Honourable senators, I rise today during Black History Month to recognize the incredible achievements of my friend and colleague Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi in the spirit of this year’s theme: “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.” Bolu was supposed to be with us here today, but the weather patterns in Atlantic Canada have unfortunately grounded him.

Dr. Ogunyemi was the first Black student from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador to train at Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine. He is a dermatologist, keynote and TEDx speaker, equity and anti-racism educator and board director. He is a fierce advocate for improving diversity, representation and equity in medical schools and medical education, including by helping develop equity training materials for the faculty at Memorial. His efforts also extend to increasing access to virtual care for those in remote and vulnerable communities and engaging in public education efforts to encourage vaccine uptake.

His passion for community and delivery of care radiates throughout his career and values. His role as the former assistant dean for social accountability at Memorial touches on every aspect of medical practice and the continuous fight for equality in the health care community. From patient care to professional education for health care providers, Dr. Ogunyemi has been a champion for anti-racist advocacy and the betterment of the health care community.

To quote Bolu from a recent interview from the Canadian Medical Association:

. . . When we’re intentional about empowering people from underrepresented backgrounds, that’s when we can get the best solutions to our problems.

Honourable senators, it is important for all of us to look for ways in which we too can use our experiences, knowledge and skills to create and enhance opportunities and uplift our marginalized communities. On behalf of all senators today, I express gratitude to you, Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, for your ongoing advocacy and leadership and for paving the way for future generations to come.

Thank you, asante.