Lit review
It's a beautiful thing to read a book where the author was clearly so passionate about the subject matter. That was the case in The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis.
Smilios' highly-researched deep dive into the lives of these compassionate trailblazers is a powerful reminder of the importance of intersectionality in healthcare.
By centering narratives of Black women who were nurses at the forefront of the deadly TB epidemic, she illuminates a critical aspect of medical history that's been glossed over for far too long.
The story of The Black Angels offers a stark contrast to the often sanitized portrayal of medical progress; highlighting issues like unethical experimentation, inhumane treatment, and lack of access to resources. Their composure in the face of appalling conditions and systemic racism is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
The distrust many underserved communities hold towards the medical field is rooted in historical injustices like those documented in this book. Smilios's work shines a light on the complex and often oppressive systems that have shaped healthcare in America, making The Black Angels an essential read for anyone interested in digging up the toxic roots of health disparities.