Join us on July 7, 2021 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at 216 Front Street for a discussion about Shober, the history of Black physicians in Wilmington and lingering inequities in medical care.
How important are Black medical professionals? What role did they play in Wilmington in the 19th and 20th centuries? The answer to those questions begin with Dr. James Francis Shober, who historians believe was the first Black physician to practice in North Carolina.
Taking part in the discussion will be Dr. Jan Davidson, museum historian at the Cape Fear Museum, and artist William Paul Thomas. You will also get a first look at the portrait Novant Health NHRMC commissioned of Dr. Shober, which was painted by Thomas.
Initiative 1897, through support from several local Wilmington companies, uses artwork and community dialogue to examine the centuries-long inequities that communities of color have faced. A series of large-scale portraits of Black men and women were commissioned to share how they helped usher in change in the Wilmington area. Sharing their stories provides an on ramp for further engagement in the community in the search for more pathways toward equity.
* Refreshments to be served and masks will be required.
* This is a closed inaugural event for all Novant Health NHRMC team members.
For additional information, contact Joe Conway at [email protected]