Black History Month: A reflection of empowerment

What is the best way to meet the VA mission of caring for Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors? Justina Wells believes the legacy of world-class health care is engrained in the people who provide it.

“We’re in the people business,” offered Wells, assistant director, Bay Pines VA. “Understanding who we are—along with celebrating our amazing diversity—unites us in our mission and endears us to those we serve.”

Wells knows a thing or two about the importance of diversity and beams with pride as she explains the importance of being equally proud of being African American and a woman.

“I was always taught to be empowered, and my family was very intentional with us knowing our roots. I believe we are all working hard to live the life our ancestors dreamed,” she said.

Celebrate our greatness as individuals and collectively

As the country honors Black History Month, Wells says this month is a reminder of the people, events and moments that defined previous generations and shaped the future.

“During Black History Month, we celebrate our greatness as individuals and collectively,” Wells added. “So much work has been done by those who have paved the way through achievements that influenced our culture and created impactful lasting moments around the world.”

Although Wells’ family traces their lineage to the deep south of Mississippi and Louisiana, she grew up in Paradise Valley, Ariz. She lets out a cheerful laugh to the unstated question. “Yes, there are black people in Arizona!”

As she remembers her childhood, Wells says she was often the only black student in her class. She credits her parents as champions of education and culture who guided her understanding, appreciation, interest and pride in her heritage.

“We were always reading and going to museums so we could learn more. Any opportunity I had to learn about African American culture or talk to others about my history, I jumped on it,” she said.

Wells embraced opportunities in grade school—like book reports—to learn and share details about notable African Americans, such as Mary McLeod Bethune, Dorothy Height, Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou.

Wells attended Spelman College, one of the most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States. During her time in Atlanta, through her studies, she learned and celebrated the legacy and impact of her culture. And once graduating, broadened her civic and social responsibility by joining Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

“Legacy of Veteran grandfathers inspires me to support Veterans.”

“My time at Spelman empowered me to know that, as an African American woman, I could do anything and that there are no barriers related to my race, ethnicity and gender that can hinder me from achieving success. I realized my charge was to make a difference in my community,” she said.

Her desire to be a difference maker, along with thoughts of her heritage, inspired her choice to pursue a career with VA. “My grandfathers are Veterans who served in the Army and Air Force. Their legacy of serving others inspires me to support Veterans. I see my grandfathers in the faces of so many Veterans across VA.”

As Wells leads her team at the Lee County Healthcare Center and provides leadership to employees across the seven VA Clinics in the health care system, she says Black History Month plays a key role in the care provided to Veterans.

“Across our health care system, this month’s observance allows Veterans and employees to feel supported, seen and heard,” she said. “Most importantly, it gives everyone a deeper understanding of what African Americans bring to the table and why we are at the table.”