Celebrating Black History Month in a Continued Pandemic

It’s hard to believe we’ve been contending with COVID-19 for two years now. Lockdowns and community spread that we thought would be weeks (possibly months) have stretched on now to affect our daily lives in ways unseen in the early days of 2020. In no community has that affect been felt more than among African Americans.

Whether healthcare access, testing, or vaccination, Black individuals and families are less likely than their White neighbors, friends, and colleagues to be connected with COVID care and treatment. That gap is layered on top of what had already been historical inequality in healthcare for African Americans.

In many ways, the pain points that caused Black Americans to distrust the healthcare system have only been exacerbated by the pandemic.

So, for Black History Month, are we where we need to be—pandemic or not—in the pursuit for a more equal United States? The answer is, “It’s complicated.” But there are bright spots that make this year feel like we’re headed in the right direction.

For example, since 2007, there’s been a 34% increase in Black-owned businesses in the U.S., for a total of more than two million, with the highest growth among those owned by Black women. Similarly, data from McKinsey shows that companies that champion diversity have a 25% higher chance of financially outperforming those who don’t. In fact, there was a 16% growth in Chief Diversity Officer positions between 2020 and 2021.

For Floyd Lee Locums’ part, we’ve committed to building our impact through action. That’s why we champion an employee-led DEI council, celebrate our executive team that is 70%+ female-led, and sponsor Minority companies’ participation in local business associations and leadership training at the national level.

I have enjoyed taking this month to learn more, and our team has been sharing stories and articles that have inspired them. Here are some of the ideas we have been exploring:

• Learn more about Voting Rights in America
• Watch a movie or read a book about Black History and great civil rights leaders
• Participate in community-based service. You can find volunteer opportunities here.
• Check out the MLK Day resources from January for a great list of other ideas.

Any of these options are worthy of your time. The most powerful tool we have is education. Like so many, I continue to learn more every day. Happy Black History Month!

Natasha Lee, CEO

About Floyd Lee Locums

Floyd Lee Locums provides an elite concierge experience to Physicians, Dentists and advanced practice healthcare clinicians in hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide. Founded by industry veterans Matt Floyd and Natasha Lee, the company has built an exceptional team of experienced locums and healthcare staffing professionals.

Named the “2021 Best Staffing Firm to Temp For” by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), their hands-on approach to delivering best-in-class service, personalized career solutions, and coverage that positively impacts patient outcomes is setting a new standard in the locums industry.