Director's Message February 2, 2204

There have been so many Black Americans who were influential that it’s hard to pick just a few to talk about. From poet Langston Hughes to basketball legend Michael Jordan, Black Americans have excelled at sports, created meaningful art and literature, directed and influenced culture, advanced science, and so much more.

Black astronauts like Ronald McNair and Mae Jemison have contributed to our understanding of space, and how humans might someday travel through it to distant worlds. Black scientists like astrophysicist George Carruthers have expanded our understanding of the cosmos, and our place in the universe. I would be remiss if I didn’t point out the influential Black men who served in the Navy, but of course, our armed forces have had significant contributions from Black soldiers since thousands of Black Americans -both slaves and free men from all 13 colonies- fought in the Continental Army during America’s war from independence from Great Britain. From before the founding of our nation to walking in space, Black Americans have been there every step of the way contributing to the greatness of this country.

Black Americans have always been one of the threads that -when woven together- makes the tapestry of America complete. However, being woven into a tapestry without losing your racial identity can be a challenge. That’s why so many Black writers throughout history have sought to define and preserve the Black cultural identity. From the poems of Maya Angelou to more contemporary Black authors like Charmaine Wilkerson, these writers have tried to capture the quintessence of what it is to be Black in the United States from its inception to today.

No less significant are the Black directors who seek to use the mediums of television and movies to tell stories of meaning. Black musicians have also played a pivotal role in shaping the music of America, from Gospel to Rap. There is no part of American history or culture that hasn’t been influenced by the Black Americans who live here. We recently saw our first Black President and First Lady, but long before that we had Black congressmen and judges. From the Reverend Al Sharpton to the tennis star Serena Williams, Black Americans have excelled in every dimension of our lives leaving a noble legacy of superior performance and excellence.

It’s important to realize that there are Black Americans who immigrated here from around the world, with many and varied stories and songs. Our community has opened its arms to people from all over the world, from noted singer Celia Cruz of Cuba to famous comedian Trevor Noah of South Africa. Many African Americans do still trace their history to slavery, but over time our culture has increased in diversity and complexity to cover a variety of identities, not unlike our nation.

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa to Black Americans living in the United States today. I’m very proud to be a Black American who has made history myself when I became the first Black Surgeon General of the US Navy and the first African American Surgeon General of any DOD service, and I am glad that we take time to highlight the contributions of all Americans in turn throughout the year. When we learn and appreciate history, we move forward with the wisdom of our ancestors so that we can make the best choices possible for our descendants. Most importantly, this month we honor those Black Americans who are Veterans. VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) is proud to serve Veterans from all histories and backgrounds, but this month, we celebrate our Black Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, and Airmen.

Happy Black History month!

Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles

On October 26, 1967, just six months before his assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King gave an address entitled “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint? – a stirring speech which left its indelible mark in the annuls of time.

But it wasn’t on the grand steps of the Lincoln Memorial, or before a vast assembly numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Rather, it was to an audience of young students at Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia. The principles he highlighted that day would transcend both time and age.

Leaning into the podium, he said “Number one in your life’s blueprint should be a deep belief in your own dignity, your own worth, and your own somebodiness. Don’t allow anybody to make you feel that you are nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that you have worth. And always feel that your life has ultimate significance.”

I could imagine that as Dr. King’s eyes peered over that young assembly of people, he knew full well that these kids could never rise to their full potential unless they truly saw value in themselves. Those kids, first and foremost, had to truly believe that the person they saw in the mirror was a person of worth and value. Regardless of what other’s thought about them, King understood that what they believed about themselves would be the most consequential for their lives.

Herein lies a lesson for us as well. We all will, at one point or another, come to moments in our lives where our potential and our capacity may be doubted by others. But Dr. King reminds us that it’s not so much the opinions of others that determine our life’s blueprint, but what we accept as true for ourselves that is the most determinant.

Holding fast to a belief in our dignity and worth will help us maintain an inner buoyancy that helps us rise when we feel pressed down. During this Black History Month, let’s determine to never forget the value that you have. 

One Team, One Ohana!

Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD, MBA, CPE

Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System

VADM, MC, USN, (RET)

36th Surgeon General, USN

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