Celebrate Black History Month 2022
In celebration of Black History Month, our museum highlights Black pioneers' trailblazing contributions to Western medicine, addresses health disparities facing our communities and encourages healing through education.
Midwives, Doulas and Birth-workers
Doulas and midwives are both birth workers who provide what's called "continuous labor support" in hospitals, birthing centers, and at home births. Doulas provide non-medical guidance and emotional support, while midwives provide medical care.
What is a Doula?: A Modern Maternal Discussion
In observance of this year’s African American History month theme, Black Health and Wellness, the National Museum of African American History & Culture is spotlighting timeless professions of Midwives and Doulas.
Health & Wellness Pioneers
These trailblazers broke barriers and shattered stereotypes — and went on to conduct research, discover treatments and provide leadership that improved the health of millions.
Searchable Museum - Without Consent
Henrietta Lacks' Immortal Cells
Unbeknownst to Henrietta Lacks at the time of her death in 1951, doctors used her cells for research that ultimately impacted the study of the human body. The HeLa cells, named for the first two letters of her first and last names, were used to develop the polio vaccine, in vitro fertilization, and cloning; to study the human genome, immunology and infectious disease. Even today, HeLa cells were used to develop the COVID-19 vaccine.
Mental Health
While the experience of being Black in America varies tremendously, there are shared cultural factors that play a role in helping define mental health and supporting well-being, resiliency and healing.
24 Hours in A Time of Change
On December 11, 2020, near the end of a year of upheaval and change, ten Smithsonian museums and units took a snapshot of a day in history. The event became a chance to document a day in the life of our nation—to consider, together, where we had been and where we were going.
Solutions and Self Care
“Self-care” refers to a wide range of practices and activities we engage in to care for ourselves (most often without the consultation of a medical professional). These practices address the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives.
Diet and Health
Research shows the benefits of a plant-based diet in fighting heart disease, diabetes and cancer. See our Sweet Home Cafe Cookbook for recommendations, and learn more about Sweet Home Café’s New Executive Chef, Ramin Coles.
BABY KALE SALAD
In African American households, kale has traditionally been cooked long and low, with a piece of seasoning meat. Today, it is just as likely to turn up in a great-tasting salad like this one.
