At Common Ground Health, we proudly recognize and celebrate February as Black History Month—an important time to honor the history, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans. But this month is more than a celebration; it is a time to reflect, uplift, and take action. We honor the African American pioneers, inventors and trailblazers – the Black leaders and visionaries whose words and deeds shaped our communities and advanced the fight for justice and equity.
As we honor “the Faith that the Dark Past has taught us,” we also honor and thank the Black leaders, advocates, and community members who are making History today, including the African American Health Coalition and our partners across the region. Their voices and lived experiences are helping to shape solutions that address the needs of our communities.
Black individuals and other people of color face greater health risks due to systemic barriers in housing, income, and healthcare access. These disparities are not accidents—they stem from racist policies and structures that have long marginalized Black communities. In fact, our community and others across the country have declared that Racism is a Public Health Crisis. At Common Ground Health, we bring these inequities to light through data, resident engagement, and collaboration. By exposing the challenges, we help create solutions that lead to real change.
Now, more than ever, we must stand firm. Efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion are being challenged across the country, but at Common Ground Health, this work is non-negotiable. We call it IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Antiracism. For us, antiracism is not just a belief—it is an action. Health equity cannot exist without racial equity, and we will continue to expose disparities, amplify Black voices, and push for lasting change in community health systems.
Black history is American history. Black health is public health. And at Common Ground Health, we don’t just acknowledge this in February—we live it every day, every month, and every year.
— Common Ground Health Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Antiracism (IDEA) Team
