Penn Dental Medicine Celebrates Black History Month

Philadelphia – In recognition of Black History Month, Penn Dental Medicine’s Student National Dental Association (SNDA) Chapter hosted its annual Black History Month Celebration. This year’s event embraced the theme of “Celebration of Achievement,” focusing on honoring Black history and culture at Penn Dental Medicine. Historically, SNDA was created to further both the academic and social environment of minority students in the field of dentistry.

The event kicked off with welcome remarks from this year’s President of Penn’s SNDA Chapter, Madeline Dwamena (D’26); Menty Bayleyen, Senior Associate Director of Admissions and SNDA Advisor; and Penn Dental Medicine’s Morton Amsterdam Dean, Dr. Mark S. Wolff.

Dr. Jemima Louis (D’13, GR’13) with Penn SNDA President, Madeline Dwamena (D’26)

The keynote speaker for this year was Dr. Jemima Maxine Louis, an alumna of Penn Dental Medicine (D’13, GR’13). Dr. Louis provided insights into the importance of celebrating one’s achievements and overcoming barriers. Dr. Louis currently serves as the Director of HIV Oral Health Services at the Jacobi Medical Center in New York. She also manages two HRSA grants to enhance facilities and expand community access to care. She obtained her DMD degree from Penn Dental Medicine in 2013. In addition, she holds a Master of Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania and an Executive MBA from Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College.

“We had the privilege of hosting a panel of accomplished local dentists who exemplify success in the field, along with our keynote speaker, whose inspirational message deeply resonated with all attendees,” says Bayleyen. “In addition, this year’s outstanding student leadership team produced an excellent event for the entire Penn Dental Medicine community.”

The event also recognized three members of the Penn Dental Medicine community — Dr. Uri Hangorsky, Michelle Martino, and Fatima Brinkley — for excellence in student engagement and meaningful contributions to the School and surrounding community. Riley Russell (D’25) and Christopher Hudson-Boyd (D’25) were also recognized for fostering an equitable and inclusive community at Penn Dental Medicine. The two were presented with their awards by Dr. Beverly Crawford, Associate Professor of Clinical Dentistry.

“Being able to celebrate Black achievement during this year’s Black History Month event meant so much to me,” says Dwamena. “This is my third year taking part in this joyous event, and it gets better every year. It truly honors trailblazers in our Penn community who have paved the way for us. They’re inspiring the next generation of leaders to rise and make their mark.”

This event also featured a panel of local Philadelphia Black dentists within various fields of dentistry, including prosthodontics, pediatrics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and endodontics; a student art exhibition; raffle giveaways; and a dinner and reception to follow.

“I’m very proud of the members of SNDA for executing a celebratory and informative Black History Month event,” says Bayleyen. “This event is a testimony that our students are acting as agents of change, mentors, and leaders in the community.”

To learn more about events at Penn Dental Medicine, visit www.dental.upenn.edu/events  and keep up with Penn SNDA by following them on Instagram. More photos from the event are available on Facebook. View the full gallery by clicking here.