Dreams Deferred from Delayed Equity - A Lecture Honoring Juneteenth

Juneteenth, recently recognized as both a state and federal holiday, celebrates the emancipation of all enslaved African Americans. It is a celebration of freedom in the face of years of adversity, undermining, and circumventing the written law. Its origin mirrors our unfinished justice and equity work. Without acknowledging the darkest parts of our nation’s history, inclusive of the medical community, and counteracting them through equitable action, we will never reach the promised land of equality for all.
After viewing this lecture, participants should be able to:
1. Understand the origins of Juneteenth and its current relevance in equity work.
2. Be able to contrast the racial demographics of the current physician workforce to those of the general US population.
3. List 3 changes you can make in your workplace to increase exposure to those underrepresented in medicine.
Nicole R. Jackson, MD, PhD
Associate Medical Examiner & Physician, King County Medical Examiner’s Office
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology