history, diversity, equity, inclusion, and UC Davis Health’s core values of kindness, trust, and inclusion motivated me to take action. I joined the African American Faculty and Staff Association, mentored neurodiverse adults in medical coding, and advocated for marginalized communities – such as through the holiday food giveaway AAFSA organized this past November to support families in need.

It is essential to recognize that Black history is American history. Regardless of race or ethnicity, we all benefit from the accomplishments of Black leaders who have shaped this nation. I encourage you to take a moment to visit a Black history museum or website and learn something new. Here’s a head start: Did you know that the mailbox was invented by a Black man named Philip B. Downing?

Thank you for your support as we honor the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans throughout our history – we celebrate their monumental contributions to our society at all levels, and here at UC Davis Health, we have many events planned this month to commemorate Black History Month.

Yours in health,

Dannette R. Hollinger, CPMA, CCS-P
PRA IV Subject Matter Expert – Hospital and Professional Services
Enterprise Coding Unit
Health Information Management Division
Co-Chair, African American Faculty and Staff Association

Learn more about all our UC Davis Health Employee Resource Groups. These groups are open to anyone, regardless of background, who wishes to support, participate, or be educated in the many cultures and communities at UC Davis Health. Membership and participation in Employee Resource Group activities are not dependent on race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any protected category under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.