06/19/2026
"Increasing organ donation in minority communities is not just about numbers – it's about saving lives and giving hope to families." –Dr. Velma Scantlebury, the first African American female transplant surgeon.
On June 19, we recognize Juneteenth, honoring the day in 1865 when freedom finally reached the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas. This day is both a celebration of resilience and a call to action.
We stand in solidarity with efforts to eliminate disparities in donation and transplantation. Black Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population and account for 27% of those waiting for an organ transplant in the U.S. Your decision to register as a donor can help save lives and bring hope to those waiting for a lifesaving transplant. This Juneteenth, join us in reflecting, uplifting and recommitting to a future where every life has an equal chance.
Thank you to the Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation for sharing this message!
