February 28, 2003

MGHers recognize Black History Month

Members of the Association of Multicultural Members of Partners (AMMP) recognized February as National Black History Month with a notable guest speaker at their monthly meeting held Feb. 24 in the O'Keeffe Auditorium.

Gerald R. Reed (right), past president of a nonprofit organization called Blacks in Government (BIG), based his speech on this year's Black History Month theme "The Souls of Black Folk, Centennial Reflections."

Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH, was on hand to introduce Reed, and several other special guests attended the event, including Massachusetts Senator Dianne Wilkerson and Darnell Williams, former AMMP chair and current president and CEO of the Urban League of Massachusetts.Guests were treated to a monologue performed by members of the Theatre Arts Department of the Boston Arts Academy and then were invited to enjoy a soul food luncheon.

Organized in 1975, BIG is the only organization of its kind dedicated to the interests and issues of African American public servants. Reed was president of the organization for two consecutive terms, lasting a period of four years, and currently is branch chief for Army Applications Development at the Pentagon in Washington.