The 6th annual Top Blacks in Healthcare Awards Gala and Leadership Symposium was everything we love about Black Excellence.
First, let’s discuss some of the basic necessities before we can even call an event, gathering, or action Black Excellence. For one, you need a group of productive black people.
Second, those black people have to operate above standard.
Third, there has to be an amazingly good time. Lastly, we should be able to see and feel black love in the building. This isn’t limited to romantic love. I’m describing the love of black people for black people while celebrating black people at once. Last month's 3-day event where BlackDoctor.org celebrated and educated “everybody black” was by my definition everything Black Excellence should be.
It was my first time attending. So, I had no idea what to expect. The events started with a welcome reception in one of D.C’s most hip spots. Upon entry, I saw beautiful black women and handsome black men networking, vibing, and enjoying libations and light bites.
As a matchmaker, this is literally my ideal event. In fact, I was able to snag a couple of potential matches for my clients. Many of the attendees were in the medical field, but there were attendees from all career backgrounds. I chatted it up with a dentist, a pharmaceutical sales rep, and a political commentator. After a few hours of networking, I headed back to my room in preparation for the Leadership Symposium scheduled the next day.
The symposium had sessions that covered topics like black women’s experience with medical mistrust, mental health in the black community, and careers in the medical industry. The room was filled with medical professionals and black people entering the medical industry. If you were looking to learn more about the black experience in the medical industry, this was the place to be.
The final event was the one everyone was most excited about, The Awards Gala. It’s so important we celebrate black voices in white spaces who aren’t afraid to speak on black issues. Donnie Simpson was the host for the night. After staring in his eyes, I still wonder what color they really are. I just know they’re beautiful.
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The CEO of AARP, Jo Ann Jenkins, was the keynote speaker. Also in the room was Valerie Jarret. The honorees ranged from The President of Neurosurgery for Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Courtney Billington, to Cynthia Patton, The Chief Compliance Officer for Amgen Inc. Esi Eggleston Bracey, an honoree and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Unilever North America, discussed how one of their brands, Dove, has supported a California bill to end race-based hair discrimination.
Another honoree, Dr. Henrietta Ukwu, shared that 5 of her children are also doctors. The room was filled with black people accomplishing goals and using their resources and positions to benefit black people as a whole. If there was ever a specific event that embodies everything we love about Black Excellence, The 6th Annual TBH Awards Gala and Symposium was it. I can’t wait to see what will happen at the 7th. I’ll definitely be there.
