Massini, Black: ‘Courageous voices are changing history’

Penn State Health CEO Steve Massini and Penn State College of Medicine Interim Dean Dr. Kevin Black sent the following email on Friday to employees, faculty, staff and students across the organization:

We’ve had a lot of town halls during COVID-19, but none have been as powerful as the ones these past two weeks focusing on racism and culture change.

This week in particular, nearly 300 of you gathered virtually to suggest next steps for Penn State Health and our College of Medicine so that all of us can better understand exactly what racism is, how we can become allies against racism, and how we can address racial injustice within our organization. The ideas thus far have been thoughtful, creative and compelling.

What’s happening within our organization aligns with what is happening nationally and globally, as voices grow louder calling for an end to racial injustice. Those courageous voices are changing history, much the same way that our Penn State football team changed history in 1946 when it refused to play a Florida college team that would not allow Penn State’s two black players in the game. If you aren’t aware of this history, you can view a video about it here.

One of the messages we heard loud and clear from employees who participated in the race relations town hall meetings is a desire to learn more about the history behind racial injustice and challenges that impact all diverse groups. Today is one opportunity to do just that. Today is Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, a national holiday first celebrated in Texas in 1867, two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing all slaves. Last year, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law Act 9 which designates June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Pennsylvania.

As we work together to address racial equality within our organization, we encourage you to take time to learn about Juneteenth. Penn State President Eric Barron this morning sent this message, which includes a link to resources. Please also consider joining one of the six remaining race relations town halls scheduled for next week.

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