By: Jasmine Brewster Piper, UWS SABCA Chapter President, SABCA Western Region Student Representative
The 21st American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA) National Conference came at the perfect time. The past year has been devastating for the entire world. In addition to experiencing a global pandemic, us students of color have had to maneuver through our schoolwork and patient care with grace while we witnessed murder and injustice around us. We have been angry, we have been filled with grief and trauma, but more than anything we have felt isolated and alone throughout our campuses. The ABCA National Conference provided the two things we all needed, community and healing.
Every year the national conference leaves us with a burning fire and motivation to continue on, because that is what it will take for us to become doctors and make real change in our communities. This year we received lectures from Dr. Terry Yochum and Dr. Elise Hewitt, UWS alumna (DC class of 1988). We had breakout sessions with the student members where we discussed and brainstormed different opportunities to bring diversity to our campuses and the profession as a whole. During the Harvey-Lillard Scholarship I was nominated and announced as the new Western Region Student Representative, making it the second year a member from the UWS chapter held this position.
We danced, we ate, we learned from amazing doctors – we left with our spirits lifted and focused on our purpose. Collectively, we were all seen and heard. I left feeling proud of our UWS SABCA members and the organization as a whole for their continued efforts and resilience. I am a proud member of the Student American Black Chiropractic Association and will continue to stand up for those who are not heard.
American Black Chiropractic Association
Learn more about the ABCA history.
Mission Statement: Integrating and improving outcomes for persons of color entering the profession of Doctor of Chiropractic.
Constitution Purpose:
- To recruit, encourage and support black persons to study chiropractic.
- To encourage research in the development of the science, philosophy and the art of chiropractic.
- To assist chiropractic colleges in recruiting qualified black students and faculty members.
- To generally advance in the science, philosophy, and art of chiropractic, and to improve the standards in the profession’s professional knowledge.
- To facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experience, and research among doctors of chiropractic.
- To perform community education.
- To establish the Harvey Lillard scholarship fund for members of the Student American Black Chiropractic Association.