Food for thought: the presence of Black people does not “dilute the brand”.

We can achieve excellence if given the same opportunities as our non-Black counterparts. In fact we often achieve excellence IN SPITE OF the lack of support. 1/

We not only adhere to the archaic and racist expectations of “professionalism” we literally shift our entire beings every day to jump through that hoop and we do it to survive in this world. Even then respectability politics won’t save us from being killed. 2/

We also are held to a level of competence that is basically a moving goal post. We have to be so damn competent that we have to be the standard of excellence. We are not afforded the room to make mistakes. Mistakes end our careers. 3/

Compassion? We live in a society that reminds us that our simple existence is unwelcome, yet we love and care for our patients unconditionally, because that is not only what our profession asks of us but because we see the humanity of others because ours has been denied. 4/

The decision to embrace anti-racism and do the work to dismantle systemic racism is what is necessary to correct the wrongs of the past AND the present. It is to see our humanity and allow us to achieve and thrive in this world. 5/

We deserve to have our curiosity encouraged. We deserve to attain the same education as our white counterparts. We deserve to be innocent and seen as children not as threats. We deserve to live freely. We deserve the respect that comes with the years of work we have put in. 6/

So good riddance to those that see the inclusion of Black and Brown faces at the tables our ancestors built as an assault on the medical field. The changing of the guard is upon us and we’re not longer asking. We’re pulling up chairs and taking our seats. 7/7

This thread was inspired by the discussions that took place today in Liberation Sunday’s with @innodim @hcdawes @That1AKA @OfficialTashaO @ABtheMD @MicaMitchellPT