Drs. Oni and Uché Blackstock

May 7, 2024

Oni is wearing the Camille Dress and Uché is wearing the Erica Dress.

Twin physicians Uché and Oni Blackstock join us for a walk through Battery Park to discuss community-based advocacy, navigating health disparities, and how their style expresses their inner selves.

Can you share a bit about your journey - what inspired you to pursue medicine, and how did you each arrive at where you are today as doctors?

Our journey into medicine began early. Our mom, Dr. Dale Blackstock, was an early and continued inspiration for us. She would bring us along to her clinic where she worked, community health fairs, and outreach events. We witnessed firsthand her dedication and commitment as well as her belief in the essential nature of this work. Those experiences planted the seed. From there, our paths reflected our shared passion for health justice and our unique callings within medicine.

Oni was drawn to primary care and HIV, and eventually public health leadership, with a deep commitment to addressing structural inequities. Uché became interested in Emergency Medicine because the ER is where society’s social problems come home to roost, and then left her academic career to focus on partnering with organizations to embed equity into leadership, strategy, and clinical practice.

What has been the proudest moment for you in your career?

Oni: One of the proudest moments in my career was being appointed Assistant Commissioner for the New York City Health Department, where I led the city’s efforts to end the HIV epidemic. I was honored to oversee a team of more than 300 people and manage a $200 million budget. Together, we implemented bold, innovative, and equity-centered strategies that positioned NYC as a national and global model for HIV prevention and care.

Uché: The proudest moment of my career was publishing my New York Times bestseller LEGACY: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine in January 2024. I had never even considered writing a book, but back in 2020, my literary agent Neeti Madan cold-emailed me. She shared that she had been following me on social media and thought that I had a story to tell and I was the only one to tell that story. I could never have imagined how well the book would be received, and I’ve had the opportunity to tour the country and meet readers inspired by LEGACY’s message.

What motivates you when you need an extra push?

Oni: I often return to the words and work of Mariame Kaba, who reminds us that hope is a discipline. When things feel overwhelming or stagnant, I remind myself that even the smallest action, when rooted in our values and within our sphere of influence, brings the possibility of meaningful change. Doing nothing ensures nothing will change. But doing something, however, can open the door for more possibilities.

Uché: A lot of the advocacy work I do is purpose-driven work. This work aligns with my life’s mission and values. Yes, there are some days that are tougher than others, but I always remind myself of the impact of the work - the lives that could be saved or improved! This is the inspiration for me to keep going!

You’ve both been strong advocates for health equity, a cause that gained even more urgency during the pandemic. What were some of the key disparities you witnessed, and what guidance would you offer to someone facing systemic inequality within the healthcare system?

The pandemic made painfully visible what many of us working in HIV and public health had known for decades, that systems of inequity drive health disparities. Both HIV and COVID-19 have disproportionately impacted Black, Latinx, queer, and trans communities. We saw suffering concentrated among those too often left out of conversations and care. Our guidance: Connect with grassroots and community-based organizations that center those most impacted. Peer support, patient navigation, and care coordination are powerful tools and help ease the process of navigating what can be a complex and fragmented health care system

How would you describe your personal style?

Oni: Comfort is a non-negotiable for me. My style is definitely evolving. I tend to gravitate toward pieces that feel good on my body and reflect how I’m feeling. I love bold, flowy, feminine silhouettes, but I also find myself drawn to structured, clean lines and pieces that channel a quiet strength. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown more in tune with myself, and I think my style reflects that groundedness.

Uché: My style has really evolved over the last few years as my platform and exposure has grown. I love wearing bold colors and color blocking. I also love monochromatic looks as well. Most importantly, I’ve realized that style is how I show up in the world, to keynote talks, to book events, and to life. How I feel on the outside reflects how I feel on the inside!

Who are the women that inspire you?

Oni: My number one inspiration will always be my mother, Dr. Dale Blackstock. She was the blueprint: brilliant, trailblazing, and deeply committed to community. I’m also deeply inspired by women like Mariame Kaba, Dr. Mary T. Bassett, and Ruth Wilson Gilmore who are thinkers and changemakers who challenge us to imagine more just, liberated futures and give us tools to build them.

Uché: My mother, the original Dr. Blackstock has been my primary inspiration since I was a little girl. In LEGACY, I pay tribute to the path that she and other Black women physicians created for us. It wasn’t an easy journey at all for her, and my goal is to make the path less challenging for those who come behind us.

If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

Oni: I’d say the color of a matcha latte, a soft, earthy green that evokes groundedness, intentionality, and a sense of purpose.

Uché: I really love deep purple because it makes me think of royalty. Whenever I wear deep purple, I feel powerful and ready to face the world.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

NEW ARRIVALS