A photo can really say so much. Even without words, it can become a powerful representation of who we are today. For these black Tulane medical students, an image that was taken while they were wearing their white lab coats shows how far they've come.
The group of students stood in front of former slave plantation quarters located in Louisiana. Most slave quarters had dirt floors, a lack of furniture, and overall living conditions that were insulting. Slaves were treated cruelly and inhumanely. They were overworked and abused. The history behind slave ownership is enough to make anyone sick. How severely black people were dehumanized based on the color of their skin is a shameful part of America's history.
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That's why the photo is so moving. It shows just how much the African American community has overcome and is continuing to overcome despite so much standing in their way. They continue to prove that they're succeeding in high-tier careers and making the world a better place. Russell Joseph Ledet was the mastermind behind the moving photo.
"We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams," he wrote on Twitter. "In the background, an original slave quarter. In the foreground, original descendants of slaves and medical students." The photo was retweeted over 2,500 times. People were quick to mention how emotionally charged the image was.
Russell also tried to get the attention of Michelle Obama, who would have been quite happy to see it. "I hope this makes you smile," he wrote. "We are working as hard as can to fulfill your mission regarding education." Hopefully, even if she wasn't able to personally address the image, she was able to see it.
While completing medical school is such a high honor, Russell made a point to mention that what he's mostly proud to be part of a loving family. He's the proud father of two smart daughters. "They are the core of everything I am and everything I ever will be," he said.
The photo got nothing but praise on Twitter. The 15 students look proud. They're openly acknowledging the horrific past of their ancestors but also representing the bright future of their generation and generations to come. It's an honor to celebrate these doctors-to-be, all of whom are trying hard to make the world a better place.
The post also encouraged some of his followers, both old and new, to try and re-create the shot. Unfortunately, there are a lot of former plantations out there — which at times can be difficult for people who have relatives who spent time working in them. Remember, it may seem like a long time ago, but the concept of slavery isn't ancient.
Abraham Lincoln was the president who tried hard to abolish slavery. He himself hated the concept. In 1863, he announced the Emancipation Proclamation, which allowed the freedom of 3 million slaves. The 13th Amendment was then added, which states, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."
While all types of slavery were wrong, plantation slaves were in their own class. At the time, they were susceptible to being sold or moved to other plantations, which meant that they would be separated from any personal relationships they may have had. Can you imagine being separated from your parents and children and not have any control over when or if you'd see them again?
James McCune Smith has been credited as being the first African American to hold a medical degree. He studied at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and graduated at the top of his class. When he returned to the United States after his studies were complete, he was also the first African American to own a pharmacy.
James was also known for being a member of the American Anti-Slavery Society. Frederick Douglass once reportedly credited him as being "the single most important influence on his life." Frederick himself had escaped from a life of slavery in Maryland. Afterward, he was known for helping lead the abolitionist movement.
Russell Ledet's incredible photo is also meaningful since every person in it is a direct descendant of a slave. Russell, himself, was very touched by the results. "It was an out of body experience although I had been before," he wrote on Twitter. "I imagined the ancestoral conversation being 'look at our babies doing so well, oh what a joy for them to come and see us.'"
He also verified that the students in the picture were all in their first or second year. So there's still a lot of work ahead. Medical schooling is one of the most challenging educations one can try for. It often means giving up a lot of free time and making sacrifices when it comes to holidays, travel, and family.
Now that the picture has gone viral, the med student has one more idea in mind. He wants to put the framed photo in 100,00 classrooms across the nation. It's the perfect way to inspire young minds. It's also a way to make everyone aware that positive change is possible, and that we can all achieve our dreams.
It would be great if this goal could be achieved. Hopefully, in learning about the photo and the historical story behind it, even more people will be willing to pitch in some money to ensure that this picture will always be seen. Good luck to these intelligent, motivated students. Without a doubt, your ancestors would be so proud of how far you've come.
