St. Jude patient Hayden
Celebrating Black History Month at St. Jude
Every year, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital takes time to recognize the life-changing contributions of our Black heroes and how their dedication and stories have helped shape St. Jude.
When he was a struggling entertainer, Danny Thomas prayed to St. Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes: "Help me find my way in life, and I will build you a shrine." When Danny became successful, he made good on his promise and founded St. Jude.
St. Jude was founded on the principles of equity and inclusion. When it opened in Memphis, Tenn., in 1962, St. Jude was the first fully integrated children’s hospital in the Southern United States. During a time of widespread segregation, St. Jude hired Black doctors, researchers and nurses, while providing care to children, regardless of race.
Before St. Jude, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Similarly, life-threatening diseases like sickle cell offered little to no hope of treatment.
Where others saw hopelessness, St. Jude founder Danny Thomas found a starting point. The first research grant St. Jude ever received, in 1958, before the hospital was even built, was for the study of sickle cell disease.
Ready for the world
Elani was diagnosed with sickle cell disease as a newborn. Now in college, she said, "St. Jude gives you so much hope."
Living her best life
Now an investment banker on Wall Street, Courtney was diagnosed with sickle cell disease in utero.
'St. Jude is my hero'
Archie was treated at St. Jude for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. His experience inspired him to help others — he is now a firefighter.
Meet St. Jude supporters
Since our opening in 1962, Black excellence has helped propel the St. Jude mission forward. Our supporters and volunteers create a beacon of hope that exemplify a quote from our founder, Danny Thomas: "Those who work for the good are as those who do the good."
Black excellence is part of our legacy.
Black History Month podcasts
Listen to a discussion between some of our supporters, as well as the story of Craig, a former patient who now works for ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude.
St. Jude supporters Lawrence Williams (left), Lance Woods and Willie Moore Jr.
Motivation and purpose
Motivational speaker and pastor Lawrence Williams, St. Jude Hero and founder of the social running club WeRun313 Lance Woods and radio show host and influencer Willie Moore Jr. discuss music, learning from failure and why they support St. Jude.
St. Jude supporter David McKinney
Impacting others
A lifelong supporter, executive David McKinney said that St. Jude is the kind of place “that speaks to who we all are as people and what we want to accomplish for humankind."
St. Jude monthly donors Tameika and Marcel Davis and their children.
Investing in cures
Tameika and Marcel Davis are monthly donors, also known as St. Jude Partners In Hope®, who've made philanthropy a priority in their family.
Those who work for the good are as those who do the good.
– St. Jude founder Danny Thomas
Our legacy of impact
For more than 60 years, St. Jude has cared for some of the world’s sickest children regardless of their race, ethnicity, beliefs or ability to pay. Our patients receive the customized care they need to treat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, no matter what barriers they may face.
St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses — like sickle cell.
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.
When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%. St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer.
How are Black history and culture celebrated at St. Jude all year long?
St. Jude patient Yara and her dad
Make an impact on the children of St. Jude
Become part of our legacy. Donate today, and join St. Jude in working for the good.
Other ways to help the kids of St. Jude
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Black History Month FAQs
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In the United States, Black History Month is celebrated every February to recognize the contributions that African Americans have made throughout history. As a nation, we look at African Americans’ influence in art, music, government and society and celebrate the progress and achievements they’ve helped create.
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February is Black History Month because it is the birth month of two important figures in Black history: President Abraham Lincoln (born Feb. 12, 1809), who issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863; and African American abolitionist, author and orator Frederick Douglass (born Feb. 14, 1818).
President Gerald Ford was the first president to make a declaration of February as Black History Month in 1976 as part of the commemoration of the United States Bicentennial.
The celebration of Black history was originally established by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926 as Negro History Week.
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The 2026 theme for Black History Month is "A Century of Black History Commemorations." Each year's theme is established by The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®).
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Celebrating Black History Month means turning our attention to the stories of Black people who have helped build, influence and achieve great things throughout history. Some ways to celebrate Black History Month include learning about African American history, volunteering for important causes and promoting the work of Black artists, innovators or researchers.
At St. Jude, we are celebrating Black History Month by sharing stories about the Black men, women and children who have helped shape St. Jude into a leading cancer research and treatment institution.
You might be interested in:
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Our Patient Stories
Be inspired by the touching stories of St. Jude patients facing childhood cancer and other diseases.
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Our legacy
Equity and inclusion have been at the heart of the St. Jude mission since it opened in 1962.
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Celebrating Black excellence at St. Jude
Black excellence has helped propel the St. Jude mission forward. During a time of widespread segregation, St. Jude hired Black doctors, researchers and nurses, while also providing care to children regardless of race. We celebrate the dedication of these heroes through stories of impact about staff members, supporters, volunteers and patients.
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Get involved with St. Jude
Learn about all the ways you can get involved with St. Jude and help support our lifesaving mission.
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At ALSAC and St. Jude, we value and celebrate the uniqueness of everyone. Our organizations were founded on equality and inclusion, and our mission inspires us to ensure our employees feel a sense of belonging, empowerment and respect.
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Sickle Cell Awareness Month
In September, St. Jude raises awareness of sickle cell disease research. Join us this Sickle Cell Awareness Month.