Introduction: As we reflect on Black History Month, honoring the contributions, triumphs, and struggles of African Americans throughout our history, this is a timely submission.

Ashley Street and Daniel Mbusa, who are both starting medical school in the fall (congratulations!), are participating in the Scribe Fellowship/PRISM’s academic enrichment sessions coordinated by Linda Cragin and Dr. Mariann Manno. During a recent session on Reflective Medicine with Dr. Bronwyn Cooper, they all discussed Maya Angelo’s poem, Still I Rise (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46446/still-i-rise). Daniel and Ashley share what this poem means to them.

On a personal note, my wife and I saw Maya Angelou speak when we were in our informative years and were so moved, we gave our youngest daughter her name as a middle name. Her words are a powerful reminder of what many endure and overcome. The words below are inspiring as the next generation learns from Maya's message and prepares for their own path forward. Our future is bright with physicians like them – we wish them well.