Every week during Black History Month, we'll spotlight one of our Swedish caregivers who will share with us what Black history means to them.
Feelings of pride and gratitude are the core of Marquessa Searles’ celebration of Black History Month. The Swedish Medical Group float pool senior manager says that she can’t help but feel a huge sense of pride and appreciation for what African Americans have accomplished throughout history, and for their strength and determination in the face of pain, oppression and exclusion.
Marquessa values gratitude in her professional life, too. She bases her work at Swedish around giving back the same support she’s received throughout her career.
Almost six years ago, Marquessa joined Swedish to help build our float pool team. She also does a lot of work around the workforce development programs that help expand employment opportunities at Swedish. In that way, Marquessa says, she can assist others in starting their own healthcare careers.
Marquessa Searles is a Swedish Medical Group float pool senior manager.
During Black History Month, Marquessa thinks about the ancestors who opened the door for her. At Swedish, she actively supports and advocates for Black caregivers with her participation in the Charles R. Drew Black Caregiver Resource Group.
To Marquessa, February is more than just one month on the calendar–it’s a moment for us all to reflect on just how deeply Black history is rooted in U.S. history and the need for us to recognize Black history year-round.
“It’s important to celebrate Black History Month because without it, I wouldn’t be here,” she says.
Related resources
Northwest African American Museum
African American History and Culture in the United States
Black History Month - U.S. National Park Service Celebrates!
A People’s Journey, A Nation’s Story | National Museum of African American History and Culture
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