Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)
Our mission: To promote, improve and sustain the health of all Minnesota communities
Create and sustain an inclusive and integrated culture, a diverse family medicine workforce and faculty that is representative of the communities we serve, and integrate equity and justice into all aspects of the department’s operations and missions.
What is JEDI: Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion?
Equity—a value, principle and goal where there is equal opportunity to attain full potential: fairness, opportunity, and advancement. To each according to their needs. From each according to their ability.
Diversity—a natural phenomenon, an asset. Embracing the richness of difference in all systems. Spice of life.
Inclusion—the practice and acknowledgement that there is value and benefit to engagement with diversity and equity. Out of many, one.
Justice—a value, principle, and practice that sustains equity. Embraces restoration and reparation in the face of harm (oppression, exclusion, inequality, exploitation, denial of opportunity). Justice is collaborative and includes all involved parties who seek accountability.
Josie Robinson Johnson, EdD
Dr. Josie Robinson Johnson stands as a titan in the struggle for civil rights nationally and specifically in Minnesota. Her work breaking barriers and advancing the struggle for equal rights and opportunities for the African American community has left an indelible legacy. Dr. Robinson Johnson is grounded in a long tradition of citizens, scholars and activists who refused to accept the laws and structures that denied people their humanity. Dr. Robinson Johnson’s work in housing, voting, educational and economic opportunity has benefitted all Minnesota communities by ensuring we are fulfilling the promise of justice and equity. Dr. Robinson Johnson was the first African American to serve on the University’s Board of Regents and helped create the Department of African American Studies at the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts. Dr. Robinson Johnson serves as a beacon as we continue the struggle to ensure all members of our community have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and potential.
Why does having an endowed chair matter?
An endowed chair ensures an ongoing structural and financial commitment from the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Having this protection means we can continue to honor Dr. Robinson Johnson’s powerful legacy on the University of Minnesota Medical School’s healthcare mission. Our goal of improving health disparities starts with a need for deep and strong community involvement, which the Josie Robinson Johnson Endowed Chair helps facilitate.