NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi | North Central Bronx celebrated Black History Month with two separate events last month. Jacobi held a celebration on Thursday, Feb. 26 in Jacobi Hospital’s atrium, while North Central Bronx (NCB) marked the occasion on Feb. 18, coinciding with the unveiling of a new upgraded MRI screening machine.

 

Jacobi Hospital officials, along with cure violence interrupters from the hospital’s Stand Up to Violence (SUV) program, honored Black History Month by celebrating what was described as the profound legacy and dynamic contributions of the Black community with a prayer, a dance performance by Esther Grant and “Dance Your Roots,” as well as a speaking program.

 

Black History Month at NYC Health + Hospitals/NCB, Norwood, Bronx, Feb. 18, 2026. V1

The latter featured hospital leadership, elected officials including Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, as well as keynote speaker  Dr. Michelle Soto, NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi | North Central Bronx medical director of ambulatory care.

 

After Grant and “Dance Your Roots” performed a traditional dance to mark the occasion, they invited attendees to also learn some traditional African dances and songs.

Following this and the speaking program, Gibson presented the hospital with a check signifying appropriations for MRI upgrades at the NCB campus.

 

Later, NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi | North Central Bronx CEO Christopher Mastromano honored the borough president and Soto for their respective leadership in healthcare. Gibson has long been an advocate for better services to improve Black maternal mortality rates in The Bronx, as reported. The borough president also delivered some remarks on the day about the importance of honoring Black history.

Black History Month at NYC Health + Hospitals/NCB, Norwood, Bronx, Feb. 18, 2026. V2

Other participants at the event included the hospital’s chief operating officer, Jordana Bailey, Pastor Jay Gooding, State Sen. Jamaal T. Bailey (S.D. 36), Public Affairs Director John Doyle, Radiology Services Administrator Jeanne Miller, who accepted the check on behalf of the hospital for the MRI upgrades, and Pastor Roger Hambrick, who sang the National Black Anthem.

 

Jacobi Hospital Stand Up to Violence (SUV) violence interrupters later helped serve some refreshments and food to attendees following the speaking program.

Earlier on Feb. 18, there was a display on Black historical figures, as well as a musical performance and celebration held in the reception area of North Central Bronx in Norwood. Carrie Shumway, M.S., CHEP, associate director in the emergency management unit at North Central Bronx, was seen enjoying the festivities on the day, along with her colleagues.

 

As reported, Shumway coordinated the hospital’s “Stop the Bleed” training for members of the public last year.

Black History Month at NYC Health + Hospitals/NCB, Norwood, Bronx, Feb. 18, 2026. V3

For some related stories on Black History Month and more, click here and here.