Celebrating Black History Month

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded on principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Since 1962, our stories have reflected founder Danny Thomas’ decree that St. Jude “love and care for our neighbor, regardless of color or creed.”

February 06, 2023 • 1 min

Stories

Making History at St. Jude: Dr. Rudolph Jackson

When St. Jude opened in 1962, Danny Thomas vowed the hospital would treat patients regardless of race, religion or ability to pay. In 1968, Dr. Rudolph Jackson became one of the first Black doctors at St. Jude.
Paul Williams: Architect to Stars and St. Jude

Paul Williams, an African-American architect who made his name designing homes for stars like Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball, donated his services to help his friend Danny Thomas build St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Spurred by the mission and inspired by a trailblazer, Mississippi doctor gives to support St. Jude

As Dr. Rayford learned more about St. Jude — how it had opened as an inclusive hospital in 1962 at the height of civil rights strife in the South and welcomed children regardless of race, and how it employed and promoted doctors, scientists and staff of color, as well — Rayford knew this was a cause that deserved his support.
St. Jude is "the right place at the right time" for brain cancer patient Von

First-person essay by Von's mom describes their journey to "the right place at the right time," St. Jude.
Through past and present, the Spence family holds strong ties with St. Jude

Robert Spence found a sense of mission and equality at St. Jude. Decades later, his niece found life-saving treatment, and his son, a career.
Dr. Esther Obeng: At home in her lab at St. Jude

Dr. Obeng's parents instilled in her a value for education, and she's putting it to use treating patients and researching new therapies and cures.
Art Imitates Life: How One Woman Draws Inspiration From Illness

Fashion designer and illustrator Kris Keys first learned to love painting as a child in a hospital bed. After traveling the globe, Kris still gets inspiration from the blood disorder that’s been with her since she was born.
Rev. Melvin Smith: 'Another Side of Humanity'

As the segregationist laws of the 1950s and ‘60s kept African Americans from advancing socially and professionally, St. Jude offered a safe environment where equality was the order of the day.
St. Jude continues to chart progress in how to understand and treat sickle cell disease

Pioneering work in St. Jude labs provides "promising" path to a cure using gene editing.
Washington, D.C. donor after St. Jude visit: you had me at hello

Here is Corey Briscoe, in his own words, talking about the bond between St. Jude and his company, the power of African American philanthropy, and why there’s more to business than the traditional bottom line.
‘Always the First:’ Early St. Jude nurse helped pioneer sickle cell disease research

Maurice Walton Tate forged a path for others, driven by the tragic loss of her daughter before St. Jude opened.
Sigma Gamma Rho 'ambassador' Sandra Aguilar lives her values for St. Jude

Her sorority, a longtime supporter of the mission, pledges to raise $1 million this year.
Faith over fear: gospel singer encourages St. Jude families to never give up

As a St. Jude Ambassador, gospel singer Evvie McKinney draws on her faith to inspire others.
St. Jude inspires NBA legend Penny Hardaway to do more

Hometown hero calls on others to join the cause of saving kids’ lives

Videos

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