A group in the UNMC Department of Pediatrics invites UNMC and Nebraska Medicine colleagues and students to take part in a national effort called White Coats 4 Black Lives at noon today.
The group will gather around the Search Tower outside the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center to kneel in silence for 10 minutes in recognition of the death of George Floyd and continued racial injustice.
Helen Grace, D.O., an assistant professor in pediatrics, said, “It’s important for us to stand up and say to the black community, we see you, we hear you, we know the discrimination is systemic, and we want to make it better. We are committed to change.”
UNMC and Nebraska Medicine staff members at locations other than the Omaha campus or who can’t make it to the Search Tower at noon are invited to participate wherever they are at that time.
Masks and appropriate social distancing are required while participating in groups.
The gatherings also are intended to show support to others within the UNMC community, Dr. Grace said. “Part of the staff is feeling anxious with COVID-19, the violent deaths and protests. The way to change the culture is to get people to think about what they can do to be allies, instead of bystanders. We all must keep learning.”
The national effort uses the social media hashtag #WC4BL.
Those interested in pursuing a possible student chapter of White Coats 4 Black Lives should contact Dr. Grace.
So proud of UNMC for making a open and supportive statement with White Coats 4 Black Lives! MJ Jobes UNMC College of Nursing
Yes, be an Upstander, Not a Bystander. Thank you for this supportive, genuine measure toward change.
Total Bravo Sierra. Best hospital in America not a social justice center. Keep your focus on research and saving lives through great medical research and practice.