Opening Doors | Community Spirit

In conjunction with Black History Month, the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library will host Opening Doors: Contemporary African American Surgeons, February 8, - April 7, 2012.

Opening Doors: Contemporary African American Surgeons takes a look back at the trailblazers who helped pave the way for a new generation of physicians and surgeons.

Through contemporary and historical images, the exhibition takes the visitor on a journey through the lives and achievements of academic surgeons, and provides a glimpse into the stories that came before them and those that continue the tradition today.

The exhibit was developed and produced by the National Library of Medicine and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History Culture.

 In partnership with The Bluff City Medical Society and its auxiliary, the exhibit will also feature a display of local African American physicians and surgeons. “The addition of the local component makes the exhibit more relevant to our community. It is important for young people to learn about the contributions of these extraordinary Memphians,” says Wang-Ying Glasgow, Adult Services Coordinator for the Memphis Public Library.

The exhibit celebrated those African American physicians and surgeons who made significant contributions in the fields of medicine and pharmacy in the face of adversity.

In conjunction with the exhibit, a panel discussion on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 6pm at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library Meeting Rooms. Local prominent physicians and surgeons will discuss improving the overall health in Memphis and encouraging and empowering young African Americans to join the medical field. The event is free and open to the public. Topics for the panel discussion include improving the overall health in Memphis and encouraging and empowering young African Americans to join the medical field.

The local sponsor for the exhibit is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee Community Trust.

For more information contact, Wang-Ying Glasgow Wang-Ying.Glasgow@memphistn.gov<?xml:namespace prefix = o />.

Information and photo provided by Memphis Public Library and National Library of Medicine and Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture.