racial equity

The under-representation of people of color working in health professions stems from a historic pattern of deliberate and systematic discrimination that excludes students of color and, ultimately, contributes to the persistence of race-based health disparities. Be the Cure will be a national strategy for harnessing the resources, experiences, intellectual capital, and aspirations of health care professionals, families and schools to help students: increase knowledge of science, health, and careers in health; raise awareness of historic discriminatory practices that impede access to careers and a quality education; foster commitment to being agents of change for themselves and the communities; and encourage commitment to careers in health care.

In addition to program activities to address the aforementioned strategies, health professionals recruited from organizations such as the National Medical Association will serve as Be the Cure role models, mentors, and teachers for participating students of color. To be piloted in Brooklyn among middle schools students, the project will engage organizations, colleges, and individuals that share a commitment to racial healing as a way to broaden students’ view of themselves and future opportunities.