On Friday, June 16, 2023, two anchors among the student affiliates of the Center for the Study of Racism, Social Justice and Health received their doctorates. Their paths and interests are different, and each honored her own unique path in remaining steadfast contributors to the vision of the Center.
Dr. Taylor Rogers was the inaugural student chair of UCLA’s partnership with the annual UNC minority health conference featured in a documentary short about the work of the center’s COVID Task Force on Racism & Equity, a collaboration with Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science. It highlights Dr. Rogers’ role writing press releases, identifying grant opportunities and generally supporting the advocacy work of one of the Center’s closest partners, the Black Coalition Fighting Back Serial Murders. Since her arrival to UCLA, Dr. Rogers has fought to bring institutional change to the Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA and the field of Health Policy and Management. This has often been isolating, difficult work. We recognize your courage and salute you for your vision and persistence.
Dr. Nwankwo has been a dedicated grant writer and graduate student researcher at the Center since her arrival to the department of Community Health Sciences. She worked not only on behalf of the center, but also sometimes on behalf of our community partners. In addition to your eagerness to assist with center projects requiring support, you will be missed for your amazing humor, candor and team spirit, which you lavish upon us at every gathering large or small.
CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU!!! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. May your new academic homes recognize and celebrate the gift you are. May you feel like you belong. And, may the foundation you laid and the support you received enable you to thrive!
So much respect and pride.
In struggle for justice,
Chandra
