This Independence Day
July 4th, American Independence Day, is Saturday, and since some of you will be observing a holiday tomorrow, I’m sending this VC Notes a day early this week.
And what a week it has been in Mississippi. The legislative vote to remove the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag, after 126 years, reminded me of the famous quote attributed to Dr. Martin Luther King:
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
I’m proud of our state. I appreciate the leaders in the Legislature, including Lieutenant Governor Hoseman and Speaker Gunn, for showing the political courage to have this issue decided by our elected representatives and not by popular vote. Adopting a flag that is a more unifying symbol for our state is vitally important.
As members of an academic medical center community, we have to do our part to be sure our campus environment is inclusive for all. It starts with conversations. I have asked several campus leaders, including Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Ralph Didlake and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Juanyce Taylor, to plan a series of forums where these important issues can be discussed in a candid and safe environment. Gradually, we will build on what we learn from each other and achieve a more inclusive community.
When I think of the events of the last week, I think of the grand experiment we call the United States of America – 244 years old this Saturday – and our ongoing efforts to form “a more perfect union.” In Mississippi, we took a giant step in that direction last Sunday. Let there be many more to follow.
Every year on July 1, we welcome new house officers as well as new faculty and staff. To those of you joining the UMMC family, I extend a warm welcome. Your knowledge and experience will make us stronger and better. We are glad you are here.
Happy Independence Day to all of you. Please be safe and take appropriate precautions to protect yourself from the virus, which is spreading at an alarming rate in Mississippi. And a special thanks to those of you who will be working on July 4. Your dedication to our patients and your co-workers inspires all of us, and defines what it means to be #UMMCStrong.