On Monday, February 23rd, the Southern University School of Nursing hosted a Black History Month program titled ‘Rooted,’ emphasising the black community’s connection to legacy and history. The event featured a screening of the 1970 documentary ‘I Am Somebody,’ with a panel discussion featuring various seasoned nursing professionals afterward.
Organized by the Student Nurses Association, the event not only honored Black history, but celebrated the nursing school’s 40 year anniversary. Students, faculty, and alumni gathered inside the Nursing School auditorium for an evening of reflection and insight.
The documentary told the story of the Charleston hospital workers strike in 1969, where over 400 black nurses and hospital staff demanded fair wages and better treatment in the workplace. They marched through the streets of Charleston chanting, “I am somebody,” a statement of humanity and dignity despite the unjust treatment they received.
Many protesters were arrested as a result. The strike lasted 113 days and eventually resulted in wage increases for workers who were discriminated against.
Following the screening, panelists were encouraged to discuss the film’s relevance to modern treatment of black nurses.
Dr. Wanda Spurlock, a member of the Louisiana State Nurses Association Hall of Fame, explained that advocacy is essential in the nursing profession. “Advocacy is the heart of nursing. We are the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
Dr. Sandra Brown, Dean of Southern University’s College of Nursing and Allied Health, accentuated the importance of nurses being active in all areas of healthcare. As the first African American to earn a Doctor of Science Nursing degree from Louisiana State University, Brown has become well-acquainted with leadership and setting new standards.
“Nursing does not stop at hospital doors,” She said. “If laws are being written about healthcare, nurses must be involved in writing them.
Among those present was Julia Rudd, a level 2 nursing student who shared her thoughts on the event. “I think it’s important for us to have representation, especially as Black nursing students.” Rudd said. “This event showed us that many of the people who blazed the trail for us are still telling their stories. It motivates us to keep pushing forward.” She went on to note that the panel allowed students like her to stay connected to the legacies of the nursing professionals that came before her.
As the evening came to an end, members of the Student Nurses Association led a pledge while panelists participated and were given ceremonial pins to celebrate their exemplary contributions to the nursing profession. Current nursing students looked on and pledged to continue the fight for racial equity in healthcare.
