Today my research mentor accompanied the first year dental students who started two weeks ago to the African American museum. I am glad I was able to join them in this very eye opening and phenomenal experience. After the guided tour, the students were required to choose one display that they found most interesting and to share their thoughts about how might the historical information provided in this display affect African American patients’ relationships with healthcare providers from different ethnic/racial backgrounds? And how might this displayed information affect Non-African American providers in their responses towards African American patients?

 The display that I found really interesting was The Ring of Genealogy. This display helps understand how it is important to remember that our differences/experiences may shape who we are because we all come from different walks of life and we need to respect one another. It remind us that we all have a place in this world because this ring represents inclusion and unity from all cultures and ethnicities.

Ring of Genealogy

“Located on the floor of the Ford Freedom Rotunda, is Genealogy, a work designed by artist Hubert Massey.  The creation depicts the struggles of African Americans in this country.  Each figure is symbolic of an experience, from slavery to present day violence, the hunger for knowledge, the importance of spirituality and the upward mobility of African Americans.  Surrounding this 37-foot floor are bronze nameplates of prominent African Americans in history.  Each year new names are added to this Ring of Genealogy during the Ford Freedom Awards.”