We willingly chose the Black coat to remind us that our approach to medicine and healing and our reasons for selecting our field of study and future practice are fundamentally different than others. For us, the Black represents the infinite being and perpetual unfolding of the ubiquitous Creative Forces of the Universe that dwell in us, therefore, reminding us of our unlimited capacity for retrieving or manifesting healing powers and knowledge.
The Blackness of the coat provides us with our orientation, purpose, and mission. To this end, we wear Black coats because, like, Martin Delaney, we are Pan-Africanists. We will serve and work to heal the Black world.
Our Black coats remind us of our history and contribution to the world stage, being the first healers and physicians – we are them, and they are us. Likewise, they remind us of our culture and indigenous systems and approaches to healing, to which we commit to rediscovering and making the foundation of our practice.
We take this oath with gratitude to all who have supported us, and, on whose shoulders we stand. In accepting these Black coats, we will carry ourselves with humility, integrity, and prudent audaciousness.
We vow to study and work the hardest because our families, communities, and the African world depend on us. We commit to working together to meet our goals as we understand that we are more powerful in community and that our success is interdependent.
We pledge to seek out and listen to the wisdom of our elders, teachers, advisors, and mentors. In receiving these Black coats, we embrace and welcome our responsibilities, commitments, and charge in the presence of our African ancestors.