Vinson notes that one of ABCA’s main points when
they speak to all the SABCA chapters from around
the country is just how few African-American
chiropractors there are today in the scope of
the profession. It is such a modest number that
emphasizes the fact that more African-American
chiropractors caring for patients are needed to
make a greater impact on the African-American
community as a whole. In a 2006 article from
the Journal of Chiropractic Education by Alana
Callender, an ABCA statistic was quoted saying
“that 99% of black people who come into a
chiropractor’s office are there for the first time.”
“The American Black Chiropractic Association’s
main goals are to educate, recruit and ensure
people of color are receiving Chiropractic and
entering chiropractic school,” explains Vinson.
“The student association, I believe, is to be a
community and to enhance people of color’s
experience at Life University. By being mentors to
the earlier quarter students, we want to make sure
that no one is falling by the wayside.”
Currently, there are nearly 50 members in the
Life University SABCA chapter, which equates
to approximately one-third of the D.C. student
population at the University that identify as black.
Joseph Steward
Joseph Steward, Doctor of Chiropractic student
from Jonesboro, Arkansas , sets high standards for
himself. In addition to being recognized for his outstanding
grades at the University (four times on the President’s List),
Steward tutors students in their chiropractic subjects, and
completed a one-year term as president of SABCA in August
2017. He also recently received the Harvey Lillard Scholarship,
which awarded him with full tuition for four quarters.
About finding Chiropractic, he says, “One day I was on
Facebook, and a friend, Miracle Pitts, had been posting some
really positive things about her school, Life University, but
I was really unfamiliar with Chiropractic. I looked up the
school, and the philosophy and curriculum really spoke to me.
When I read stuff about the body healing itself from within, I
wanted that for myself.”
After receiving a B.S. in Biology Pre-Professional Studies,
Steward applied to LIFE and started class in January 2016. A
natural leader, Steward was elected president of SABCA in fall
2016. “The first thing I did was open up the organization to
everyone, and SABCA’s ranks now consist of not only African
Americans, but all people of color as well as Caucasians.” He
notes that SABCA’s mission is to enrich all students here and
facilitate their journey as they become competent leaders and
doctors.
“I’ve noticed that some people just don’t understand
Chiropractic, so I felt that as president of SABCA, I should
help bring Chiropractic awareness into the community. And in
the last year, I have made sure that we’re holding ourselves to
a higher standard in our dedication to the University. I believe
that due to this, we recently won the Beacon of Light Award
from the Student Council for our contributions to social and
public services on and off campus.”
Joseph
Steward
>
“… I was really
unfamiliar with
Chiropractic. I
looked up the
school, and the
philosophy and
curriculum really
spoke to me.
When I read stuff
about the body
healing itself
from within, I
wanted that for
myself.”
Steward says that coming to Life University is “probably
the best choice that I’ve made in my life.” He continues,
“Something about the school gave me hope, and I wanted to
give that back to others. Now, I feel like I was meant to be here.
LIFE gave me all of that — and more.”
Alumni.LIFE.edu | 2018
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