Author and Health Care Equity Advocate Dr. Uché Blackstock Discusses Racism in Medicine

Connecticut residents heard first-hand about the journey of groundbreaking Dr. Uché Blackstock — as well as insights from her new book, LEGACY: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine — on February 29 as part of Fairfield County Equity Lab’s second “In Community” speaker series in partnership with Connecticut Public.

As an ER physician and later a professor of academic medicine, Dr. Blackstock has had an insider’s view on the stark systemic barriers that Black patients and physicians face.

In 2019, she resolved to do something about it, walking away from her prestigious post at New York University to focus on launching Advancing Health Equity, a nonprofit with a mission to close the gap in racial health inequities. Later, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, she returned to urgent care work, where she again witnessed deep inequities faced by people of color – an experience that only strengthened her resolve to break down systemic barriers.

FCCF’s newest initiative, Allies for Equity was also unveiled at the event, offering community members an entry point to come together and take action to advance equity in Fairfield County.

For those who weren’t able to join us at the event, view the event recording below:

View Event Photos:

About the Series:
The “In Community” speaker series events are designed to ignite fresh perspectives, inspire actionable solutions, and foster collaboration among individuals, organizations, and community leaders. Each event features compelling conversations with thought leaders and social advocates who are actively engaged in addressing the pressing issues facing our region and our country at large. The series is co-hosted by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and Connecticut Public.

About The Fairfield County Equity Lab:
The Equity Lab is a new and growing community resource for equity-centered learning, connection, and innovation through events, workshops, research projects and more. The Equity Lab builds bridges, bringing people together to ideate, collaborate and commit to community improvement. It is powered by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation which works closely with community organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and philanthropists to address challenges and identify opportunities to create a Fairfield County where every person has an equitable opportunity to thrive.

About Connecticut Public
Connecticut Public is the only state-wide, community-supported public media service, reaching over one million people weekly through radio, television, and digital. Through our mission to inform, educate, and inspire, we connect residents to quality journalism, storytelling, and experiences by amplifying the voices of our diverse communities. Connecticut Public is located in Hartford, CT with studios at Gateway Community College in New Haven, CT and Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT.