Washington University medical students organized and led a powerful event that brought together students, residents, faculty and staff in solidarity with those who stand against systemic racism. The White Coats for Black Lives event outside the Barnes-Jewish Hospital complex was held in conjunction with other hospitals across the area and country.
A large group from the medical center gathered as individuals to show support for communities of color and acknowledge that racism is a public health crisis. All began gathering between Forest Park Parkway and Parkview Place, at 11:30AM, while adhering to public health guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hundreds then filled the sidewalks of Kingshighway Boulevard to demonstrate in support of Black Lives Matter. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians, motivated by events in Minneapolis in which George Floyd died in police custody, held a silent protest for 8 minutes and 46 seconds.
