Students Invited to Salute to Black Medical Heroes Youth Summit

Students in grades 3-12 are invited to the Salute to Black Medical Heroes Youth Summit, a day of activities designed to inspire local youth to consider a career in the healthcare field. The free event will take place on Friday, April 21, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Central Library.

Young attendees will have an opportunity to engage with practitioners through hands-on experiences (owl pellet and eyeball dissections) and simulations. In addition, they will hear from keynote speaker Dr. Chemen Neal, MD, executive associate dean and chief diversity officer of Indiana University School of Medicine.

The event is organized by The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee, which was formed in November 1979 to increase awareness of the contributions made by African Americans to our society, to encourage more African American programming throughout The Library system, and to present the diverse accomplishments and heritage of African Americans to the general public.

“We wanted to speak to middle school students, which is about the time that they start thinking of what they want to do in life,” said Cordia Watkins, circulation manager with The Indianapolis Public Library and chairperson of the African American History Committee. “We wanted to join the national movement in encouraging Black Americans and other people of color to enter the medical profession. We are excited to have Dr. Chemen Neal speak at this event, providing positive representation for our young scholars. We hope this event will spark interest in something new, and that students who take part will walk away feeling inspired to pursue their dreams in any field.”

Students who are 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult. Lunch will be provided for all participating students. Registration is required.

The Salute to Black Medical Heroes Youth Summit is made possible by Eskenazi Health, Community Health Network, Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, IUPUI: Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Health, Metropolitan Indianapolis Central Indiana (MICI) Area Health Education Center, HPC International Inc., University of Indianapolis, and OPYS Physician Services through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.