Hello, all. Anyone who knows me is aware that, second only to watching University of Alabama football, my favorite thing to do is travel. With that being said, one of the perks of attending Cleveland University-Kansas City is the plethora of extracurricular conference and seminar opportunities.
Most recently, my membership with the Student American Black Chiropractic Association (SABCA) here on campus allowed me to attend the 35th Annual American Black Chiropractic Association’s National Convention in beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico!
The American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA) is a nationally recognized organization founded in 1981 by Dr. Bobby Westbrooks. Its purpose is to provide supportive services to minority doctors and students within the chiropractic profession. Since its humble beginnings at Logan University, ABCA has inspired, educated and connected countless doctors with a sense of community, and mentored hundreds of chiropractic students with student ABCA chapters on every campus.
This year’s national convention featured lectures by Dr. John Davila, D.C., Dr. Tyran Mincey, D.C., DIBAK and Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, D.C., the latter of which co-authored The New York Times bestseller “Chicken Soup for the Chiropractic Soul.” Recreational activities that offered an education about the history and culture of Puerto Rico were included in the convention schedule. We toured Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a military fort built in the 16th century, as well as the historic Old San Juan district and El Yunque National Rainforest.
But more than the amazing speakers and breathtaking surroundings, the overarching theme of creating a familial network of doctors and students, is the main reason that I plan to attend the ABCA Convention for the rest of my life. I have met fellow SABCA and ABCA members that affirmed my academic achievements, challenged my chiropractic philosophy and fostered my overall growth as a human being.
