Each February, the AAFP celebrates Black History Month. Throughout this month, we'll celebrate the accomplishments of Black AAFP members working to improve health outcomes for all communities. We'll also highlight AAFP.org and external resources for family physicians and patients regarding minority health, health equity and social determinants of health to equip members with practical tools and information.
Learn about the significant achievements and contributions Black Americans have made to the practice of medicine. While the following timeline isn't complete, it serves as a point of reference for the ways Black Americans have advanced the science and art of healing in the United States.
In October 2026, president-elect Kisha Davis, MD, MPH, FAAFP, will become the fifth woman and fourth Black member to be sworn in as president in eight years. To celebrate Black History Month, Davis invited Toussaint Mears-Clarke, MD, MBA, FAAFP, an educator and rising leader in the California AFP and the AAFP, to a conversation about leading and mentoring as a Black physician.
AAFP News talked with former Academy President and current DEI Commission Chair Ada Stewart, M.D., FAAFP, and commission member Adena Hicks, M.A., M.P.H., M.D., about the Commission’s accomplishments and importance, and to clarify misconceptions about DEI.
The EveryONE Project, part of the AAFP's Center for Diversity and Health Equity, offers education and resources to help you advocate for health equity, promote workforce diversity, and collaborate with other disciplines and organizations to reduce harmful health disparities.