Editor's Note: This is part one of our two-part Black History Month feature. The second part focuses on our sickle cell research.

Every February, the nation uplifts the contributions of and reflects upon the struggles and experiences of the African American/Black community. Duke University School of Nursing joins in this commemoration by solidifying a commitment to making the school a more diverse, inclusive environment for our students, faculty and staff and, in turn, the communities we serve; having this year’s national Black History Month theme be Black Health and Wellness further connects the School’s work to the central commemoration.  

“Black History Month focuses on the histories and contributions of Black people and African Americans that were purposefully not taught by all levels of educational school systems throughout the United States while engaging the community to further their understanding of these untaught histories. It is a dedicated time of education and engagement as well as a time to celebrate the amazing achievements of, not only our visible heroes, but those that are silently doing the work every day without recognition,” said Brigit M. Carter, PhD, MSN, RN, CCRN, FAAN, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion and professor. “To understand us is to understand our narrative, the past and the present. To learn of the history of slavery and discrimination promotes an understanding of the culture of present-day racism. To create a better future, there must be a connection to the past.” 

A tangible example of the School’s commitment to its core value is the work of the Racial Justice Task Force. Since June 2020, the faculty, staff and students on the task force’s committees have been assessing School policies and procedures to identify and make recommendations to improve equity. The task force was established by the Dean’s Office and Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in alignment with Duke Health’s Moments to Movement initiative and Duke University’s university-wide commitment.  

“Representation is more than the presence of Black and African American students, staff and faculty at the school but an opportunity to have the voice and experiences that contribute to the beautiful multicultural tapestry of how we learn, research and practice,” Carter said. “Representation matters because we need to see ourselves in all communities.”  

The Duke School of Nursing exhibiting a strong dedication to a more welcoming, open environment for all its community members affects student retention and enrollment and, in turn, can have a positive outcome in making the nursing workforce more diverse. This commitment is also recognized in external measures, such as being a three-time recipient of the Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from “INSIGHT Into Diversity” magazine (2016, 2020, 2021).  

“We know patient outcomes are better when patients are cared for by diverse, culturally aware health care teams,” said Michael P. Cary, PhD, RN, Elizabeth C. Clipp Term Chair in Nursing and associate professor. “We know student outcomes are better when didactic and clinical experiences are provided to students within inclusive learning environments. We also know a lack of representation of people from racial and ethnic minority groups in research has contributed to a widening of health disparities. However, when policies are made, resources are allocated, and programs are designed without representation, it creates systemic inequities and sets in motion pathways that place people from racial and ethnic minority groups at a disadvantage.  

“If we are going to dismantle systemic racism and chart a path to achieve health equity, I believe it begins with diverse representation within our clinical and educational settings–from our nursing workforce to our student body, faculty, and academic leadership.” 

As the first Duke AI Health Equity Scholar, Cary is participating in a yearlong fellowship to broaden Duke’s commitment to ethical and equitable data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in health applications. The scholarship is supported by Duke AI Health and the Duke Clinical & Translational Science Institute.   

Cary’s accolades also include receiving The Samuel DuBois Cook Society’s Raymond Gavins Distinguished Faculty Award last February. The mission of the Cook Society is to recognize, celebrate and affirm the presence of African American students, faculty, and staff at Duke University. In addition to his focus on artificial intelligence, Cary has produced publications and participated in conducting research pertaining to older adult functional decline, use of post-acute rehabilitation services, orthopedic nursing care and minority health. 

“Nurses are trusted health care professionals around the world, and they are making great strides in the future of health care for individuals, families and communities,” said Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, RN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, dean, Duke School of Nursing, and vice chancellor, nursing affairs, Duke University. “Having nurses with diverse backgrounds and experiences across cultures increases awareness. This also helps to design nurse-led models of health care that consider the needs and well-being of diverse populations, helping to reduce health disparities.”