February is Black History Month.
Let’s celebrate and learn more. E3 Celebrates Black History Month this month and year round and welcomes all people into our clinic.
At E3 Physio, we aim to provide a physical therapy environment that is welcoming to all people. In addition, we treat all clients, employees, and our network as people, and we strive to decrease our biases wherever possible.
Black History is rich and varied, encompassing slavery and liberty, oppression and progress, and segregation and achievement. The purpose of Black History Month is to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history and to educate us about the inequalities and freedom struggles. The theme for 2025 is African Americans and Labor: to focus on the significant role African Americans have played in the workforce, their contributions to the economy, and the fight for racial and economic justice.
As detailed in many excellent books (see list below), history is sadly riddled with atrocities to certain groups of people, including African Americans. Some examples in the medical field, as described in the book Medical Apartheid, include exploitation on plantations, inappropriate displays of black bodies, and the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. There continue to be differences in medical treatment of people based on race, and our biases can affect our treatments. Reading these books and learning about history can help us recognize and overcome bias when working with and treating Black people.
Medical Apartheid - Harriet A. Washington
My Grandmother’s Hands - Resmaa Menakem
White Fragility - Robin Diangelo
White Rage - Carol Anderson
Subtle Acts of Exclusion - Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran
Overcoming Bias - Tiffany Jana and Matthew Freeman
Stamped - Jason Reynolds and Ibram X Kendi
Diversity, Inc. - Pamela Newkirk
Caste - Isabel Wilkerson
We believe in continuing to learn about Black History and celebrate these individuals year round. We celebrate them by seeing them, listening to them, and supporting their businesses with our dollars. Below are some of the businesses/people that E3 Physio collaborates with, as well as some that I support.
Clean Wit Industries - handcrafted soaps - @clean.wit
GMS - media and marketing - @gmsmediapdx
Dr. Jennifer Hutton - pediatric physical therapist; allyship leader - dr.jpop
Dr. Jari Haile - physical therapist - @dr.jari
Dr. Paige Gauthier - physical therapist - @pgauthier23
Third Eye Books and Accessories - book store - @thirdeyebag
Abbey Creek Winery - winery - @abbeycreekwine
Lance Crawford - licensed professional counselor - @healing_for_the_culture
Some local ways to celebrate and participate in Black History Month are listed below:
Biamp Portland Jazz Festival
Northwest Black Comedy Festival
Cascade Festival of African Films
Black History Festival NW
Eat at African Restaurants (Salimatu Amabebe, Akadi, Black Star Grill, and Enat to name a few)
At E3 Physio, we believe in treating all people as humans and being a supportive space for all. We continue to support Black owned businesses, learn about Black History, and advocate for change. Please share your favorite Black owned businesses, favorite ways to celebrate Black History month and Black culture, local Black History month events to participate in, and any of your favorite history books and join us in advocating for change.
