A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer, President and CEO, and Dr. Sybil Pentsil, Chief Diversity Officer – June 2024

Thank you to all our team members for everything you do every day on all our campuses to make LifeBridge Health a safe and welcoming place for all. We are a diverse team that celebrates our individual uniqueness while working collaboratively to care for patients, the community and each other. Below, learn about some of the observances taking place this month.

Pride Month
June is Pride Month, dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride Month finds its origins in the Stonewall Riots of 1969, during which members of the LGBTQIA+ community rose up in protest against police raids at the Stonewall Inn, a New York City gay bar. Pride Month is a time for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate themselves and each other, relishing the joy and fulfillment that comes with living in truth. Pride is celebrated with vibrant parades throughout cities across the United States and the world.

LifeBridge Health will once again participate in Baltimore Pride, on Saturday, June 15 and Westminster Pride on Saturday, July 13! This year’s Baltimore Pride theme, “Power of The Past, Force of The Future,” is an acknowledgement to the invaluable contributions to society the LGBTQIA+ community has made over the years. All team members as well as their partners, family and friends are welcome to join us in the Baltimore Pride parade! Please note that all participants, including guests of team members, must register individually. All participants will receive a LifeBridge Health Pride shirt or tank top along with giveaway’s, exclusive to those who attend the event! Register to join LifeBridge Health at the Baltimore Pride parade by clicking here.

Caribbean American Heritage Month
Caribbean American Heritage Month honors the rich history of Caribbean people in the United States. Caribbean Americans are immigrants or the ancestors of immigrants from Caribbean nations such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Haiti. The influence of Caribbean people on American life is incalculably vast, due in part to the cultural contributions of seminal figures such as W.E.B. DuBois, Sidney Poitier, Shirley Chisholm and Kwame Ture, and many others. We offer in gratitude and celebration our warmest regards to all Caribbean American patients and team members at LifeBridge Health.

American Indian Citizenship Day (6/02)
On June 2, 1924, the Indigenous people of the United States were granted full U.S. citizenship with the passing of the Indian Citizenship Act. Indigenous people were not given the right to vote, however, until 1958 and remain subject to a host of social and political inequities here on their own ancestral land. June 2 serves as an opportunity to honor the proud history and culture of native people while acknowledging the injustices to which they have been subjected.

Juneteenth (6/19)
Observed on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African people in the United States. On June 19, 1865, 250,000 slaves in Galveston, Texas were informed of their freedom, over two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, amidst a fever pitch of public consciousness surrounding racism against African American people. Juneteenth is an occasion for both celebrating freedom and reflecting on the racial inequities and discrimination still perpetrated against Black people in the United States. Juneteenth festivities include gatherings with family and friends, parades, musical performances and more. We wish all African American team members a happy and fulfilling Juneteenth and encourage all allies to use the holiday as an opportunity for learning.

To honor Juneteenth, we ask you to reflect and consider the impact of bias and racism in our country and the health disparities that continue to exist in our communities. We are proud to recognize this historic holiday with events planned at various LifeBridge Health locations.

A very special thank you to our Black Culture Employee Resource Group for organizing these celebrations. 

Helen Keller Day (6/27)
Observed on June 27, Helen Keller Day commemorates the life and achievements of its namesake. Born in 1880, Keller lost both her hearing and sight due to illness as a child. Keller would eventually learn how to both read and write, becoming in adulthood a prolific author and disability rights activist. She was the first deafblind person in American history to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. In addition to celebrating Keller’s legacy, Helen Keller Day draws attention to advocacy efforts for blind and deaf people.

Calls to Action

REFLECT: How much effort do I put into learning about cultures, religions, beliefs and identities that are different from mine?

RECOGNIZE: My perspective is one of many, and my world is made richer by inviting diverse perspectives.

RESPOND: When someone brings up an opinion or perspective that is different from mine, I commit to listening to understand, rather than to respond.