Where were you born and raised?
Born in Florida; raised in Kansas City, Missouri.
What is your occupation?
Physician.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Taking road trips with my family to see my uncle and his family in Arkansas.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It represents a time of reflection to acknowledge all of the elders that have come before me and have allowed me to have access to greater opportunities than they had. It also is a time to remind myself of all the great African Americans who have made contributions that have shaped this country.
What do you believe is the most important issue currently facing the Black community?
Access to healthcare, education, jobs, etc.
When did you realize you were Black in America and what has that meant for your life?
I have had an awareness of being Black since I grew up in south Kansas City when the majority of the community was White. Fortunately, being Black has enriched my life, as my parents had a love for Black history and taught me and my brothers about all of the “Giants” in our community.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration to push for change?
My dad is my biggest inspiration. He grew up poor in the south. He had no one to encourage him, but he was self motivated and went to college. He had no specific plan of what to study but asked his advisor what the hardest subject was. He was told Mathematics; therefore, that’s what he chose. He went on to obtain degrees in Mathematics and Physics. He died in 2013 but still influences my life.
How have you supported or contributed to the local Black community?
I support and contribute to the local Black community in my roles as a physician and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I have participated in health forums and community service projects that promote health in the Black community.
