SBU Trustee Writes in Book
'Go Tell Michelle'
When Ellen E. Grant was asked to contribute to a treasury of letters written by African-American women to first lady Michelle Obama, she didn’t have to think twice.
“Absolutely,” she proudly stated. “Sign me up.”
That treasury of letters was published last month by SUNY Press under the title of “Go, Tell Michelle: African-American Women Write to the New First Lady.” Compiled and edited by Barbara A. Seals Nevergold, Ph.D., and Peggy Brooks-Bertram, Ph.D., the book was an experience and opportunity for African-American women from around the world to write to the new first lady.
“Go, Tell Michelle” stemmed from the editors’ work with the Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research and Education on Women, Inc., which Nevergold and Brooks-Bertram founded in 1999 as a way to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of African American women.
“Our first lady is truly an uncrowned queen,” said Grant, a trustee at St. Bonaventure. “This is an exciting time in history and I wanted to be part of it.”
Nevergold and Brooks-Bertram, both longtime Buffalo residents, are colleagues and friends of Grant, a Buffalo native.
Grant has both professional and personal stakes in the health care areas of mental illness and behavioral issues.
She considers herself a champion of the causes, working toward educating African-Americans on the health care industry as well as passing legislation on behavioral health care for all citizens.
In her letter to the first lady, Grant thanked her for being strong and following the footsteps of other uncrowned queens before her. And, of course, Grant mentioned her cause.
“President Obama’s focus on health care reform is encouraging as I know that you both understand the positive and negative influence of fragmented care in our nation,” Grant wrote. “Further, our patients of color must also learn to trust and be confident that they get the care they want and deserve.”
She continued on to write, “This year’s historic electoral event gave us this opportunity to prove and realize we are a country that desires to see these possibilities each and every day.”
Prior to joining HealthNow, Grant served as commissioner of mental health for Erie County (New York), president and chief executive officer of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and vice president of Buffalo General Hospital. She has more than 20 years of experience in health, behavioral health and academia and began her career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
She was the first black president of the New York State Association of Counties and the National Association of Social Workers, New York State Chapter. She has served on many boards, including Planned Parenthood of Western New York, Neighborhood House and the Western New York Women’s Fund. Recognition for community service includes an award from National Conference for Community & Justice, an honorary doctorate from Medaille College in Buffalo and installation in the Western New York Women’s Hall of Fame.
Nationally, Grant is the director of the National Institute of Health on the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee. In addition, she has served on the board of the Black Women’s Health Study at Boston University’s School of Medicine and on the Council of Public Representatives. In 1996, she was chosen as one of 12 women internationally to receive a year-long fellowship from the International Women’s Forum Leadership Foundation, which included studies at Harvard University. Grant is also author of the book “Managing in Black and White,” which examines management and leadership issues for women of color.
“Absolutely,” she proudly stated. “Sign me up.”
That treasury of letters was published last month by SUNY Press under the title of “Go, Tell Michelle: African-American Women Write to the New First Lady.” Compiled and edited by Barbara A. Seals Nevergold, Ph.D., and Peggy Brooks-Bertram, Ph.D., the book was an experience and opportunity for African-American women from around the world to write to the new first lady.
“Go, Tell Michelle” stemmed from the editors’ work with the Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research and Education on Women, Inc., which Nevergold and Brooks-Bertram founded in 1999 as a way to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of African American women.
“Our first lady is truly an uncrowned queen,” said Grant, a trustee at St. Bonaventure. “This is an exciting time in history and I wanted to be part of it.”
Nevergold and Brooks-Bertram, both longtime Buffalo residents, are colleagues and friends of Grant, a Buffalo native.
Grant has both professional and personal stakes in the health care areas of mental illness and behavioral issues.
She considers herself a champion of the causes, working toward educating African-Americans on the health care industry as well as passing legislation on behavioral health care for all citizens.
In her letter to the first lady, Grant thanked her for being strong and following the footsteps of other uncrowned queens before her. And, of course, Grant mentioned her cause.
“President Obama’s focus on health care reform is encouraging as I know that you both understand the positive and negative influence of fragmented care in our nation,” Grant wrote. “Further, our patients of color must also learn to trust and be confident that they get the care they want and deserve.”
She continued on to write, “This year’s historic electoral event gave us this opportunity to prove and realize we are a country that desires to see these possibilities each and every day.”
Prior to joining HealthNow, Grant served as commissioner of mental health for Erie County (New York), president and chief executive officer of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and vice president of Buffalo General Hospital. She has more than 20 years of experience in health, behavioral health and academia and began her career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
She was the first black president of the New York State Association of Counties and the National Association of Social Workers, New York State Chapter. She has served on many boards, including Planned Parenthood of Western New York, Neighborhood House and the Western New York Women’s Fund. Recognition for community service includes an award from National Conference for Community & Justice, an honorary doctorate from Medaille College in Buffalo and installation in the Western New York Women’s Hall of Fame.
Nationally, Grant is the director of the National Institute of Health on the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee. In addition, she has served on the board of the Black Women’s Health Study at Boston University’s School of Medicine and on the Council of Public Representatives. In 1996, she was chosen as one of 12 women internationally to receive a year-long fellowship from the International Women’s Forum Leadership Foundation, which included studies at Harvard University. Grant is also author of the book “Managing in Black and White,” which examines management and leadership issues for women of color.
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