Dr. Ruemu Birhiray, a distinguished hematologist-oncologist at Hematology Oncology of Indiana, views Juneteenth not as a holiday exclusive to Black Americans, but as a celebration central to American identity. “When we celebrate Juneteenth, my dear, is that it affects all of us. It’s not a Black holiday, but it’s an American holiday,” he emphasizes in a recent conversation with Dr. Sonali Smith.
As a Black physician navigating spaces where he is often the minority, Dr. Birhiray understands the weight of representation. “I can tell you as a Black man, I feel like I represent every Black man wherever I am,” he shares candidly. This sentiment resonates with many Black healthcare professionals who carry similar burdens of representation in medical settings.
Dr. Birhiray’s approach to Juneteenth is deeply rooted in its historical significance and contemporary relevance. He describes the holiday as “a rebirth for our country,” acknowledging that “our country has always strived to be better, to, quote, unquote, create a more perfect union.” This framing positions Juneteenth as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of work still to be done.
His perspective on American history is nuanced, recognizing the complex intersection of various liberation movements. “A lot of us actually forget that slavery ended before universal suffrage became a thing in this United States,” he notes, highlighting how “some of the most ardent abolitionists and suffragettes worked together to end slavery and also to create universal suffrage.” This historical context underscores his belief that freedom movements are interconnected.
As the founder of the Juneteenth series at his practice, Dr. Birhiray has created a platform to explore diverse perspectives on equality. His interviews with colleagues like Dr. Smith reveal his commitment to showcasing how Juneteenth resonates across racial and cultural backgrounds. “We feel that all of us, no matter how we come to this thing we call America, are affected by Juneteenth,” he explains.
Dr. Birhiray’s leadership philosophy embraces authenticity and diversity. He values bringing “complexity of our lives” into leadership roles, noting that diverse experiences help leaders “see either the weaknesses and the strengths in people that maybe other people might not be able to see.” This perspective offers valuable guidance for Black healthcare professionals seeking to lead without compromising their identities.
Serving a diverse patient population, Dr. Birhiray recognizes how his background as a Black physician enhances his ability to connect with patients who themselves feel “othered.” His experiences inform his practice, allowing him to bring empathy and understanding to patient interactions.
For Black healthcare professionals, Dr. Birhiray’s approach to Juneteenth offers a template for embracing history while looking forward. His series creates space for meaningful dialogue about race, history, and progress in medicine—conversations often avoided in healthcare settings.
As Juneteenth continues to gain recognition as a federal holiday, Dr. Birhiray’s commitment to celebrating it meaningfully within his practice demonstrates how Black healthcare leaders can incorporate cultural observances into professional settings.
Through his work and conversations, Dr. Birhiray reminds us that Juneteenth belongs to all Americans while acknowledging its special significance for Black communities. His perspective challenges fellow healthcare professionals to consider how acknowledging history creates space for a more equitable future in medicine and beyond.
