This year's event is particularly significant as it reflects Meharry Medical College’s commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting equity on a global scale.
Written by Jonathan Low - Guest Columnist at The Tennessean
My journey began in Charleston, South Carolina, where I became the first African American to earn a biochemistry degree from Anderson University.
My experiences as a cancer research scholar and health policy scholar deepened my understanding of health disparities and fueled my commitment to addressing these gaps.
Currently, through my work with Centro Health Solutions, a health-tech startup I co-founded, and ongoing public health research with Dr. Michael Caldwell, associate vice president of vaccine research and education at Meharry Medical College, I have seen how paramount diverse storytelling is for driving societal change.
Last year, I had the privilege of participating in the Latino Voices Storytellers Live event, which demonstrated the power of diverse storytelling in bridging gaps and fostering understanding.
This year, I am eager to extend this vital work, recognizing and celebrating the unique experiences and insights of the Black community by participating as the co-host of this year’s Black Tennessee Voices Storytellers Live event.
Black experiences and perspectives will be amplified
As a third-year medical student at Meharry Medical College I am thrilled to announce that this year's program will take place on Sept. 17 at our esteemed institution.
Hosted by Meharry’s newly founded School of Global Health, this event will continue the important work in highlighting Black voices and their crucial contributions to our media and political landscape.
Jonathan Low, Entrepreneur and medical student at Meharry Medical College talks about his mom and the impact she made in his life, during the annual Latino Tennessee Voices event at Casa Azafran in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean
The Black Tennessee Voices Storytellers Live event is more than just a showcase; it is a necessary platform for amplifying Black experiences and perspectives.
Over the past two years, this event has spotlighted influential figures who illuminate the struggles and triumphs of Black Tennesseans.
This year's event is particularly significant as it reflects Meharry Medical College’s commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting equity on a global scale.
Storytellers event fosters meaningful dialogue
Meharry Medical College, as a prominent historically Black college and university (HBCU), stands as a beacon of excellence, advocacy and most importantly hope. Hope for underrepresented individuals who have long faced systemic barriers and inequalities.
For those who come from communities where opportunities are scarce, Meharry represents an indispensable symbol of possibility. It stands as a place where aspirations are nurtured and where barriers to success are actively challenged. Hope for those who have often been marginalized and whose voices have not been fully heard in broader societal conversations.
By hosting this event, Meharry reinforces its role as an HBCU and its dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue about issues affecting our communities and upholding the legacy of providing a platform for voices that need to be brought to the forefront.
In a time when media representation often falls short, it is essential to create spaces where Black voices are heard authentically.
As we look forward to September’s event, I am excited to continue this critical work and by coming together at Meharry Medical College, we reaffirm our commitment to amplifying Black voices and ensuring they remain integral to the dialogue on equity and representation.
Jonathan Low is a medical student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville
This article was reposted from The Tennessean. To view the original article, click this link: https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/09/04/black-tennessee-voices-storytellers-meharry-medical-college/75062031007/
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