FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2024
Contact: Andrea Wright, [email protected]
[Richmond, VA] – The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA) will
open a new exhibition on September 18, 2024, titled A Prescription for Change: Black Voices Shaping Healthcare in Virginia. The exhibition will tell stories of significant yet often overlooked contributions of Black professionals in the health fields. Images, artifacts, and documents will showcase the efforts of Black medical professionals as they worked to combat
healthcare disparities and inequities. This exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of Black achievements in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and allied health professions, illuminating pathways to addressing contemporary healthcare issues.
The question of, “How did we get here?” is pervasive in so many aspects of our daily lives. A Prescription for Change will explore this question in relation to the current health of the African American community. It will challenge visitors to examine the historical social determinants of health in the Black community that have led to contemporary issues. The exhibition celebrates the legacies of some of Virginia’s notable Black medical professionals, historically significant
places, and relevant events that have shaped healthcare in our community today. There are also
lesser-known individuals whose contributions were equally impactful. Shakia Gullette Warren, executive director, said, “By understanding our history, we are better equipped to explore pathways forward. Through truth in storytelling and inclusive narration, we are dedicated to achieving healthier communities. This means addressing the wellbeing of the entire person –
mental, physical, and emotional – as we seek to help restore cultural pride and unity within our
community.”
The presentation of this exhibition is aligned with BHMVA’s mission to share, interpret,
preserve, exhibit, and commemorate the rich history and culture of Virginia’s African American
people as part of the complete American history narrative as we seek to educate all people about
the historical and cultural significance of their efforts.
A Prescription for Change: Black Voices Shaping Healthcare in Virginia is presented by Virginia
Hospital and Healthcare Association and sponsored by Altria and Dominion Energy. BHMVA is
also grateful for the support of Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, CoStar, Drs. Jill Bussey Harris and Monroe E. Harris, Jr., Delorise and Richard A. Lambert, Sr., VCU Health, and
Markel.
While the exhibition is on display, it will be enhanced with lecture series’, community
conversations, and educational programs. On September 7, 2024, BHMVA hosted the first in a
series of community conversations on Health Equity, presented in partnership with the Virginia
Department of Health (VDH). Beginning On September 14, 2024, a second community
conversation series will begin. Presented in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental
Health (NAMI), the series will address the stigma of mental health in the Black community. On
October 12, at 2 PM, exhibition curator and public historian Elvatrice Belsches will be the
museum’s guest lecturer, and she will present on the legacy of St. Emma & St. Francis. All
programs are free and open to the community.
A Prescription for Change: Black Voices Shaping Healthcare in Virginia, will be on display at
the BHMVA through March 15, 2025. Visitors can purchase advance admission through the
BHMVA website.Aligned with A Prescription for Change: Black Voices Shaping healthcare in Virginia, BHMVA will open Sweet to the Soul and Healing to the Bones, on September 18th as a special pop-up exhibit organized by the Black American Artist Alliance of Richmond (BAAAR). This companion exhibit will further highlight the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Black professionals in various health fields. The exhibit features works from 14 talented artists, exploring physical, emotional, psychological, and historical aspects of healthcare disparities faced by Black patients. Participating artists include P. Muzi Branch, S. Ross Browne, Unicia Buster, Kyle Epps, A. Yhayha Hargrove, Barbara Hobson, William E. Johnson, Jowarnise, David Marion, Amiri Richardson Keys, Jay Sharp, Jeff Taylor, Sir James Thornhill, Dennis Winston, and Vashti Woods. Each artist brings a unique perspective to this critical dialogue, creating a multifaceted narrative that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and envision a more equitable future in healthcare. The exhibition will be open through November 30, 2024.
About Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia celebrates the rich history and culture
of African American people in Virginia and shares their stories to tell the complete narrative of
the American story and foster a more open and inclusive society. For more information
visit www.blackhistorymuseum.org.
About the Black American Artist Alliance of Richmond
The Black American Artist Alliance of Richmond is a collective of talented Black artists dedicated to promoting and showcasing African American art and culture in the Richmond area.
Through exhibitions, workshops, and community outreach, BAAAR aims to elevate Black
voices in the arts and foster dialogue on important social issues.
##
