Black Physicians of Canada Conference

An original poem from Aliyah TruTh performed at the 2025 BPC National Conference

The other day I had a doctor’s appointment

That really touched my heart

It was a blessing from the start

I realized I needed it just as much as I need art

And it was only when I left and got into my car

That the feeling really hit me

All the healing that had missed me

Because of this one fact ---

I have seen so many doctors in my life

But this is the FIRST one who was black

It stopped me in my tracks

Because I didn’t even know

How much my soul

Needed that

To be treated by someone who looks like me

I felt like I was being cared for by my auntie

Or my mother

Or my grandmother

Or any other black queen

For the first time on my healthcare journey

I truly felt seen

This is what REPRESENTATION means

This is what it does

I felt safe, I felt protected

Like a deep and nurturing love

#BLACKPHYSICIANSMATTER

I thank you for what you do

I pray God guide your steps

To always walk in your TRUTH

No matter what they throw at you

Because let’s be real – they are intimidated

I’m here to let you know that you are appreciated

It takes a whole village

And sometimes it takes some code switching

Some prayers and some blessingsNot to fit in –

But to fight the blatant racism

and microaggressions

We learn lesson after lesson

But we are still being tested

At this point I think the racists

just need to be arrested

And given proper life sentences

For perpetuating preposterous myths

That black people feel pain differently

And less than them

That means they don’t even see us as human

And that’s why black women are three times more likely

To die from pregnancy complications than white women

In 1851 Sojourner TruTh asked, “Ain’t I a woman?”

In 2025 that sentiment still holds true

Don’t black women deserve the same level of care and respect

That white women do?

And this applies to black men too

I know about The Tuskegee Syphilis Study

The researchers lied

To this day, whether dead or alive

Their hands are still bloody

They deliberately denied treatment to black men

Many of them died

When I think about the suffering we go through

It brings fire to my chest

and tear drops to my eyes

Yet even through all the adversity

Still – WE RISE

I’m so proud to be black

And I’m so proud of all of you

I’d also like to say I’m proud of a woman named Sarah Baartman too

They put her on display like an animal in a zoo

Because of her voluptuous proportions

Because of the body she was born with

And when she diedThey dissected her

To study her reproductive organs

In life and in death

They viewed her body as a cultural artifact

And they were able to get away with that

Just because she was black

The color of our skin puts us on the receiving end

Of constant attacks

And when our backs are against the wall

Movements like this are created

THE BLACK PHYSICIANS OF CANADA

Are standing up

They came to prescribe the medication

A powerful antidote

To anti-black racism in medicine,

Healthcare and medical education

A young organization

Whose vision is game changing

It was founded in 2020 by Dr. Hadal El-Hadi

And Dr. Teresa Semalulu

And they are backed by a team

Of highly professional individuals

With the skill, passion, and expertise

To address declining health in the black community

To make sure black physicians and medical learners

Have the opportunity

To fight and reverse health disparities

Somewhere at the cross street

Of intersectionality and accountability

Somewhere at the cross street

Of social justice and health equity

Somewhere at the cross street

Of turn the other cheek and by any means necessary

Because racism is a global public health crisis

Some have paid with their life

That’s how expensive the price is

But when we RECOGNIZE OUR POWER

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

It’s time to flatline the hate

Roll it out on a stretcher

#BLACKPHYSICIANSMATTER

Your purpose is bigger and better than ever

Sometimes there’s pain

And sometimes there’s pleasure

But always remember

That diamonds are built under pressure

So, keep shining bright

Through the good and bad weather

From the bottom of my heart

I say this with reverence

I am so honored to be in the presence

Of all this black excellence

And elegance

Intelligence

And melanin

I said it before, and I’ll say it again

#BLACKPHYSICIANSMATTER

Through the tears and the laughter

Today – there is no room for racism

Or discrimination

Give yourselves a round of applause

A standing ovation

What’s understood

Needs no explanation

YOU ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

This is a celebration!

Aliyah TruTh, a captivating spoken word artist and poet, weaves a tapestry of profound self-discovery, faith, healing, and unapologetic pro-blackness in her poetic narratives. Born and raised in Montreal, she is known for her ability to captivate audiences with her words and vulnerability. 

In a world where conformity often reigns, Aliyah TruTh emerges as a voice of empowerment, resilience, and striking authenticity. Her poetry serves as a testament to the strength found in embracing one’s emotions, faith, and cultural identity. Aliyah Truth is not just a spoken word artist; she is a storyteller, a healer, and a force for positive change through the transformative power of her words.