How to Celebrate Black History Month in 2022

February 1^st marks the beginning of Black History Month, which highlights the celebrations and accomplishments of prominent Black individuals throughout history. The theme of Black History Month in 2022 is Black Health and Wellness, exploring the legacy of medical practitioners, scholars, doulas, birth workers, midwives, herbalists, and more.

In honor of Black History Month, this article will highlight Black-owned medical professionals, health-related businesses, and non-profits who have made strides to create a more inclusive community and provide mental health and wellness opportunities for all.

What is Black History Month?

Black History Month is an annual celebration dedicated to recognizing the achievements of Black individuals and their central role in U.S. history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has designated February as Black History Month, and countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom celebrate Black History Month as well.

What are the Origins of Black History Month?

Black History Month began in 1915 when historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting the achievements of Black individuals. ASALH inspired schools and communities to organize celebrations, host performances and lectures, and establish history clubs. Due to the civil rights movement and a growing awareness of Black identity in the 1960s, Black History Month also became popularized on college campuses across the country.

President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976. Today, Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of prominent Black leaders throughout U.S. history such as Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, and many more.

In honor of Black History Month’s Black Health and Wellness theme, February 2022 highlights the contributions of prominent individuals in the medical field, including the following:

Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD (1831 — 1895)
The first Black woman in the United States to receive an MD degree, Rebecca Lee Crumpler graduated from New York’s Geneva Medical College and went on to work with Black doctors who were caring for formerly enslaved people in the Freedmen’s Bureau.

Leonidas Harris Berry, MD (1902 — 1995)
Leonidas Harris Berry was the first black doctor on staff at Chicago’s Michael Reese Hospital. Berry chaired a commission dedicated to making Chicago hospitals more inclusive for Black physicians and increased facilities in underserved parts of the city in the 1950s. He joined the attending staff in 1963 and remained a senior attending physician for the rest of his career.

Marilyn Hughes Gaston, MD (b. 1939)
Marilyn Hughes Gaston, MD, became a leading researcher on sickle cell disease early in her career, and her groundbreaking 1986 study led to a national sickle cell disease screening program for newborns. In 1990, Gaston became the first Black female physician to be appointed director of the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Bureau of Primary Health Care. She was also the second Black woman to serve as an assistant surgeon and has been honored with every award that the Public Health Service bestows. Two doctors stand side-by-side holding clipboards. A quote reads: "The theme of Black History Month in 2022 is Black Health and Wellness, exploring the legacy of medical practitioners, scholars, doulas, birth workers, midwives, herbalists, and more."

Black-Owned Businesses to Support:

To help show your support for Black History Month this year, consider buying products or making a donation to one of the Black-owned businesses below. We also encourage you to check out Black-owned restaurants, grocers, and other businesses in your area to help further your support. If funds are running tight, consider sharing information about these companies on social media to help amplify their work.

BLK + GRN

An online marketplace with 60+ Black artisans selling products that use all-natural ingredients, BLK + GRN is a website that sells everything from personal care to products for the home and more.

Black Girls Breathing

A safe space made for Black women to support their mental health, Black Girls Breathing is an online community that offers free virtual breathwork circles.

GirlTrek

Walking in the footsteps of the civil rights legacy, GirlTrek helps motivate Black women to make a change in their communities through neighborhood walks and community support.

HunnyBunny Boutique

Designed by a mother for her children in Washington D.C., HunnyBunny specializes in all-natural bath, beauty, and hair care products created with pure, natural ingredients you would find in your kitchen.

Oui the People
Oui the People offers single-blade safety razors that provide a close shave without the razor burn. They also sell hydrating body gloss, relaxing bath soaks, and a wide range of other products. Founded by Karen Young, Oui the People is based on the idea that you don’t need to change yourself in order to be lovable.

Grounded

Trying to add some greenery to your home? Check out Grounded, a plant subscription service founded by Danuelle Doswell and Mignon Hemsley. Grounded focuses on selling plants with healing properties, such as increasing serotonin and purifying the air around you.

Rise and Flow Yoga Studio

It’s hard to get out of the house for a workout during these cold winter months, but with Rise and Flow Yoga you don’t have to. For only $10 per class, stream classes online or check out their monthly membership options starting at $39 per month for unlimited live online classes and replays.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Draper and Kramer is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We invite you to visit our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion page to learn more.