Black History Month celebrations get bigger and better

Nursing Resource Operation Center staff who organize the annual Black History Month celebration are, standing: Diane Jackson (left) and Linda Hines, constant companions, and Cassandra McCoy, business associate.

During February, employees celebrated the contributions of African Americans throughout history with special events that started small and have grown over the years. 

Seven years ago, Quentina Martinez, Laura Crawford, Claudia Greene, Mary Hudson and Priscilla Butler held the Saint Raphael Campus Environmental Services department’s first Black History Month lunch. This year’s Feb. 22 event also attracted employees from other departments. 

At the York Street Campus, what started 14 years ago as a small potluck lunch in the Nursing Resource Operation Center on EP 8-8 has grown into an event that features a singing group, information about famous African Americans and more. Employees from throughout the hospital attended the Feb. 9 celebration. 

“We started this event to acknowledge the contributions of African Americans throughout history, but it’s really about celebrating all cultures,” said founder Linda Hines, constant companion.

SRC Environmental Services staff continued a Black History Month lunch tradition that five employees started seven years ago.