Screw Rock Stars!

I just met and shook the hand of Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr! That may not mean much to y'all but go to his wikipedia page and you'll see how awesome he is. Basically, I met one of the coolest and most important medical professionals around... not to mention someone who has an unwavering commitment to social justice. His talk was amazing and not at all what my institution is used to hearing. He was frank about the rampant racial health disparities in our country and about how being "liberal" is what got him about of Montgomery, Alabama. Oh yeah and there was a backing gospel choir, something I can guarantee my institution is not used to experiencing!

I seriously haven't felt so inspired and rejuvenated in my work for social justice in a long time. Sometimes the cynicism just wins out. But then you get to experience the presence and wisdom and advice of someone who REALLY fought to change the world and despite setbacks, still REALLY fights to change the world...and honestly it just swells my heart.

Also, I know it sounds totally geeky, but after I shook Dr. Watkin's hand I realized that I had shook the hand of someone who had saved thousands and thousands of lives. And changed the lives of other people of color through his commitment to diversity. And changed the perspectives of the medical establishment and America. And inspired people... I have to admit that the geekiest thought I had was that I had shaken the hand of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. mentor, friend, and fellow activist to Dr. Watkins. Well, I guess it's more that both I and Dr. King have shaken the same hand, but you know what I'm saying...

I mean, I know it was just a handshake, but to think of whose arm it was attached to and all the things it had done in this country...

It was seriously cool.