Delaware History Makers Award
Congratulations Dr. Scantlebury-White!
What is the Delaware History Makers Award?
The Delaware History Makers Award recognizes individuals and/or organizations that have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to the quality of life in Delaware, our nation, or the world. The fundraising event hosted by the Delaware Historical Society, the History Makers Award began in 2007 and supports education programs and exhibitions. Past honorees include Ed and Peggy Woolard; Vice President Joseph R. Biden; Toni Young; The Hon. Pete du Pont; Ken Burns; Harold R. “Tubby” Raymond; Dr. Carol Hoffecker; Rev. Roberto Balducelli; Rev. Canon Lloyd Casson; Ellen Kullman; The Hon. Michael N. Castle; Bryan Stevenson; Rod Ward III; The Hon. Andre Bouchard; Sam and Mariah Calagione; and Gerret and Tatiana Copeland. Individuals and businesses are invited to sponsor tables and underwrite this celebration, which takes place at the Delaware History museum.
Delaware History Makers Award 2021 Honoree
Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White is the first African American woman to specialize in transplant surgery in the United States. She was the Associate Director of the Kidney Transplant Program at Christiana Care from 2008-2020 and serves as an advisor to medical organizations and healthcare professionals. Dr. Scantlebury-White has been named to both the “Best Doctors in America” and “Top Doctors in America” lists multiple times.
Dr. Scantlebury-White is an alumna of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York and was a resident in general surgery at Harlem Hospital Center. She completed her fellowship training in transplantation surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine then joined the school as an assistant professor of surgery. Before joining the team at Christiana Care, she served as Professor of Surgery, Director of the Kidney Transplant Program, and Assistant Dean of Community Education at the University of South Alabama’s Regional Transplant Center in Mobile. In 2020 and 2021, Dr. Scantlebury-White was active in educating the Black community about the coronavirus and providing COVID 19 testing and vaccinations in Philadelphia and the surrounding region.
She has been honored by the National Kidney Foundation with the Gift of Life Award for her work in transplantation among minorities. She is a member of the Wilmington Chapter of the Links, Inc. and was inducted as an Honorary Member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. A native of Barbados, Dr. Scantlebury White is also the author of a memoir, Beyond Every Wall: Becoming the First Black Female Transplant Surgeon.
Realities from the Frontlines: COVID Chronicles Panel May 2021
On May 20, 2021 the Delaware Historical Society, Mitchell Center for African American Heritage partnered with DETV to present Realities from the Frontlines. The panel of four frontline workers, Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White, Dr. Brian Perry, Kathy Crawford, MSN, RN, CCRN and James Ndungu, RN BSN, discussed their experiences and personal sacrifices, documenting the realities of the pandemic’s toll in Delaware. Journalist Nichelle Polston, who previously teamed up with Key Robbins and DHS to create the documentary short film COVID Chronicles Delaware, moderated the discussion.
Over 150 viewers joined the live program via Zoom and DETV’s Facebook Livestream.
Honorary Committee
Dr. Ray Blackwell
Dr. Joan F. Coker
Dr. and Mrs. Kermit P. Crowder
Dr. and Mrs. Vincent Daniels
Dr. Ala Stanford and Mr. Byron Drayton
Dr. and Mrs. Cecil Gordon
Dr. Carol Guy
Mrs. Sarah S. Harrison
Dr. Eric Johnson
Dr. Marshala Lee
Dr. Shauna B. McIntosh
Dr. Janice E. Nevin
Dr. Margot Savoy
Dr. Sydney J. Swanson III
Dr. Cydney Teal
Congratulations on Behalf of All Delawareans
The Hon. And Mrs. John Carney
The Hon. And Mrs. Thomas Carper
The Hon. And Mrs. Christopher Coons
The Hon. Bethany Hall-Long
The Hon. And Mrs. Michael Purzycki
The Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester
Past Winners of the Delaware History Makers Award
Past Winners of the Delaware History Makers Award
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