Black History Month: A Century of Black History Commemorations (1926- 2026)
The Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (JEDI) of the Michael Reese Health Trust proudly recognizes and celebrates Black History Month. This year marks 100 years since the founding of Black History Week in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, which later evolved into Black History Month. It honors the enduring contributions, leadership, resilience, and achievements of Black people in shaping the United States and the world.
We believe one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate these contributions is by working to advance an inclusive and equitable society—one where Black history, and the histories of other marginalized communities, are accurately taught, represented, and valued.
Michael Reese takes a moment to reflect on the stories that have shaped our nation and the work that remains to ensure justice and equity for all. That ongoing work is central to the mission of the Michael Reese Health Trust, which carries forward the founders’ vision of the Michael Reese Hospital as a place of care, compassion, and inclusion, regardless of creed, nationality, or race.
Together, we celebrate the past, honor the present, and commit to building a more just and equitable future where the achievements of Black communities inspire meaningful action, equity is advanced across our society, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
We invite you to join us in learning, reflecting, and taking action to advance equity in our communities throughout Black History Month and beyond.
Background:
The JEDI Accelerator is responsible for ensuring Michael Reese remains committed to building a culture that is inclusive, welcoming and supportive of all backgrounds. Grounded in a strong board and staff partnership, we center our organization around a commitment to listening to and learning from one another and our community partners. By creating a safe and nurturing space for our combined teams to grow and learn, we can ensure that no matter where or when we engage, we are fostering a strong sense of community.