June 19 is Juneteenth: a Time of Celebration and Contemplation “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.” —Martin Luther King, Jr. Juneteenth is an annual federal holiday that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, which took place on June 19, 1865. Is there a connection between Juneteenth and healthcare equity? Yes. As Juneteenth celebrates freedom and resilience, it recognizes the ongoing fight for equality and justice. That includes addressing systemic inequities that continue to affect African American communities, including in healthcare. Healthcare disparities are a critical issue for Black Americans, who often face barriers such as limited access to quality care, implicit bias in medical treatment, and socioeconomic factors that negatively impact…
