Wednesday, June 14, 2023, was a historic day in American urology. This date marked a special event honoring living legends in our specialty: Dr Melvin Hollowell, Dr Isaac J. Powell, Dr Ray Littleton, and Dr Conrad Maitland (see Figure). The event, entitled “Onwards and Upwards: The Legacy of Black Urologists in America,” was momentous in recognizing these individuals whose achievements in their urological careers are both remarkable and inspirational. Hosted by the Department of Urology at the Henry Ford Health Systems in Detroit, Michigan, the event was staged as a prelude for the upcoming AUA History Exhibit that will celebrate African American urologists, to be held at the organization’s national meeting in San Antonio, Texas, in May 2024.

Figure. Participants in the Legacy Event, shown left to right, are Linda McIntire, MD, Melvin Hollowell, MD, Ray Littleton, MD, Isaac J. Powell, MD, Conrad Maitland, MD, and Arthur Burnett, MD.

The honorees were the centerpiece of the publicly attended event, which was simultaneously webcast. To begin the program, I was privileged to deliver a Grand Rounds presentation which centered on the progress and value of African American physicians and urologists in the context of organized medicine in the United States. The traditions of organized medicine in America have shaped the medical training and professional practices of Black physicians, both positively and negatively. As well, this institution has been a factor in the underrepresentation of the Black physician workforce and the inequitable conditions of health care delivery in this country.

Dr Linda McIntire, who served superbly as master of ceremonies, then led a high-spirited and enthralling panel discussion, during which the honorees were able to share their extraordinary personal and professional life stories. We learned about the unique challenges and influences they experienced in the course of their urological careers, and how they drew strength and resilience to succeed along the way. The honorees also participated in individual interviews later in the day, which were recorded as audiovisual productions for inclusion in the History Exhibit and for future viewing as museum displays.

It is hardly excessive to establish the relevance of these forefathers, as for other early African American pioneers in urology. In the context of the broad urological community, African American urologists have contributed profoundly to the progress of urology in America. Such figures have well demonstrated their commitment and excellence in diverse ways, perhaps most exceptionally by way of humanitarian service. Within the Black community, they further represent true role models who have paved the way for successors to enter and succeed in urology.

The essence of this festive event is expected to carry over to the History Exhibit of the 2024 AUA national meeting. Featured elements of the exhibit will be topics comprising the past experiences (Legacy), present endeavors (Journey), and future expectations (Destiny) of Black urologists in America. Legacy topics will include the systemic effects of organized medicine; structural racism; early African American pioneers in urology; and the origins of the R. Frank Jones Urological Society (the African American urological society). Journey topics will include African American urologists in nontraditional leadership roles, as premier academicians, and as innovators; African American women in urology; African American researchers in prostate cancer; the African American urological workforce; microaggressions; and social determinants of health. Destiny topics will include purposes of mentorship and leadership; curriculum applications toward diversity, equity, and inclusion; and actionable interventions to improve the African American urology workforce and address health care disparities. The topics will be crafted into text panels for the exhibit and expanded as enduring chapters of an historical book.

As a theme celebrating African American urologists, the 2024 AUA History Exhibit importantly reflects the foresight of the AUA. By this, the organization timely recognizes the historical contributions of African American urologists whose influences are often underrecognized. It also reveals an understanding that the richness of the history of urology in America culminates from and rests on the accomplishments of urologists representing diverse backgrounds and origins.

The success of both the legacy event and the exhibit owes enormously to many individuals who have volunteered graciously for this purpose. I extend much appreciation to the curator team, consisting of Arthur L. Burnett, Pamela Coleman, Tracy Downs, Linda McIntire, and Bart Ragon. I am thankful for the rather large group of contributors of text panels and associated book chapters. I also thank the AUA History Committee and the museum team of the William P. Didusch Center for Urologic History for their service.