Howard Thurman, a spiritual founder of the civil rights movement once wrote, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” His words challenge us to resist stagnation, conformity, and systems that stifle our ability to effect meaningful change.

Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. -Howard Thurman

For centuries, African Americans have exemplified resistance—not just as an act of defiance, but as a creative and generative force. Their resilience against oppression has shaped democracy, justice, and culture in the United States. From Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad to the civil rights movement, resistance has always been about more than mere survival; it has been about building a world that reflects justice, dignity, and humanity.

Black History Month, then, is more than a commemoration. It is a masterclass in how to resist power when power threatens the good in society. It is an invitation to learn from those who have persistently and creatively resisted structures that exclude, marginalize, and harm. Their example teaches us that true resistance is not just about standing against something—it is about standing for something.

Resistance in Healthcare: Bringing Systems to Life

At the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association (CFHA), we recognize that our work in integrated care is an act of resistance. The healthcare system, as it currently stands, often fails to serve those who need it most. Fragmentation, inequity, and workforce shortages create barriers to care, particularly for vulnerable populations, especially children and adolescents struggling with mental health.

But resistance, as history shows us, is about more than identifying problems—it is about constructing solutions. CFHA members, through their passion, expertise, and commitment, are actively reshaping healthcare. Participation in CFHA is an act of resistance when it enlivens us to use our collective energy to reform and improve the systems we work within. This enlivening is especially needed for our pediatric populations that are most vulnerable to the gaps in our healthcare systems and our political chaos.

A Call to Action: Special Spring Virtual Event on Pediatric Integrated Care

As we reflect on the lessons of Black History Month, we are called to resist in ways that matter. One pressing challenge we face is the growing mental health crisis among children and adolescents. To meet this challenge, we must come alive to new possibilities and equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to create change.

On April 11 at 11 AM Eastern, CFHA is hosting a Special Spring Virtual Event focused on pediatric integrated care. This four-hour masterclass, developed by CFHA members including Alli Allmon Dixon, Cody Hostutler, Chus Arrojo, and Courtney Valentine, will provide invaluable training to help us better serve children and adolescents in the primary care setting. Whether you are a pediatric provider or not, this event will empower you to bring new solutions to your practice and your community. In fact, we especially hope that those who historically have not seen themselves as “kid” providers come and stretch themselves alongside their more advanced colleagues. We all need to step up our game to meet this challenge.

We invite you to resist—resist inertia, resist complacency, resist the notion that we cannot rise to this moment. Join us in this critical effort to build a more responsive, integrated, and just healthcare system.

Learn more and register at integratedcareconference.com starting February 17th.

This Black History Month, let’s honor the legacy of those who resisted by making the choice to come alive—together.

Author Note: All the words are my own, but I use AI as a writing partner.