THE NATIONAL NEGRO HEALTH WEEK, 1915 TO 1951: A DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT Sandra Crouse Quinn, PhD; Stephen B. Thomas, PhD Origins of National Negro Health Week k ~ s r r d c r In the early 20th century, much of In 1914, , Bookc? rT . Wa: shington, founder of Tuskegee the black population lived in poverty In stitute,, vie.we.d I the poc )r health status of black Americans and was concentrated in the rural as an obst. acle to economic progress and issued a call for South. Formal health care was often / I' the Neg ;ro peop~ le.. to j oin in a movemce nt whic :h shall 1 nonexistent, sanitation was poor, nu- km own a s HealtE Impror~e ment 1N eek (I Patterso:n , 1939). trition was inadequate, and housing 1 hTe. a-l11r1n. lTm. .. p - r.o- v- -e .m. . . substandard. The great black migra- e_n..Ir TvAvT .e ek evolv-e- aJ l:n.. r.o - the National N( tion to urban areas in the north began 1 (eek, ob;s erved a~ nnuallyf or 35 yr ears.T h is articlc as a search for greater economic op- F -a -n overv iew- o.f -th e- stru. cture an td activi ties of tl. portunity. However, the poverty that .- .- . -. National Neero Health Week and suu~ue estism vlications for accompanied the migrants, combined :he blacl unity toc with poor housing conditions and lack of access to health care, contributed to the continuation of a disproportionate burden of illness and death from The disparity in health status be- can, that documented that disparity. In chronic and infectious diseases. Death tween black and white Ameri- 1914, Booker T. Washington, founder rates in 1915 were 20.2 per 1,000 for cans was not new when it was of the Tuskegee Institute, addressed blacks as compared to 12.9 for whites so well documented in the 1985 Secre- this issue: (US Public Health Service [USPHS], tary's Task Force Report on Black and "At the last session of the Tuskegee 1950). The infant mortality rate for Minority Health (US Department of Negro Conference, some startling blacks was 180.6 per 1,000 live births Health and Human Services, 1985). facts were brought out concerning the compared to 98.6 for white babies The task force identified the six lead- health of the colored people of the (USPHS, 1950). Summarizing this dis- ing causes of preventable excess death United States.. .45 percent of all deaths parity, Louis Dublin of the Metropoli- for minority populations: cancer, car- among Negroes were preventable; tan Life Insurance Company stated, diovascular disease, diabetes, infant there are 450,000 Negroes seriously ill "...it is only fair to say that the Negro mortality, chemical dependency, and all the time; the annual cost of this ill- is by the usual measures of mortality homicide/unintentional injury. The ness is 75 million dollars; that sickness at a point where the white race was report developed the descriptive term and death cost Negroes annually 100 only thirty years ago" (Dublin, 1924, "excess death," which was defined as million dollars." (Patterson, 1939, p. 198). the difference between number of p.13) Blacks were also poorly represent- deaths in minority populations and These data provided ammunition ed in the health professions. Accord- what would be expected in the major- for an emerging public health leader- ing to Dublin, there was only one ity population; by this standard, ship in the black medical and lay com- black physician per 3,000 blacks com- blacks experienced 42% excess mortal- munities that launched a 35-year na- pared to one physician for every 670 ity compared to whites. In 1985, these tional movement to improve the whites. The ratios for black dentists findings lead to the creation of the Of- health of black Americans. Known as and nurses were comparable. Howev- fice of Minority Health in the US De- the National Negro Health Week er, emerging in the early part of the partment of Health and Human Ser- (NNHW), the history of this effort has century was a spark of leadership in vices. long gone unnoticed in the public black medical and nursing associa- While the 1985 Task Force Report health literature. This article will ex- tions and a strong lay public health was heralded as the first comprehen- amine the origins of the Week and pro- movement predominantly spearhead- sive assessment of minority health, in vide an overview of its activities. Im- ed by educated black women. In 1905, the early part of the 20th century the plications for public health activities in under the leadership of Monroe Work, health status gap between whites and the black community today will be dis- the Men's Sunday Club in Savannah, blacks was clearly chronicled from lo- cussed. However, a full and critical ex- Georgia, with its focus on improving cal and state health data. In 1906, amination of the Week and the result- community health, was one of numer- W.E.B. Du Bois edited a volume, The ing National Negro Health Movement ous lay efforts to address the black Health and Physique of the Negro Ameri- is beyond the scope of this article. community's health needs. In 1906, 44 Minority Wealth Today Volume 2, Number 3 * March/April 2001 the Atlanta Conference for the Study "Because of these facts I have mately, a week in early April, running of the Negro Problem called for "the thought it advisable to ask the Negro from Sunday to Sunday, was chosen as formation of local health leagues people of the whole country to join in a memorial to Booker T. Washington, among colored people for the dissem- a movement which shall be known as whose birthday was April 5. ination of better knowledge of sanita- 'Health Improvement Week' begin- tion and preventive medicine" (Du ning April 11 to April 17, inclusive, Community Mobilization for Bois, 1906, p. 110).C oncerned with tu- 1915. By means of these organizations National Negro Health Week berculosis and syphilis, black health and agencies, all the colored people In the early years, the annual Health professionals, hospitals, churches, and can be reached and influenced. They Week Bulletin, published by Tuskegee civic organizations cooperated in a va- can be taught what to do to aid in im- Institute, included: 1) the objective for riety of efforts to improve the health proving their health conditions. Thus the specific year's observance; 2) sug- status of black Americans. the amount of sickness among us can gestions for each day's activities; 3) a Mounting interest in improvement be lessened and the number of deaths list of organizations that could be po- of black health status spawned two annually greatly decreased" (Patter- tential collaborators; and 4) a plan of events that constitute the origins of son, 1939, p. 13). organization for local communities. National Negro Health Week. First, a The week, which ultimately became The strategy for community mobiliza- community-wide sanitation cam- known as National Negro Health Week tion included the following steps: 1) paign, conducted by the Negro Orga- (NNHW), was initially promoted by win the support of all public-spirited nization Society of Virginia in 1913, Washington and the National Negro agencies; 2) if there is an official health caught the attention of Booker T. Business League, an organization department, consult the executive offi- Washington, who believed "The fu- founded by Washington with the back- cer of that department and ask for him ture of the race depends upon the ing of industrialist Andrew Carnegie. to convene a meeting; 3) invite repre- conservation of its healthff (USPHS, While Robert R. Moton, principal of sentatives from churches, schools, 1950, p. 2). The Virginia campaign Tuskegee Institute following Washing- health agencies, medical and nursing helped to stimulate the 1914 Worker's ton's death, stated that although Na- associations, civic groups such as Ro- Day at the Annual Tuskegee Negro tional Negro Health Week "originated tary and Kiwanis, fraternal orders, Conference, during which exhibits with the race itself," it was meant to be women's clubs, business leaders, and programs focused on the theme a cooperative effort between whites chambers of commerce, and all other "Fifty Years of Negro Health Im- and blacks (Brown, 1937, p. 553). Wash- interested groups; and 4) organize a provement in Preparation for Effi- ington, in a 1915 address to the First central committee, choose officers, ciency." Charts prepared by Monroe Public Health Conference for black and appoint necessary subcommittees Work at Tuskegee Institute projected a Marylanders in Baltimore, stated (USPHS, 1926, p. 4). reduction in death rates from 24 per "...white people and black people This community mobilization ap- 1,000 for blacks in 1913 to 12 per 1,000 throughout this State can cooperate in proach was not unlike strategies advo- in 1963. Posters featured the econom- encouraging the Negro wherever he cated for contemporary efforts to de- ic losses from disease and premature lives to have a clean, sanitary, healthy velop community partnerships for death and noted that "length of life community" (Brown, 1937, p. 555). This public health programs. It was sug- increases wherever sanitary science theme was echoed years later during a gested that a central committee con- and preventive medicine are applied" National Negro Health Week radio duct a needs assessment survey of the (Brown, 1937, p. 554). broadcast by R.A. Vonderlehr, a white community to determine the most sig- These two events underscored USPS officer, when he stated, "Quite nificant health problems. The central Washington's understanding of the obviously the color line cannot be committee then utilized the findings role of health in the economic devel- drawn where the prevention of disease to prioritize issues to be addressed opment of the black community. He is concerned" (Vonderlehr, 1939, p. 1). during the week. While the Tuskegee stated, 'Without health, and until we The NNHW was managed by an oversight committee recommended reduce the high death rate, it will be oversight committee at Tuskegee Insti- an organizational structure for the impossible for us to have permanent tute. There were two primary objec- week's activities that included a cen- success in business, in property get- tives: "1) to provide practical sugges- tral committee and separate commit- ting, in acquiring education, or to tions for local Health Week committees tees for each day, they also recognized show other evidences of progress" that conduct the observance; and 2) to that individual communities would (Jackson, 1942, p. 236). Washington stimulate the people as a whole to co- ultimately determine their own orga- viewed economic success, built on operative endeavor in clean-up, educa- nizational structure. This call for com- racial solidarity and group unity, as a tional, and specific hygienic and clinical munity mobilization, sensitive to the key to acceptance into the mainstream services for general sanitary improve- needs of individual communities, al- of American society. From this van- ment of the community and for health lowed for involvement of a broad ar- tage point, he launched the National betterment of the individual, family, ray of organizations and institutions, Health Improvement Week in 1915: and home" (Brown, 1937, p. 555). Ulti- both white and black. Minority Health Today Volume 2, Number 3 * March/Aprd 2001 45 Structure and Breadth As Special Campaign Day, Wed- day, was deliberately established to of National Negro nesday concentrated on the specific take advantage of the role of the Health Week Activities health problem identified in the com- church as a major convener of com- The Tuskegee oversight committee munity needs assessment conducted munity groups. The week culminated published and distributed a set of by the Health Week Central Commit- in a review of all activities and goals and activities for each day of the tee. Activities suggested included a achievements, intermingled with week. Sunday was termed Mobiliza- "noon-day" conference focusing on food, music, and inspirational speech- tion Day with a heavy focus on health the specific problem with the goal of es. sermons during church services and developing and immediately imple- popular mass meetings. While the menting a plan of action. For example, Involvement of the USPHS mass meetings had as one goal to an- "...if a community decided to make a From its inception in 1915, the nounce the schedule for the remainder renewed attack on tuberculosis, it may Tuskegee oversight committee organ- of the week, specific topics were also conclude at the noon-day conference ized the Week's activities with the suggested by the Oversight Commit- that an additional public health nurse support of other organizations tee. While one address was to focus on is necessary. With the support of the (Brown, 1937). In a 1921 letter to Sur- the human and economic cost of tu- business men and others, it may be geon General H. S. Cumming, Moton berculosis, venereal diseases, and oth- possible, before the day closes, to raise requested assistance from the USPHS er prevalent health conditions, anoth- funds with which this nurse may be in promoting National Negro Health er speaker would emphasize the effec- employed (USPHS, 1926, p. 7). Week and implementation of a year- tiveness of prevention in reduction of Adult Health Day on Thursday round program. In response, Roscoe the morbidity and mortality of these emphasized annual health examina- Brown, a dentist who had become a diseases. Finally, a third theme tions for adults through health educa- USPHS lecturer and consultant on stressed the "value of buoyant health tion programs with men's and health education, attended the Annual (USPHS, 1926). The organizers women's organizations and clinics op- Tuskegee Negro Conference. In 1921, stressed the need for good speakers erated by the local medical society. the USPHS assumed publication of and good music. Sunday was specifi- Maternal and infant health clinics the NNHW Bulletin, and beginning in cally chosen because the church were also the focus for adult health 1927 produced the Health Week played a pivotal role in mobilizing day. Friday, School Health Day, in- Poster. Also in 1921, the first Annual community involvement. cluded health education programs NNHW conference, convened by the and school-based health US Surgeon General, was held in services. Clinics estab- Washington, DC. The purpose of the 6 - 4" Plgnt-aay ween, De-g u ino lished in the school con- meeting, which included representa- "'0 ducted screenings and tives of all cooperating agencies, was d endir was deli ber- provided vaccinations. planning and evaluation of campaign :lv establlshed to take advant: age Health education pro- activities. The conference itself also in- J grams utilizing health cluded exhibits of Health Week re- the rolf :o f the church essays, songs, games, ports, poster contest entries, and a -L --Y. and plays focused on public meeting on health issues. good health habits, and parental involvement National Negro Health Week was heavily empha- Strategies The focus of Monday, Home Hy- sized. School cleanup activities were Clearly, one of the most impressive giene Day, was on the "establishment organized. Emphasizing health first as aspects of the Week was the scope of of a sanitary home" (USPS, 1926, p. 4). a primary aim of education was a activities and the breadth of target au- Lectures, pamphlets, and demonstra- theme. diences reached through a truly com- tions, both for adults and children, Designated General Cleanup Day, prehensive effort to improve commu- were the suggested educational meth- Saturday focused on cooperative, nity health. The strategies utilized ods. Tuesday, Community Sanitation large scale cleanup activities and in- constitute an effective health commu- Day, used the same educational meth- spection of community health cam- nication campaign conducted through ods to focus activities on assuring safe paign results. Collecting data and tak- a variety of channels to reach large au- water, food and milk supplies, waste ing pictures for reports and newspa- diences. From church, school, clinic, disposal, clean streets, safe wells, and pers stories was a key activity. As Re- and community settings, a multitude destruction of swamp breeding ports and Follow-up Day, Sunday of blacks from childhood through grounds for insects. Collaboration had, as its focal point, community adult years were mobilized. Use of ra- with the local health department was gatherings through the church and dio, newspapers, posters, and suggested in order to carry out these large civic meetings. An eight-day brochures was extensive. For example, activities. week, beginning and ending on Sun- in 1933, sixty-one radio broadcasts 46 Minority Health Today Volume 2, Number 3 March/Apri12001 were reported, and in 1937, the NNH interest featured a health education Negro Health Week. Some of these News applauded newspapers for their message. agencies are our 2 hospitals-Dou- extensive coverage of the Week. That Radio broadcasts, prepared for use glass and Mercy-YWCA and YMCA, coverage included editorials, an- by local stations, often featured an in- Health Centers, churches, beautician nouncements, photographs, sched- terview with a USPHS official such as and barber headquarters" (USPHS, ules, special news articles, and, in the Surgeon General. Representatives 1944, p. 9). some areas, special editions during from other sponsoring groups such as In recognition of the key role of the Health Week (USPHS, 1933,1937). In- the National Association of Colored black church, an official sermon was terpersonal communication through Graduate Nurses also participated in published and distributed to commu- mass meetings, health education ses- broadcasts ((USPHS, 1945). Topics in- nities for their use. As the 1933 NNH sions, and individual contacts with cluded the history of the Week, health News editorial stated, "The church can public health professionals reinforced status of blacks, and a call for more ef- render a most helpful service in the the theme and messages during the fective health practices. Local broad- Health Week Anniversary by making Week. Themes chosen for the annual casts featuring individuals involved in occasional announcements and by observance illustrated an appreciation a specific community's observance starting the Health Week proper with for the multiple levels of intervention a good message to the church assem- necessary to improve black health sta- blies of the day" (USPHS, 1933, p.9). tus. They included, but were not limit- Local committees often had a sub- ed to: 1929-"A Complete Health Ex- committee for church involvement amination for Everybody"; 1932- that would issue a call for involve- "Help Yourself and Your Commu- ment of local pastors. Building nity to Better Health; 1936-"The upon the Week's theme, the offi- Family and Home as the Unit of cia1 sermon combined health ed- Community Health"; 1936-The ucation with scripture and reli- Child and the School as Factors gious support for the week's in Community Health"; and activities. 1939-"The Citizen's Responsi- The modern concern with bility for Community Health cultural sensitivity in public (Brown, 1937; Vonderlehr, health programs was certain- 1939). ly a critical issue during Each year, the USPHS cre- NNHW. In 1923, Roscoe ated a set of standardized ma- Brown describes an exhibit terials that were supplemented created for the 1922 Health with local materials from public Week activities. He states, "The health departments and volun- 'Keeping Fit' exhibit for colored tary organizations. Standard ma- boys and young men is an adap- terials included: 1) the National Ne- tation of the original exhibit with gro Health Week Bulletin, published no less content of the ideals of physi- quarterly after 1933; 2) The National cal fitness but with subjects of the col- Negro Health Poster; 3) the NNHW ored population to make the challenge school leaflet; 4) the NNHW Radio and appeal more personal" (Brown, Broadcast; and, 5) the NNHW Ser- Booker T. Washington, 1923, p. 13). Announcements for each mon. The materials featured that founder of Negro Health Week. year's observance included photo- year's theme and were available to graphs of activities conducted at the NNHW committees at no cost. For ex- expanded beyond a discussion of the local level in the previous year's ob- ample, for the twentieth anniversary history and health status of blacks to servance. of National Negro Health Week, the announce local activities. The local official poster featured a photograph broadcast also reflected the breadth of Progam Evaluation Methods of Booker T. Washington with the involvement at the community level. The NNHW provided a model for theme, "Let Us Honor Him With The John Turner, a physician in Philadel- process and impact evaluation across Fruits of Our Endeavors" (USPHS, phia, during his broadcast interview on multiple communities and organiza- 1934). Illustrated leaflets were specifi- station WPEN on April 8,1944, stated: tions. THE USPHS distributed stan- cally prepared for students to stimu- "During the week from April 9 to dardized reporting forms that includ- late participation in the Health Week 16, practically every Negro agency for ed the following broad categories for poster contest for the upcoming year's uplift in Philadelphia was or will be activities: 1) Objectives; 2) Community observance (USPHS, 1943). School the center of activity featuring some and home clean-up activities; 3) Edu- leaflets illustrated to engage children's phase of program relating to National cational activities, including numbers Minority Health Today 0 Volume 2, Number 3 March/April2801 47 of lectures, exhibits and sermons, at- affect the health of a community are are made to feel that only outside assis- tendance, and the number of educa- neglected. The NNHW broadly de- tance can address their concerns. Fur- tional brochures distributed; 4) Practi- fined its scope to range from environ- thermore, a focus on needs and deficits, cal - clinic visits, attendance, commu- mental and sanitation issues and indi- particularly as we have seen today in nity health events; 5) Local prizes vidual behavior to concern with in- the portrayal of violence in the black awarded; 6) Other accomplishments; creasing the numbers of black health community by the mass media, can 7) Field service, which included the professionals and promoting access to contribute to confusing those needs number of organizations participating, care. This range is not inconsistent with with seeing whole communities as de- community exhibits, other lectures the recommendations of the Secretary's ficient or bankrupt. The NNHW pro- and conferences; and, 8) Media cover- Task Force Report (De- age (articles, photos, etc). While the fi- partment of Health and nal report on activities was dependent Human Services, 1985) '' T oo often today as we work in on reporting by local or state NNHW that included emphasis committees, the 1933 statistical report on health education, re- the arena of ct itegoric: a1 fund ing for provides evidence of the breadth of ac- search on individual programs, the broader scope (3 f issue:j tivities. From 25 participating states, risk factors, and training ..-.. ~- - there were 2,941 lectures attended by of black health profes- that affect the health of a commun- 269,572 people; 3,872 outhouses im- sionals. The broad scope ity are neglected. The NNHW proved or constructed; and 477 health of the NNHW also re- clinics conducted (USPHS, 1933). In flects more closely the y defint recognition of community efforts for breadth of issues uncov- the Week, the Awards Committee gave ered today when com- Certificates of Merit, trophies, or munity members are full participants vides a model of building upon the medals for various levels of effort. in defining their own health agenda. strengths of black communities Addressing the disparity in health through its use of internal resources Implications for Health status is an awesome task that is too and indigenous organizations. Draw- Promotion in the Black frequently undertaken by local health ing upon racial pride and the hopes of Community Today departments and a few community or- the black community for progress pro- Ultimately, National Negro Health ganizations. The NNHW was sus- vided a positive tone and goal for the Week evolved into a comprehensive tained and flourished by the broad- Week. However, while racial pride was year-round program, entitled the Na- based participation of a multitude of clearly a motivating factor, it was not to tional Negro Health Movement, that organizations: schools, churches, busi- the exclusion of collaborative efforts integrated community development, nesses and worksites, local health de- with white organizations. If today's health education, professional train- partments, professional associations, public health campaigns can draw ing, and health policy initiatives all the media, and civic groups. While the upon racial pride and strengths and as- designed to improve black health sta- Week originated at Tuskegee Institute, sets within the black community, and tus. The Movement came under the the support from the USPHS was crit- work in an inter-racial coalition, we auspices of the Office of Negro Health ical to sustaining the effort over time. will enhance the likelihood of success. Work in the USPHS, and when the However, while there existed stan- The Week provides a valuable les- move toward integration led to the dardized materials and a framework son in cultural sensitivity for those dismantling of the office in 1951, the for the Week, there was also the free- seeking to work successfully with the National Negro Health Movement dom for local observances to modify African American community. While came to an end. While, during its time, their activities to suit their needs. This cultural sensitivity is too frequently the Week and the Movement were not combination of governmental sup- relegated to consideration of materials without their critics, its 35-year histo- port, collaboration among a multitude development for health education ry represents the longest sustained of organizations, and freedom to de- programs, the Week's reliance on the health promotion and disease preven- velop a campaign appropriate to indi- credible black institutions and local tion campaign for black Americans in vidual communities suggests a model community leaders demonstrates how public health history. A historical look for community based public health sensitivity includes community em- at the Week provides some valuable campaigns today. powerment. Public health profession- lessons for public health professionals Today, efforts to acquire funding for als can play a supportive role to those seeking to reduce the excess morbidity health promotion programs are de- within the black community who have and mortality experience by the pendent upon identifying the needs the necessary credibility to reach pop- African-American community today. and deficits of the black community. ulations in greatest need. Too often today as we work in the While it is critical to identify needs, fo- The complexities of race and health arena of categorical funding for pro- cusing solely on those needs can have a today mirror similar concerns from grams, the broader scope of issues that demoralizing effect when communities the period of the NNHW. While the 48 Minority Health Today Volume 2, Number 3 March/Apri12001 Week's observance was a prime exam- ty, we believe that the health status of References ple of the creation of services and black people is still indelibly bound to Brown R. The work of the US Public Health health promotion campaigns embed- the role African Americans play in the Service with Negroes. Opportunity. ded within the black community, lead- nation today and their role in our coun- 1923;1:12-13. ers of the black community simultane- try's future. Advances in medical sci- Brown R. The national Negro health week ously demanded universal access to ence have not removed the possibility movement. Negro Educ. 1937;6:553-564. care during the days of segregation. that a large segment of black America Dublin L. The effect of health education on Ne- This same duality is very much evi- will continue to suffer from preventable gro mortality. Opportunity.l924;2:232-234. dent today as calls for culturally sensi- death while standing in the shadow of a Du Bois WEB. The Health and Physique of the tive and community-based programs medical wonder world. Over fifty years Negro American. Atlanta: The Atlanta Uni- must be blended with the continuing ago, National Negro Health News stated: versity Press; 1906. demand for full access to health care. "It is a time for remembering the Jackson A. The need for health education among Furthermore, the activism of those in- health of the race and how essential it is Negroes. Opportunity. 1924;2: 232-234. volved in the Week suggests the mod- to our racial progress. There is no better Ohio Commission on Minority Health. April el of advocacy necessary to ensure time to think of this than now, when we 1994 Calendar of Events: Minority Healtlz that, as managed care becomes the shall need every racial resource to Month. Columbus, OH: Ohio Commission on Minority Health; 1994. predominant system of health insur- make the progress we should make in ance in the country, those populations these days." (USPHS, 1943, p. 6). Patterson F. Statement concerning national Negro health week. National Negro Health most vulnerable, and therefore most We call upon public health profes- News. April-June 1939;7:13. costly in the days of capitated care, are sionals to examine our history for US Department of Health and Human Ser- fully incorporated into our newly guidance and to join with the black vices. Report of tlze Secretary's Task Force on emerging system of care. community now in an inter-racial Black and Minority Healtlz, Volume I: Exectl- Today, many poor black communi- coalition to promote health and pre- tive St~rnmayW. ashington, DC: US Depart- ties have suffered from the flight of vent disease among African Ameri- ment of Health and Human Services; 1985. those middle class blacks no longer re- cans. When we accept the moral im- United States Public Health Service. National stricted by segregation. Just as the mid- perative to improve the health status Negro Health Week Announcement, April 4- dle class black activists responsible for of poorly served, under served and 10, 1926: The Twelfth Annual Observance planning and implementing the Week never served segments of our society, [brochure].W ashington, DC: Government in many communities saw their fate we truly demonstrate the principles of Printing Office; 1926. tied to that of those blacks less educat- public health as social justice. From United States Public Health Service. Statisti- cal report. National Negro Health News. ed and poorer, the lesson of the NNHW this perspective, the National Negro 1933;1:2-3. suggests that middle class blacks today Health Week represents a significant must utilize their resources and skills contribution from African Americans United States Public Health Service. The 1934 health week. National Negro Health News. to work with communities still strug- to the history of public health. 1933;1:7. gling with poverty and inequality. Reprinted with permission from United States Public Health Service. Cooper- Conclusions the Journal of Wellness Perspectives ation of newspapers in the health week (now American Journal of Health Stud- publicity. National Negro Health News. While the National Negro Health ies). 1996;12(4):172-179. 1937;5:19. Week ended over forty years ago, its United States Public Health Service. Health significance is still honored today. In Sandra Crouse Quinn, PhD, associate and race progress. National Negro Health April 1994, the Ohio Commission on professor in the Division of Behavioral News. April-June 1943;ll: 6. Minority Health called for celebration and Community Health Sciences, De- United States Public Health Service. Applica- of the 79tha nniversary of National Ne- partment of Health Services Adminis- tion-national Negro health week poster gro Health Week during their annual contest. National Negro Health News. tration, University of Pittsburgh Grad- Minority Health Month. In identifying 1943;ll: 23. uate School of Public Health, was with National Negro Health Week as "the United States Public Health Service. Nation- the School of Public Health, University forerunner to Minority Health al Negro health week-a radio broadcast. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, when National Negro Health News. 1944;12:9-10. Month," the Commission stated, "To this article was written. Stephen B. the best of our knowledge, Negro United States Public Health Service. 1945 na- Thomas, PhD, director of the Center for tional Negro health week recorded radio Health Week was the beginning of the Minority Health and a Philip Hallon broadcast. National Negro Health News. minority health movement in the U S professor of Community Health and So- January-March 1945;13: 1-2. (Ohio Commission on Minority cial Justice at the University of Pitts- United States Public Health Service. The na- Health, 1994, back cover). burgh Graduate School of Public tional Negro health movement. National Just as Booker T. Washington be- Health, was with the Rollins School of Negro Health News. April-June 1950;lS:l-6. lieved that the health of black America Public Health, Emory University, when Vonderlehr R. The citizen's responsibility for was tied to its economic progress and this article was written. community health. National Negro Health social acceptance into the broader socie- News. 1939;7:1-3. Minority Health Today Volume 2, Number 3 March/April2001 49