A man who also enjoys volunteering his free time to those in need, Merrick wanted to offer our readers some sound advice when it comes to collaborating or participating in big groups. “Be a great listener,” he says. “[A listener] full with the purpose of listening to understand; not just to respond. Know that perspective is powerful, and the more perspective you have, the more informed your contributions toward a resolution can be.” This coming from an instructor of clinical dental medicine at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine is sound advice, especially from someone who believes in patient advocacy.
Traditionally, adversity has never been kind or a friend to those of African or African American descendants in the United States. Despite all of the obstacles placed in our path, nothing has stopped us from succeeding and keeping the memories of our comrades and families alive to accompany us on that journey to success. We asked Merrick about one of his most challenging moments and what he took away from the situation. “I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child and refused to take any medication that would help me to focus,” he told us. “I managed to overcome my inability to concentrate, but it was very difficult for me. In order for me to succeed, I had to literally re-write and draw out diagrams from all of my textbooks to keep all of my senses stimulated in order to intimately understand concepts. So, when I finally got around to patient treatment it made me happy, as I was so elated to be able to use my hands every day.”
Outside of Black Enterprise, you won’t see Merrick, his brother, or parents mentioned in the mainstream press. Why aren’t there other in-depth interviews done to chronicle the Merrick family history and champion their impact? “Music, sports, and entertainment were the biggest and broadest of all national stages—even when black men were not allowed to engage [in them],” Merrick tells us. “Black music and entertainment became unavoidable, as well as irresistible, as long as you had ears. Today, we still believe, much like the generations that came before us that these industries reflect our greatest talents— and that is simply not true.”
By taking time out of his hectic schedule to facilitate inspiration and knowledge to the next generation, Dr. Merrick sees his own narrative enabling others to break free from the instituted stereotypes placed on ourselves. “Our community will only subscribe to the stereotypes of the media if that is the only reality available to reflect the potential of people that look like us,” Kareem says. “Sometimes all it takes is witnessing someone in the same environment, with the same tools, accomplishing something you never knew possible to make waves that will resonate beyond what the eyes can see.”
As a man of fortitude and strength, Merrick is a BE Modern Man that you can believe in—and also have extract your molars. “In these tumultuous times, where the news can be saturated with the victimization and negative stereotypes of the black man in America, being a BE Modern Man means to exemplify a tangible symbol of accomplishment and awareness in a society that needs the truth from all sides.”
His academic accomplishments have rewarded a community with better health and self-esteem, and he bolstered his reputation through rigorous study and dedicated community awareness. From becoming a Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholar to even serving on Howard University’s Board of Trustees—Merrick represents the traditions of a people who take their trades seriously and use them to affect others—thus proving that our normal is extraordinary.
We at Black Enterprise salute you, Dr. Kareem J. Merrick, for contributing positive images of our culture to the masses. Your mission of patient advocacy and passion for dentistry frames us in an enthusiastic light, and is meant to be celebrated and appreciated.
Be sure to follow the latest and greatest from Dr. Kareem J. Merrick (and @blackenterprise!) on Twitter.