Dr. Frank L. Douglas explained what it feels like to deal with institutional racism in America. which can lead to discrimination in criminal justice, employment, housing, health care, political power, and education. Douglas told of his experience handling preconceived biases including what to do when confronted by racist attacks and discrimination in acedemia.

Speaking virtually on November 12th to the School of Arts and Sciences at SUNY Old Westbury, he discussed his book, Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream. He explained how he was raised, the values he carried throughout difficult times, and how he got to where he is today. From growing up in poverty in Guyana to coming to America and developing drugs that fight diabetes, seizures and cancer, he has lived a life based on values, hard work and self control. Throughout the book and the discussion, he reflected on the events and people that made him who he is.

He said he wrote the book because it is important for his grandchildren to learn about life earlier than he did. Educating them on institutional racism will prepare them for many of life’s challenges, especially being Black. He explained he wanted to instill in them to never allow anyone to disparage their aspirations.

He had attended and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Lehigh University and his M.D. and Ph.D in physical chemistry from Cornell University. Douglas is also an award winning industry veteran with more than three decades of experience in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and entrepreneurship.

He has held leadership roles in big and small bio-pharmaceutical companies, along with academic positions such as Professor of Practice at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Director of the Hypertension Clinic at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, he was also a recipient of the 2007 Black History Makers Award.

Though he has reached high places, he explained it wasn’t so easy when it came not to himself, but outside factors trying to distract and revoke his advancement.

Douglas encourages students to seek academia success and to not be oppressed. He explained that instead of using oppression as an excuse, one use it as a motivation and reason to work hard.

He went on to explain that failing is okay and it will happen but as long as one moves on and learns from it, that is what matters. “Don’t ever worry about failing,” Douglas said. “You might get an unexpected outcome, just learn from it and move forward.”