Twelve University of Iowa scientists recognized as some of Cell Press' 1,000 Inspiring Black Scientists in America
Keith Carter, MD
Lillian C. O'Brien and Dr. C.S. O'Brien Chair in Ophthalmology
- Chairman and Head, Department of Ophthalmology
- Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Professor of Otolaryngology
What does Black History Month mean to you?
BHM is an opportunity to remember and honor those that came before us and paved the road that I travel today. It provides motivation as you recall the struggles and triumphs of the current and past generations. Lastly it provides an opportunity to teach those that are less aware of contributions of African Americans in shaping this country.
Please share an accomplishment that you are proud of?
The establishment of a program for the recruitment and mentoring for Underrepresented students interested in ophthalmology. It was established by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology.
Joyce Goins-Fernandez, PhD (She/Her/Hers)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
Licensed Psychologist/ ADHD and Learning Disability evaluations
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month means acknowledging the efforts and accomplishments of Black People in America. It also means taking time to reflect whether I am living up to my ancestors dreams. My grandfather, Ernest Lockhart, was a civil rights activist in Jackson, Mississippi. He was the president of the local chapter of the NAACP and spent a lot of time registering Black people to vote. I look up to him as a role model because of his contributions and “fighting the good fight.”. Because of him, I challenge myself to get involved and do as much as I can in the way of social justice in my local community, whether it is co-chairing the DEI committee for Pediatrics or volunteering for the free lunch program at may church. Service is a big part of how I spend my free time. As Martin Luther King Jr once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What Are You Doing For Others?’” Finally, Black History Month also means educating others about Black History, which is American History.
Please share an accomplishment that you are proud of?
I am proud of the DEI Book Drive that I am spearheading for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital (pictured above). We are collecting money to purchase children’s books that talk about racism and discrimination. We have purchased three sets of books to place in the libraries around UIHC. We are also partnering with local libraries to encourage them to have diverse books in their children’s collection. To date, we have raised a little over $7,000. Our goal is to raise $10,000. We are continuing to accept monetary donations. To donate to the DEI book drive, go here: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/pediatrics/content/pediatrics-and-psychiatry-...
Aloha Wilks (she, her, hers)
Professional Coding Division QA Analyst, CPC
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a space to reflect and reset for the good of the community by focusing on internal values detailed by Dr. Martin Luther King-Beauty, Love and Justice. The 2021 Black History Month theme of Black Family has huge significance in my relationship with UIOWA. My family legacy is part of UIOWA legacy. My son Melsahn Basabe is an Hawkeye-Class of 2014, my granddaughter-Eva Basabe was born at UIHC Hospital 9/12/13 and her mother, Chelcie Scott obtained her undergraduate degree from UIOWA before obtaining her graduate degree at Georgia State. As a family, we have obtained education, athletic, and professional success but we also unapologetically acknowledge spaces where we can and must do better. We are clearly invested-as a grandmother, an employee and parent of a student athlete, I remain committed to supporting the university in moving the needle with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I am a member of the UIHC DEI Task Force for Climate and Environment, UIHC DEI Mission, Vision, Values Committee, co-founder of HSSB DEI Committee , Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Success Collaborative, -Diversity, Inclusion, Race and Community and other sub-committees focused on mental wealth and communication. I’m putting in the daily work required to allow my seven year old granddaughter to attend her parents Alum and be proud of the culture shift that welcomes her with open arms.
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career?
The work I’ve been able to achieve in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been most rewarding. Every day I engage with the UI community in difficult and uncomfortable conversations regarding DEI because my family and UIOWA community can’t afford the loss of not engaging in uncomfortable conversation around DEI. I enter “brave space” daily with the expectation that once we are able to normalize uncomfortable DEI conversation, we can move forward with the actionable work necessary to reframe the systems and structure that allow biases/prejudices to exist.