Celebrating Black History Month: A Century of Black History Commemorations

Happy Black History Month! This year’s theme, A Century of Black History Commemorations, “urges us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world.”

We’re proud to celebrate the Black leaders whose ongoing contributions have been integral to our mission of eradicating health inequity through unconditional care throughout the history of our organization, community, and country.

Read on to see how three leaders from Evergreen, MOCHA, and Community Access Services take an active role in creating Black history by creating better futures for Black communities.

Pasley, community health worker, MOCHA Buffalo

“Supporting Black individuals and communities through my work means creating spaces where people can explore their identities openly, without fear of judgment. For Black LGBTQ youth and young adults, this includes discussing the realities of daily life — the unique cultural experiences, the challenges, and the moments of joy that shape who we are. It also means providing access to accurate sexual health information, which is often limited or considered taboo in our communities. By fostering open and honest conversations about safety, prevention, and STI education, we can address disparities in health outcomes and empower individuals to make informed decisions for themselves.

Equitable healthcare and supportive services are essential because Black youth and young adults face disproportionate rates of STIs in New York State. Access to culturally responsive education and testing — including free HIV, HEP C, and STI services — is not just a health intervention, it is a way to ensure our communities can thrive with knowledge and support rather than fear or misinformation.

“By centering Black individuals in the services we provide, creating safe, inclusive spaces, and removing barriers to information and care, we are contributing to a legacy of equity and community well-being.”

The work MOCHA does is history in action. By centering Black individuals in the services we provide, creating safe, inclusive spaces, and removing barriers to information and care, we are contributing to a legacy of equity and community well-being. Each conversation, each service, each test is part of building a culture where Black LGBTQ people can access the care and understanding they deserve, helping to reshape what healthcare and community support can look like.

This month, I hope we not only honor the past but also celebrate ourselves — our resilience, our achievements, and the legacy we continue to write every day.”

Kandice, senior director, Community Access Services

“Being able to support Black individuals in my community means showing up and following through. Listening first to the communities’ needs and not speaking over them nor debating them shows respect and that we are here with good intentions. Our team at CAS is here to remove barriers and provide information. At times we need to educate first before people are open to sharing some of their lived experiences.

“Having providers that look like them and are willing to assist with their medical needs is important: we are able to relate.”

Equitable healthcare for Black communities is very important because there is so much mistrust when it comes to going to the doctor. Having providers that look like them and are willing to assist with their medical needs is important: we are able to relate. We are here to assist them in advocating for themselves. I am always willing to assist and educate others outside of the typical business hours.

Showing support isn’t about “saving” anyone: it’s being consistent, reliable, and trusting. Giving back to the community has always been in my heart. My team and I are willing to show up at all times, and not just when its convenient. My role is to continue to share knowledge, offer support to both my community and my team, assist with reducing barriers, and to continue looking forward and not back. I want Black individuals to live in healthier communities and to also think healthier. We are here to assist.”

Chelest, procurement manager, Evergreen Health

“My role as Procurement Manager places me in a unique space of balancing vendor choice with service needs. Thus, allowing me the space to seriously consider and choose a variety of businesses from varied ownership backgrounds.

Choosing to support Black individuals and communities of color has the potential create legacy across generations, while helping to bolster economic stability right now. When we work to include the Black community equitably into our spending patterns, it creates a ripple effect!

“The work isn’t done once the patient leaves the office: we still have to support the communities they live in too!”

Financial stability allows people the time to focus on their health in ways they may have found themselves ignoring previously. So my team works in the background to support that economic stability throughout the community so that my colleagues in the patient facing space can be equipped with the goods necessary to provide service.

Evergreen has a rich history of helping underserved patient populations — I am trying to do my part to ensure that this history also continues to reach under-sought business communities as well! Because the work isn’t done once the patient leaves the office: we still have to support the communities they live in too!”